Conference noted::bicycle

    The Trek brand has been good in the past. I have a Trek 620, which are
    now around $550-600. The Trek 520 is only a slight step down, and is
    probably $100-$150 less. The -20 indicates a touring setup (triple
    crank, etc.); there are also "normal" and "racing" models (-00 and -10
    series, I think).
    
    The Treks come with reasonable components, and almost half-step
    gearing already on the bike. It used to be that nearly all their
    frames were made in the US, but I think that may have changed.
    
    It's difficult to find frames with true touring geometry. The Trek
    frames are a compromise, except for the 720, which has a longer
    wheelbase, etc., but is considerably more expensive. Specialized
    also makes a nice but quite expensive real touring bike.
    
    I looked at Fuji and a lot of the other Japanese brands. Fuji tended to
    be more expensive. I ended up with the Trek because it felt nicer to
    ride, and the frame size (22-1/2") fit me perfectly. I did some trading
    on parts. 
    
    --Dan

        
        Thanks Dan  -  this  is  exactly  the kind of information I'm
        looking for!   I  had  never  heard of Trek until now, and it
        looks like I should  revise  my  price  bracket  upwards by a
        factor of x2 to get  something  of  the equivalent quality to
        what I had here in UK.,  where  a good tourer would be around
        #150 - #250 ($225 - $375).  My  leg  size  is  31", so I'd be
        looking for a frame size of 21.5 - 22.5 with 72 degree angles
        (my  preference)  and  as  I  weigh around 185, a lightweight
        racing frame is out!! :^)
        
        I'll be based in Manchester N.H.  - is there a Trek dealer in
        that area?
        
        Cheers,
        
        Andy.
        

AT Nault's in Manchester and Happy Day Cycles in Milford carried Trek's
a few years ago when I bought my 720's (got mine at Happy Day).  I think
Wheel Power in Exeter and Durham Bike also carried them.  Gamache's
in Fitchburg, MA., did also.  Sand Hill in Peterborough was another.

Note the past tenses.  I have not seen Trek's in any number in these
shops recently.  I have not searched for the gossip on Trek but my own
opinion is that they are overpriced for the componentry.  A few dealers
did complain that they were too likely to substitute parts from whatever
their brochure advertised because of supply problems.

I still like my 720 (a replacement for my first 720).  My 2000 (a racer)
is also very nice.

AND WHAT'S WRONG WITH 185 LBS?  Though I have gotten down to 165 of late.

ed

    
    Why don't you bring one back with you?
    
    CdH
    

        
        I'll be  relocating  myself,  following  my marriage to a US.
        Digit, and living  in  Manchester,  at  least  initially, and
        shipping stuff like that  costs an arm and a leg, besides the
        damage risks etc., so I  sold  up  with the aim of buying new
        where I can get the service locally following the purchase.
        
        I'm trying to get my weight  back down to around 165/170, but
        my thinking is that a racing lightweight,  my  weight and the
        average road surface are not a good combination  for reliable
        mileage from tyres and wheels - that's why I  was looking for
        something  a  little heavier - my fiancee has a Fuji  (~$350)
        and it seems to be pretty good from what I've seen - I'm just
        looking for your opinions on the alternatives, and thanks for
        the info so far...
        
        Andy.
        
        

    Trek fell out of favor with a lot of shops a couple of years ago.
    They were selling all they could build, so got pretty hard to deal
    with. Shops were told how many of what model they had to buy, 
    delivery was uncertain, etc. I was told by a Trek rep that they
    had seen the error of their ways, but it will probably be a while
    before things get back to normal. I was impressed with their new
    aluminum bikes, but overall, their current models are only
    competitive with other makers, and, at least in some cases, the
    frame angles are really bogus.
    
    Dawes and other European builders are represented in the US.
    Paul Randazzo (Category 1 Cyclegoods, Tyngsborough, MA, about 20
    miles south of Manchester NH) has dealt with Dawes and, I think,
    can still get Dawes frames. The market for REAL touring bikes in
    this area is microscopic; most people go for a 'sport' bike, more
    of a racer with shallower angles.
    
    Most of the Pro shops can get whatever you want, but, due to the
    size of the market, have little in stock.
    
    	- Bill
    

    
    Reason I asked about shipping one over was that your prices seemed
    cheaper. If you fly it over with you on the plane it's a token fee.
    Sure, you take risks with damage.
    
    I don't like TREK, I've seen two 520 series tourers with frame
    alignment problems. The rear derailleur was shifting terribly, it
    truned out one chainstay was longer and positioned differently than
    the other one causing handling problems as well. The fix was a new
    frame. Please, don't flame if you have a good one. When they're
    right they're a nice riding machine.
    
    Fuji's are traditionally more expensive than the other
    japanese/taiwanese frames, but I raced on one for 2 years and can
    vouch for their high construction quality. They're kind of like
    a 350 Nova, not the fastest, best handling, prettiest frame but
    more than adequate.
    
    I don't like the Cannondales (I had a Klein..the difference was
    like night and day) although I haven't ridden the touring version.
    Look into the better quality steel frames...What is your absolute
    top limit for funds?
    
    CdH
    
    
    

I'd recommend at least looking at the TREK, the ones I've seen were all 
pretty nice, and the riders happy. It's a shame if they've slipped their
quality lately, may be just a case of a few more lemons getting out the 
door. I suspect that most serious defects would be apparent with a 
careful inspection & test ride. I liked the TREK a lot a few years back, 
anyway, because they came sort of set up with components I wouldn't mind 
riding with. Most of the other bikes I see came set up with lots 'o junk 
components - while a good shop will change them for you, it is kind of a 
hassle....

Anyhoo, welcome to Manchester, too! 'Praps sometime we could get 
together and pedal around a block or two together...

                                                  ken

    
    I was working in a shop for awhile in Peterborough, NH and we used
    to deal with TREK.  They did become real hard to get along with.
    
    Also,  as far as I know TREK discontinued the 520 model as well
    as the 720.  The 620 is currently the only touring bike TREK is
    making right now.  You might be able to find an older though unused
    TREK frame somewhere though if you look hard enough.  
    
    Now for the sales pitch...  I rode my 520 all across Arizona in
    October and had ZERO problems with it.  That's other than airline
    abuse of course..  I also bought mine because it was the most
    comfortable bike I tried.  One thing I noticed though about riding
    across Arizona.  The bike doesn't *PERFECTLY* fit.  I can now see
    the beauty of a custom built frame.  One that is built to YOUR
    specifications and fits like a glove.  
    
    Keep on pumping!!
    
    Ben.

        
        That introduces  another  option,  of  course  - buy a custom
        frame and kit it with my choice of bells and whistles....
        
        Andy.
        
        ps - Ken  -  over here, we usually meet up at a pub somewhere
        out  in  the  country    for  a  couple  of  beers  and  some
        'war-stories', jokes, etc.  and  then  head on out..  is that
        done around your area?