Rek 520 Changes

[Norsman]

I am in negotiations with a LBS to buy the Trek 520. I test road the bike and found that the drop bars and shifters did not work for me. I have also followed the posts on the 520 in this forum and understood that other changes would be helpful. I asked for changes to the tires, crankset, bars and rack. For an extra $100 Canadian ($75US) I have been offered the following changes: Armadillo tires, Blackburn Expedition rear rack, straight bar and Deore regular (not LX or XT) 44-32-22T crankset.

I have three main questions. Is this a reasonable price? How much of a quality downgrade is the Deore crankset? Is it possible to get a decent granny gear without going to the full crankset change?

Please answer as quickly as possible, I have to phone back tomorrow to get the deal done? Thank you.

[MidBunchLurker]

Not sure about the price, but those are all quality bits that you're putting on your bike.

[daveornee]

Originally posted by Norsman
I am in negotiations with a LBS to buy the Trek 520. I test road the bike and found that the drop bars and shifters did not work for me. I have also followed the posts on the 520 in this forum and understood that other changes would be helpful. I asked for changes to the tires, crankset, bars and rack. For an extra $100 Canadian ($75US) I have been offered the following changes: Armadillo tires, Blackburn Expedition rear rack, straight bar and Deore regular (not LX or XT) 44-32-22T crankset.

I have three main questions. Is this a reasonable price? How much of a quality downgrade is the Deore crankset? Is it possible to get a decent granny gear without going to the full crankset change?

Please answer as quickly as possible, I have to phone back tomorrow to get the deal done? Thank you.

Price is good. Are you getting appropriate brake and shift levers for the straight bar?

I think you are judgement could be in error on the choice of a straight Vs a properly set up drop bar.... but that's just my experience.
I also wouldn't choose Armadillo tires... my choice is Continental Top Touring 2000.
The Deore crank is fine. The gearing ratio choices you get for loaded touring will be very useful. At the end of each day and the last hill before your campsite will be a pleasant spin Vs getting off to push. There will be some downhills you will coast because you will "spin-out" your top gear, but that's a very reasonable choice for loaded touring.
You "can" hang a small granny on many set ups, but the gearing choices and shifting won't be desirable.

[Norsman]

Today I took the plunge. I ordered my bike. After asking around I decided to put down a little more money and upgrade to a LX crank and shifter.

I chose the straight bars because I could never get comfortable with the drop bars. I tried for the Conti Top Touring 2000 but they were not available in this store and I wanted top line tires that were puncture resistant.

I pick it up the bike on Friday and plan on spending plenty of time with it this upcoming long weekend. Thank you for your help.