The Trek 520 it is (I think)!

[Skierchickie]

I rode the 21" 520 at my lbs yesterday, with guidance from the shop owner and my friend (who used to do a lot of fully-loaded touring). My concern was the standover height, because it is definitely taller than my road bike. As in, I can stand over it in my bike shoes and bike shorts, and feel the top tube. After using the book-spine-in-the-crotch measurement method, we got 31", and the s.o. for the bike is 30.1. Lbs owner, GF, and GF's DH all agreed that it didn't matter, as it is a touring bike, and I won't be crashing into any trees or rocks, so my crotch should never be in any danger. I really liked the reach, with no handlebar fiddling. And the ride is a smooth as a baby's butt! I like it - a lot . And my touring-experienced friends thought it was great (my GF took it for a spin, and said it was really nice).

So I said I'd think about it, because deep-down I really want a Surly LHT, based purely on reviews I've read, and people's comments here. I do know the 520 was ordered by someone who changed their mind, or the lbs wouldn't have it. While he could order me the Surly, I would have to travel 7 hours to Minneapolis to actually ride one before ordering. So I looked at the geometry specs, and realized that to get the same reach on the Surly, I'd have to add a longer stem, and that still won't mean it will fit as well as the Trek.

So I'm headed for my 7th Trek bike (2 of which I still own). Just have to call the shop and get them to make a few small changes to it.

My GF has promised to go on some trips with me, so the fact that my DH is still on the fence about the whole touring thing is less critical now.

Gotta go - time to ride.

[mimitabby]

Let's see some pictures of you on your bike!

treks are great bikes and if it fits you; all the better!

[Zen]

This is interesting. I'm considering a touring bike though an actual purchase is sometime away. Haven't ridden anything yet. The only ideas I have so far are the Jamis Aurora and the Surly.
By the time I'm ready to buy something I'll know what to look for

[Skierchickie]

Thanks, guys!

Not sure when I'll actually go and buy it (I'm pretty sure I currently have no competition for it). Monday is the shop owner's day off, and I kind want to deal directly with him, up to a point, and on Wednesday he's going to a buying show thingy. So I guess I need to call and see if he'll be around on Tuesday or Thursday. Then, the guy who originally ordered it had them replace the SPD pedals with platforms/straps, which I don't want, and the saddle with something borderline mushy (not sure - it might work), and then I need to decide if I want narrower handlebars. Oh, and I want the shifter cables wrapped up higher on the handlebars, which is going to require longer cables - weird sensation of getting my thumbs tangled up (bar end shifters, so the cables come out below the brake hoods - it's been a while since I've had a bike with much exposed cable). The cool thing is, the guy had a computer and fenders put on, which are still on the bike, so I think they'll be included (no alternate price has been quoted, which is why I want to deal directly with the boss). Anyhow, I may not have it until Saturday, or even possibly next week. I will try to post pictures (haven't done it before, but I'll figure it out).

I am sooo excited. That is, about as excited as one can be about a shiny new tank! It was much more fun to ride yesterday than it was for about 3 minutes on Monday, after I'd just gotten off my 5200 - just didn't feel all that lively, for some reason . So veryveryvery smooooooth, though.

Gotta go rest - we rode 73 miles today, and I felt awful! Probably that darn run yesterday. Something about my longest run of the year followed the next day by the longest ride of the year.

[Blueberry]

I hope you love it as much as I love mine - it's *still* the bike that feels the best on fit for me, though we've theoretically duplicated the position on a couple of other bikes

Please post pics when you get it - the black frame this year is sleek

[Skierchickie]

I called the shop today, and they are making the changes I need. I hope to get out of work in time to get it tomorrow (I have to have a CT scan in the morning, so I guess I'll have to take sick time for that, so I can boogie on up to the shop after work, since they close at 6). Hope to get a nice little spin in. I need to pick a saddle, too.