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Best touring bikes 2024: tourers for adventures on two wheels

Although there are many bikes capable of cycle trips, the best touring bikes remain the optimal tool for longer journeys

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Our pick of the best touring bikes

What to look for in a touring bike.

The allure of the open road is one of cycling’s enduring themes. Touring by bicycle allows for this on a grand scale, travelling for several days, often in far-flung places with all your kit strapped to the bike. Of course, micro-adventures closer to home can be just as much fun and still keep the spirit of adventure alive.

Whether you’re planning an expedition abroad or fancy exploring more local roads in far greater detail, a touring bike is the ideal tool for the job. Designed for cycling long distances in comfort, the bikes should be both stable and reliable in their handling, as well as providing all the mounts you need for pannier racks and bags and mudguards . Self-sufficiency is one of the tenets of cycling touring, so the bikes are usually designed with ease of maintenance in mind, too.

The good news for touring cyclists is that the range of bikes available to cater for their needs has grown substantially in the last few years.

In this guide, we've rounded up the more traditional options. If you're thinking of going off-road, perhaps investigate gravel orientated options in our buying guide here , and if you plan to go quick and travel light, see endurance road bikes here .

There's more on what to look for in a touring bike below - but first, here are our top picks of the best touring bikes.

Genesis Tour de Fer 30 touring bike

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

This is a bike that's been created exclusively to provide a comfortable and practical ride for a touring cyclist. The Reynolds 725 Heat-Treated Chromoly frame promises a springy ride and an incredibly strong base.

The 160mm rotor mechanical disc brakes are a more modern introduction with a nod to practicality, especially in the wet. Although we’ve found mechanical TRP Spyre brake calipers aren’t quite as powerful or as easy to modulate as a hydraulic brakeset, they are easy to adjust and highly reliable – perfect for a long-distance tour.

A 10-speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain is about right for a bike at this price point, but in our experience, a 50/39/30 crankset provides gears that are just a bit too big for cycle touring – particularly over hilly terrain. 

But you can always swap this out for a smaller ringed option down the line. We find that with a cassette of 11-34t, going for a granny ring of 26t is generally a good bet.

We’ve always found Schwalbe’s Marathon tyres to be highly puncture resistant and with a good wear rate. In 35c, these are capable of traversing broken roads and tamer gravel, but if you’re planning on spending a large amount of time off road you would want something a bit plumper.

Handily, this bike come with many of the accessories we think are a must. Firstly, mudguards, but also dynamo powered front and rear lights, bottle cages and the Tubus pannier racks front and rear.

Surly Disc Trucker

A spin-off of Surly's much-revered Long Haul Trucker, the Disc Trucker keeps many of the much-loved versatility and can-do attitude, but this time with the addition of mechanical disc brakes and thru-axles – unlike the Genesis Tour de Fer 30 which has disc brakes and QR axles.

Opinion is a little split on thru-axles for touring – if you have any catastrophic issues with your hubs in more remote countries, you're unlikely to be able to find a replacement locally. That said, those kind of hub issues are quite rare and if it does happen you can always get a replacement sent out. For the improved alignment between the rotor and the caliper, we think the benefits outweigh the negatives.

A multitude of braze-on mount means the Disc Trucker is capable of running front and rear bags, full-coverage fenders, two water bottles, a spare spoke and even a pump peg. However, in not coming with these accessories, you will have to factor these into the cost, making the value for money a little less than the Genesis Tour de Fer 30 or the Kona Sutra.

With both 26" and 700c wheel build options available, the Disc Trucker can be as adventurous as you choose. The 26" (in sizes 42-58cm) is capable of taking up to 2.1" tires, while the 700c version (in sizes 56-64cm) has room for up to 42mm tires — both with fenders.

Although touring bikes generally do have a more relaxed position than a typical road bike, designed as they are for comfortably covering long distances, the Disc Trucker does have a particularly high front end. This isn't necessarily a problem, but if you are coming from a road cycling background, you may find just such an elevated position a little uncomfortable 

Made from a CroMoly Steel, the Disc Trucker comes equipped with a Shimano Alivio/Sora drivetrain, with the 48/36/26 triple Alivio crankset and 11-34 9-speed Shimano cassette provides a gearing range we find to be a great balance between top-end speed and low-end winching – particularly if you’re planning on maxing out the rider and kit weight limit of 161kg (355lb).

Kona Sutra All Road touring bike

The gloss black Sutra is made from Kona 's Cromoly steel frame and is kitted out with smooth-rolling Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700x40c tires on WTB STi23 rims, which are now tubeless-compatible.

The current model has replaced the previous Shimano Deore 3x10 drivetrain with 2x10 chainset from Shimano's GRX gravel range. It's a move that's unlikely to please the touring purists. The 46/30t chainrings are matched with a 11-36t cassette, which sees the bike's gearing range reduced. It should still see you up the steep climbs, just perhaps not in as much comfort as before.

Gone too are the bar-end shifters, replaced with Shimano 10-speed Tiagra road shifters. Again it's quite the change, moving the Sutra from a traditional tourer into a far more modern interpretation. It reduces some of the bike's previous mechanical simplicity, which is appealing if your tours are long and overseas. That said the move to STI levers will appeal if you're used to riding a regular bike.

Another nod to modernity are the TRP disc brakes, which are blend of mechanical and hydraulic, and the frame's thru-axles.

With a Brooks B17 leather saddle, mudguards and a front pannier rack finishing off this tourer, this good-looking bike oozes style.

The leather Brooks saddle does require a bit more care than what you might be used to – it need to be kept covered from heavy rain and needs a semi regular application of cream to keep the leather supple. But by functioning essentially as a hammock, it is exceptionally comfortable and only gets better over time as it moulds to your shape – it wears in, rather than out..

Ridgeback Voyage

Classic styling never goes out of date - and the vintage-looking Voyage has got it by the bucket load, though a redesign means that modern tech has not been overlooked.

The Ridgeback Voyage uses Reynolds 520 tubing for the frame, with a CroMoly steel fork. A rack and full mudguards (fenders) come as standard. 

The Shimano 48/36/26t triple chainset paired with an 11-34 cassette offers a good range of gearing although with relatively large jumps between the gears due to having just nine gears at the rear. 

We don’t find this to be too much of an issue when taking it steady on a cycle tour but would prefer something a little tighter if multiple very high mileage days are planned.

Shifting and braking is taken care of by Shimano's reliable Sora levers and Tektro cantilever rim brakes. The latter certainly help make the Voyage a maintenance-friendly machine - easy to maintain and find replaces for, even in remote locations - although disc brakes may be a preferred choice for all-weather tourers.

Alex rims with a high spoke count are pretty dependable, even if not the flashiest and fitted with 32c Continental Contact tyres, they can handle a little off road, but are best suited to the tarmac.  

Trek 520 disc touring bike

Constructed from Trek's CroMoly steel, the frame has been designed around disc brakes and fitted with a rack and fenders mounts.

The Bontrager Affinity rims are tubeless-ready, which might be worth setting up if you want a bit of a faster ride when commuting. But for long-term touring it’s generally best to stick with inner tubes so as to avoid the added complication of sealant drying out. Bontrager’s 38c H1 hard-case Ultimate tyres offer good puncture resistance themselves.

The drivetrain is a mixture of Shimano parts with Sora shifters. The crankset is a triple, with 48/36/26 tooth chainrings, and the cassette is an 11-36 so you'll have ample gears when the road goes up. TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc mechanical discs look after stopping.

However, with only nine sprockets on the cassette, the jumps between the gears are a little large, as with the Ridgeback Voyage. But if this does cause you an issue, and if you find yourself not using all of the gears, you could fit a tighter range cassette for smaller jumps.

Like the Genesis Tour de Fer 30, the wheel axles are QR, which can make getting the rotor and caliper aligned properly a little more difficult than with a thru-axle system

The overall weight comes in at 14.26 kg / 31.4 lbs in a size 57, which is lighter than some of the more traditional options.

Cube Travel Pro Trapeze touring bike

Cube offers its Travel Pro tourer in both a traditional crossbar and step-through frame design, with the latter making mounting and dismounting this robust, aluminum bike easy and convenient.

The convenience theme is carried through much of the bike. It's equipped with a Shimano Nexus internal hub gear system and a Gates CDN Belt Drive system which offers super low maintenance compared with a more traditional chain and derailleur system.

With this eight-speed hub, the jumps between the gears is a little larger and the overall range a little lower than you can get with a derailleur system, and it's not quite as efficient. But that said, if you're planning on taking it steady on your cycle tour, those points are pretty immaterial compared to the benefit of much lower maintenance.  

There's plenty of clearance for extra-wide tires and the wheels are currently wrapped in Schwalbe's Marathon Almotion 29x2.15in rubber.

Finishing off this functional tourer are full-length fenders, an adjustable CUBE stand Pro kickstand, a Knog Oi bell, lights (front and rear), and a semi-integrated carrier for pannier bags; these features will have you covered for any adventure.

Salsa Marrakesh

The Marrakesh is designed to take you touring wherever you wish — including a trip around the world if necessary. The frame is built from 4130 CroMoly tubing and has a serious array of mounts. There's room for up to five bottle cages thanks to extra fork mounts plus it comes fitted with front and rear racks. There's even a mount to carry a spare spoke.

Elsewhere there are bar-end shifters and a 3x9-speed Shimano Alivio groupset. The gearing range is designed to get you up the steep stuff even when fully loaded thanks to 48/36/36 triple chainring paired with an 11-36t cassette. The shifters also make roadside maintenance a little easier.

Its world-touring credentials are further aided by its generous tire clearance - 700 x 40mm even with mudguards (fenders), and comes stock with Maxxis Roamer 42mm tires. This means you should eat up the miles in comfort even when the road gets rough.

It's difficult to lay out specific criteria when it comes to choosing a touring bike because the beauty of touring is that it can be whatever you want it to be – there is no single best touring bike for everyone, what is best for you depends on the type of tours you want to go on. However, there are key elements to consider when selecting your two-wheeled riding buddy, which will enable you to get the best touring bike for you.

Touring bike frame

If you're planning a longer trip, and intend the bike to be used primarily for such adventures, then the resilience and comfort of steel is a sensible choice. As such, most of the best touring bikes will feature this metal. The amount you're willing to invest will dictate the weight, strength and character of the steel you end up with.

When looking at steel touring bikes, expect to see the word 'Chromoly' a lot. This is a form of low alloy steel that is used when strength is particularly important. It takes its name from two of the primary alloying (mixing of metals) elements used: “chromium” and “molybdenum”.

If you're planning on using the bike for touring and other duties: club runs, commutes, shorter rides where speed might be more in your interest, consider aluminum or carbon .

Bikes suitable for touring will have a relaxed geometry: a shorter top tube and taller stack to put the rider in a more relaxed position. The wheelbase will be longer, to create a feeling of stability. You'll also notice that the chainstays are longer - this means panniers can be mounted without a chance of clipping your heels and it allows for better distribution when panniers are full.

Touring bike wheels

Elsewhere in the cycling world, we talk about low weight and aerodynamics when it comes to bicycle wheels. And sure, if you're aiming to break a world record on your cycle tour then those are probably still very important areas to consider.

However, if you mainly want to get to somewhere rather far away, and you'd like to arrive there with a wheel that's still true and contains the same number of spokes you left with, then a strong wheel is what you desire. Look for a higher spoke count that you might opt for on a speedy road bike.

The best touring bikes will generally have at least 36 spokes per wheel, tandem touring bike can even go as high as 48. 

Touring bike tyres

It's incredible how much difference a set of tyres can make to a bike. The frame can be designed with comfort top of the agenda, but put on some narrow rubber shoes and pump them up to the wrong tyre pressure and you'll be bumping about all over the road.

Most touring cyclists will want to go for wider tyres - 28mm+, when compared with their road racing cousins. The further off the beaten track you want to go, the wider they should be. If you plan on tackling some light trails, look for 32mm+.

Touring bike brakes

Traditionally, touring bikes had rim brakes and these will certainly do the job for most road-based tours. However, disc brakes do provide far superior stopping power, especially in the wet, and they are now more common than rim brake on the best touring bikes

Since disc brakes don't rely upon the rim to bring the bike to a halt, they also reduce the risk of the rims becoming worn through debris building up on the pads.

Add in that many touring cyclists are carrying luggage, therefore adding to the overall load, powerful brakes that work in all weathers do seem like a sensible addition. However, not everyone likes the appearance of disc brakes on a traditional steel machine and the pads are a tiny bit harder to replace and set up, which is worth considering if you're maintaining your bike on the road.

Luggage and Lights on a touring bike

A purpose-built touring bike will come with pannier racks fitted, as well as fenders and perhaps even built-in lights. These all add to the overall weight, but if the intended purpose requires them, it's no bother.

If you plan to use the bike for other purposes, like group rides, then you may want to look for a bike that comes with eyelets for guards and racks, so that you can remove and fit them as and when.

There's a lot of clever luggage solutions around these days, such as frame bags and oversized saddlebags , that allow you to do away with panniers if you'd rather distribute weight differently.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

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Best touring bikes: Machines for old-school, long distance riding

The best touring bikes to load up for the long haul or just for local load-lugging

• How to choose

The best touring bikes are designed to be loaded up for comfortable long-distance riding, but they're also a robust, reliable option for local riding with a load or just for commuting .

They're a bit old school now, with bikepacking being the trendy fast and light way to ride far, either on one of the best endurance bikes or the best gravel bikes . The availability and range of models reflect that trend, although touring bikes still offer a great way to see the world.

They're built strong, often with a steel frame and fork and have reliable wheels with plenty of spokes for strength, as well as a wide gear range, which may be via a triple chainset with a smaller range of "speeds" in the cassette or hub gear. Expect an upright ride position and comfortable touchpoints.

Luggage is normally carried in panniers and bags attached to a rear rack, often supplemented by a front rack, as well as a bar bag. Mudguards are also normal, making riding more comfortable in all weathers, while multiple bottle cages mean that you can keep hydrated even when you're far from a tap.

Below, you'll find our pick of the best touring bikes and below that is our buyer's guide to how to choose the best touring bike for you.

Best touring bikes: our picks

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

This Genesis touring bike option comes fully loaded, with front and rear racks, lights and a bottle cage, while its 35mm wide tyres give a comfortable ride. There's a Shimano Tiagra triple chainset, which gives a total of thirty gear ratios, which head below 1:1 for loaded climbing. 

Read more below

Another steel-framed tourer with many of the extras you'll need already there. The Kona Sutra has a high ride position and is equipped with a Brooks leather saddle for a retro touring vibe, although the disc brakes and wide gear range keep it up to date.

Yet another steel-framed option with front and rear racks and an upright ride, the Salsa Marrakesh has 3x9-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes. Its 42mm Teravail tyres should provide comfort and grip wherever you travel.

Another long-haul steel model, the Disc Trucker has a very upright ride position thanks to its riser stem and yet more rise to its bars. A triple chainset that goes as low as a 26x34t ratio helps with long rides over steep roads.

With 42mm WTB Resolute tyres, the Marin Four Corners is a bike that can handle poor road conditions. The steel frame and fork are robust, while the triple chainset, nine-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes should prove reliable. 

The Giant Toughroad takes a slightly different tack from most touring bikes, with flat bars, an alloy frame and carbon fork. Its 50mm wide tyres and very wide gear range equip it for off-road adventures.

Best touring bikes

1. genesis tour de fer 30, specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Genesis Tour De Fer is a great option in this category. It's a top all-round bike, featuring a solid steel frame, durable tyres, disc brakes and all the practicalities such as three bottle cages, front and rear racks, mudguards and dynamo-powered lights.

Simply put, this is a bike ready for whatever you need to do straight away, whether it's commuting, leisure riding or touring. The bike offers an easy, calm ride, and is comfortable enough to get on and go right away.

35mm Schwalbe Marathon tyres come as standard, with their puncture-proof reputation. The Shimano Tiagra triple groupset gives you plenty of range including a sub-1:1 ratio to haul your loaded bike up the hills. You might need that range, with the extra features adding significantly to the bike's weight though.

2. Surly Disc Trucker

Another do-anything bike, the Disc Trucker features a sturdy and good-looking steel frame and fork. It is, however, more suited to road riding than exploring gravel and mud, though it's not to say that you can't tackle gravel tracks with it. The rise to the bars, paired with a long head tube gives a comfortable all-day ride position.

Mounts for three bottles, a pump, and mudguards add to the practicality, while the tyre clearance will let you get some meaty rubber in there. Surly quotes 2.1" tyre clearance on 650b wheels and the smaller frame sizes come specced with this wheel size for better toe clearance.

A Shimano Alivio MTB triple groupset with Sora road shifters provides steady and reliable 9-speed shifting, although it's quite a low end spec. Like the Genesis and the Trek, the Disc Trucker relies on TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes for reliable, low-maintenance stopping power.

3. Giant Toughroad SLR 1

What do you get when you combine a mountain bike, a touring bike and a gravel bike? No, this isn't the start of one of your dad's jokes, you get the impressively capable Toughroad SLR 1. More suited to the offroad than any of the bikes we've looked at so far, Giant calls it a do-it-all bike capable of commuting, but make no mistake, it's built primarily for dirt and gravel.

There's no suspension fork, but the giant 50mm tyres are a dead giveaway. An 11-42 MTB cassette on the back will also help with tackling the steep stuff, although there's not the absolute range of the triple chainsets on the bikes above. Pannier racks front and back and three bottle cage mounting points mean you can pile on whatever you need to take with you.

There are plenty of modern features on the bike, including thru-axles, hydraulic brakes, and tubeless tyres. A reliable Giant wheelset and Shimano Deore groupset round off this bike. You might find the lack of variation in hand position with the flat bar configuration gets tiring on longer rides though.

4. Kona Sutra

The first thing to strike you about the Sutra is its retro features; the Brooks leather saddle and steel frame give a different look to many of the bikes we've looked at. Disc brakes and thru-axles remind you that this is a thoroughly modern bike, though.

It's another bike for touring and commuting on the road and on some gravel/dirt surfaces. Mudguards and front and rear pannier racks are included, while there are other bosses for more additions if needed.

The 10-speed Shimano GRX gravel groupset with Tiagra shifters gives plenty of range, although not as much as a triple like that specified on the Trek, while the hybrid hydraulic/cable-operated brakes should give a bit more stopping power than the TRP Spyre cable brakes specced elsewhere, they are more of a faff to maintain though. It's a classy-looking bike that can work well anywhere.

5. Salsa Marrakesh

A great-looking steel frame is the first thing to catch the eye on this bike, while the fat 42mm tyres give a signal as to its intentions. It's as comfortable off-road as on, whether you're touring, commuting or just riding for fun.

As with the bikes above, front and rear racks are included, though if you want to add mudguards, be warned that the wide tyres will need to go on a diet ­– down to a 40mm maximum.

It's a solid entry into the touring selection, even if it is a bit on the weighty side, however, though not so much that you'll be struggling under the weight. Components include a Shimano Alivio groupset with Microshift shifters as well as TRP Spyre-C disc brakes and wheels and tyres ready to be set up tubeless.

6. Marin Four Corners

The Marin Four Corners is part tourer, part gravel bike. It's got the clearance for really wide tyres on 650b wheels (which is the stock wheel size specced on smaller-sized frames), but you can also set it up for a more traditional touring configuration with 700c wheels.

The steel frame is bombproof while the long head tube gives an upright ride position so you've got plenty of visibility all around. There are mounts for a rack, mudguards and to lash extra kit to the fork legs, so you can load up to head into the unknown. It's a bike more geared to gravel than the road, unlike the more traditional tourers like the Kona and the Genesis.

7. Trek 520

Marketed as a bike for long-haul travel, the Trek 520 is the longest-running bike in Trek's stable, although its days look to be numbered. The 520 is no longer sold in the UK or US, but international buyers in some countries still have a choice of two specs on Trek's site, including the Sora/Alivio option above.

Like the Genesis, the Trek 520 comes with front and rear racks, although you'll have to add mudguards for all-weather use. Small updates include mechanical disc brakes with a thru-axle alloy fork, while the 9-speed Shimano Sora gearing provides massive range from its triple chainset, albeit with quite large jumps across the 11-36 tooth cassette.

It's also nice to see tubeless-ready wheels specced (although not the tyres), so you can set up tubeless, which should up dependability on long rides. 

How to choose the best touring bike for you

Whether you're looking for a practical way to get to work, want that extra durability so that your bike will stand the test of time or want to travel to far-flung corners of the earth with nothing but a tent and a change of clothes, a touring bike a great addition to your stable of steeds. 

You can still get around quickly – whether you're hitting the roads, gravel paths or other rough terrain – but plenty of space for mudguards and racks, as well as a more relaxed position, make a touring bike a better all-round option than a road bike, a hybrid or a mountain bike. 

The relaxed geometry and more upright riding position are also handy for commuting, and the best touring bikes are often built with durable, easy-to-maintain components so they can be fixed when hundreds of miles away from a bike shop. This lends itself to fewer mechanicals and lower running costs. Steel frames also have a far better chance of being repaired all over the world compared to aluminium or carbon fibre if you're on a big trip.

What types of touring bike are there?

Touring bikes can range anywhere from predominantly road-going bikes with horizontal top tubes and 700c tyres, to rugged mountain bikes with knobbly mountain bike tyres. 

What the best touring bikes tend to share, however, is a durable design, comfortable geometry and the ability to carry luggage. Some opt for bikepacking bags , which usually consist of frame bags and oversized saddle bags, whereas others opt for the traditional rack and pannier bag method of carrying luggage. 

As with any bike purchase, consider the riding you plan to do with the bike. For those looking to travel far and wide, a bike with more luggage-carrying capacity will be preferred. For those who are looking to travel off-road, look for a bike that can handle the rough stuff. Live in the mountains? Look for a wide gear range. 

What's different about touring bike geometry?

Touring bike frames feature a relaxed geometry , with a taller head tube and shorter top tube for a comfortable and more upright riding position compared to a racing road bike. In addition to this, they feature a longer wheelbase, which keeps the bike stable even when loaded with heavy luggage. Since they're designed to be cycled over long distances, they're equally designed to stay comfortable for as long as possible.

If you're a geometry nerd you may notice the trail is a little lower than you'd expect for a relaxed ride, but this is often done to counteract the slowing effect on the steering of a heavy front load to avoid the bike feeling like a barge when laden.

Which gearing should a touring bike have?

Gearing-wise, what you should pick really depends on what type of riding you'll be doing. If you're taking on hills regularly, then you'll want a cassette with larger sprockets on the back. Some touring bikes offer a triple chainset too, with easier gearing on offer compared to a double chainset. The addition of extra gear combinations into the mix will add an extra component to maintain, so those on flatter terrain might prefer a single chainring at the front.

The majority of touring bikes offer standard external gear systems – the chainset, chain and cassette we're all used to. Some do have internal gearing though, with an enclosed rear gearbox which requires a lot less maintenance and is less prone to damage but is heavier and will cost you more. Belt drives are also available – this is a multi-tooth belt instead of a chain, so no regular cleaning or lubrication is required. Hub gears like the Rohloff system are favoured by riders taking on huge worldwide tours for their durability. 

Should I look for rim brakes or disc brakes?

As with much of the cycling world, rim brakes and disc brakes are both available, with rim brakes found more often on lower-end bikes. Rim brakes feature two pads grabbing onto the wheel rims to stop the bike, while disc brakes grip onto a separate rotor on the wheels instead.

Disc brakes feature better and more consistent braking performance, which is useful for a heavily laden bike, and are better in wet weather, though. Both adjustment and maintenance are far easier with rim brakes, however, with an Allen key and some new pads all you really need.

Rim brakes will wear down your rim eventually, prompting a rim swap and wheel rebuild or a new wheel. Whereas that's not an issue with disc brakes, and there's more leeway to keep riding with a buckled disc brake wheel or a broken spoke.

Hydraulic disc brakes are generally maintenance-free in operation, however, if you snag your brake hose on a tree in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, there's little chance of repair unless you packed a bleed kit and spare hose. 

What should I look for in touring bike contact points?

Saddles are an important factor, being the main point of contact with your body. Padded saddles may look more comfortable but looks can be deceiving, with thinner padding usually better for you once you've gotten used to it after a few rides. Saddles should support your sit bones, and additional padding can move the pressure elsewhere and rub more, making things more uncomfortable over time.

If you're planning a long trip and already have a saddle that you like, it may be worth swapping out the saddle that comes with the bike, if you're not sure how comfortable it will be for the long haul.

On a multi-day trip, handlebars need to be comfortable as well. Some bars have a slight rearward sweep, which can feel more natural when riding on the tops. A shallow drop is likely to be more comfortable to use as well.

Which pedals should I choose?

It's worth choosing pedals wisely too. While the best road bike pedals give good power transfer, the best cycling shoes that work with them are difficult to walk in, which could be an issue if touring or even for a trip to the shops.

On the other hand, flat pedals may make it difficult to keep your feet well-positioned for longer rides. They will allow you to use standard shoes, which are easier to walk in, but unless the soles are relatively stiff, your pedalling will be less efficient and you may get foot ache after a long day riding without adequate support.

Gravel bike pedals are a good option, as they still let you clip in for more efficient riding, but the cleats are recessed on the sole of the shoes and so can be walked in much more easily. You'll need gravel shoes to go with them that accept two-bolt cleats. These will have soles designed for efficient pedalling and foot support, but most are not too stiff to walk in comfortably.

Alternatively, some of the best commuter cycling shoes also allow you to fit two-bolt cleats.

You can learn more about the pros and cons of two-bolt versus three-bolt pedals in our explainer.on Shimano SPD vs SPD-SL systems.

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Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he's spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He's a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way. Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews' tech coverage for a few years, helping to maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our voucher code pages. 

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Trek 920 Review: What’s an adventure bike?

Joining the ever-burgeoning ranks of the ‘adventure bike’, Trek’s 920 aims to rewrite the classic touring rulebook. For a start, it uses a lightweight aluminum frame, the latest in industry thru-axle standards, and sports clearances for 2.2in 29er tires. There’s custom racks and provision for 6 water bottles too. But does this mean it can really go where no touring bike has previously been? Skyler Des Roches takes one to British Colombia to find out…

It’s clear on paper that the Trek 920 is a category-confused bike. Is it a drop-bar 29er? A touring bike? A monster-cross or all-road thing? Several companies are calling similar machines “adventure bicycles”. What does that even mean? How does the curious mating of spec and geometry often found in this newly-minted category play out on planet Earth?

While I’ll concede that I don’t think it really matters what particular narrow niche a bike is labeled under, I do think that knowing what a bike does best is extremely useful when shopping. In a world where the word adventure has been appropriated by urban dog-walkers and picnickers, my challenge in reviewing Trek’s answer to the “adventure bike” was to figure out what the hell this bike was for.

From afar, the Trek 920 looks a lot like many of this year’s new breed of gravel or randonneur bikes. But, those bikes are adapted cyclocross or road designs and can usually fit 700x40c tires or more voluminous, but smaller diameter 27.5×2.1” (650Bx53) mountain bike tires. The 920 comes set up with Bontrager Duster Elite 29er wheels, and clearance for up to about 29×2.25” (untested, so this might depend on the tire). Running the stock Bontrager XR1 tires, which measure 29×2.0” (or 700Cx51 if you prefer), there is even space for fenders.

One upside to the bike industry’s new love for the word “adventure” is that it has provided an opportunity for bike manufacturers to break some of the old rules of touring bikes. Gone is the old singular meaning of adventure cycling, the one that meant loading up a small mountain of gear strapped to front and rear racks, just sort of suffering along whatever road, and praying that the equipment would hold up.

These days, adventure means, well, just about anything if you believe the marketing. It’s the hottest thing in cycling, and everyone wants a slice. Adventure biking is being used simultaneously as a category, and an all-encompassing activity. Full-suspension mountain bike – adventure; hardtail – definitely adventure; cross bike – whiskey and adventure; expensive road bike – hella adventurizing. The spirit of adventure never changed, but the old rule book – the one that required 26” wheels, Schwalbe solid rubber tires, rim brakes, drop bars, 36 spoke wheels, square-tapers, leather and steel – has been shown out the back door. It’s rather confusing from a marketing perspective, so it’s perhaps understandable that the 920 would appear so category-confused.

At its core, Trek’s 920 seems to aim to achieve the same thing as those rule-bound classic touring bikes, but freed the Luddite mentality that is becoming less and less necessary for international touring as bikes get more reliable, and a variety of parts more easily available around the world. Its aluminum frame features thru-axles, internal cable-routing, a bent top tube that allows three bottle cages within the front triangle on sizes 56cm and up, braze-ons for front and rear racks (which come included), and bottle cage mounts on each fork leg and below the down tube. That’s a total of six bottle mounts on the frame and fork. The aluminum material is exotic in itself for a touring bike, but it allows for a bike that weighs only 26lbs in size 58cm.

Though a frame will always be the heart of a bike, I’d guess that the 920 is the sort of bike that will almost always be purchased and ridden as a complete package. As such, the stock parts spec will be important to most people looking at this bike.

The 920’s build, with a few exceptions, offers a build spec that will come as a breath of fresh air for cycle tourists: its components, for the most part, are exceedingly well-suited to the unique needs of pedaling a loaded bike. Namely, its mountain bike gearing, powerful brakes, decent tires, and strong racks will mean forgoing some common component swaps made to brand new touring bikes.

• Frame 100 Series Alpha aluminum w/rack + fender mounts
• Fork Trek Adventure alloy disc, 15mm thru-axle
• Rims Bontrager Duster Elite Tubeless Ready
• Hubs 15mm front, 142×12 rear
• Tires Bontrager XR1, 29×2.0″
• Shifters SRAM 500 TT, bar end control, 10 speed
• Front derailleur SRAM X5
• Rear derailleur SRAM X7, Type 2
• Crank SRAM S1000, 42/28T
• Cassette SRAM PG-1030, 11-36, 10 speed
• Chain KMC X10
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 1.5
• Seatpost Bontrager alloy, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 8mm offset
• Handlebar Bontrager Race, VR-C, 31.8mm
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, comes w/ computer & light mounts
• Headset FSA IS-3, 1-1/8″ threadless, sealed cartridge bearings
• Brakeset TRP Hylex hydraulic disc

A highlight reel

• Tubeless ready wheels with asymmetrical spokes (for more even spoke tension).
• Bontrager 29×2.0” XR1 Comp tires: cheap yes, but also pretty ideal for rolling efficiently on gravel and paved surfaces. I was able to run these tires tubeless for duration of the test, even if they’re not a tubeless ready tire.
• 2×10 Sram X7 mountain drivetrain: mountain bike drivetrain on a drop bar bike?! A 42/28 crankset?! Pinch me. This gear range is actually suitable for cycle touring.
• TRP Hylex hydraulic disc brakes: because being able to actually stop a loaded drop bar touring bike is something the world deserves. Unlike mechanical disc brakes, these are set-and-forget, requiring zero maintenance.
• Thru-axles: because if it’s going to have mountain bike wheels, it’d better be able to run common mountain bike wheels. They also surely add a degree of stiffness, stability, and strength to the frame when stressed by heavy loads.
• Custom racks: yup, the 920 comes with front and rear racks designed to mount specifially to this bike, and as far as I can tell, they’re bomber.

There were only a couple of parts that were immediately unimpressive. First, the saddle did not agree at all with my posterior. I guess that’s a matter of personal preference. Second, the stock stem lengths are atrociously out of whack with the bike’s geo. Consider that Specialized’s AWOL has very similar front end geometry, and specs a 70mm stem on the size L. The 58cm Trek reviewed here came with a 110mm fishing pole.

Now, I’m a relatively averagely proportioned 6’2” tall man. I’ve never come across a bike that was offered in 58cm where the correct size for me wasn’t 58cm. I don’t doubt that the stock stem length will work for some folks out there, but I’d have hoped Trek would aim for average. As it was, I immediately swapped to an 85mm stem, and would probably be happier with a 70mm.

Besides that, there are a few spec choices that don’t quite fit with the nature of the bike. They’re not huge detriments, but they add to the category confusion of the Trek 920.

I guess it’s not really fair to be puzzled at the bar-end shifters – I know why they’re there. Reason 1: this is a $2000 drop bar bike with hydraulic disc brakes. They’ve got to cut cost somewhere and bar-cons are a good way to do that. Reason 2: there’s an old notion that bar-end shifters are a good choice for touring. Part of this idea comes from a sort of retro-grouch mentality that says simple is inherently more durable. I disagree, but I’ll get to that. Part of the old appeal of bar-end shifting stems from the flexibility of friction shifting. Bent derailleurs or derailleur hangers can sometimes be limped home with some amount of shifting in friction mode. Alas, while Sram 10 speed allows the mixing of road shifters with mountain drivetrains, those Sram bar-cons cannot be switched to friction mode.

But given the wide tires, thru-axles, hydraulic disc brakes, aluminum frame and tubeless wheels, I’d think the 920 was beyond all that – a 21st century answer to the touring category. Rather than providing any sort of real advantage to reliability, the bar-end shifters just place thin aluminum shift levers in one of the most vulnerable places on a bicycle. If the bike falls over, which is likely to happen at some point if you use front panniers, there’s a real possibility of breaking or bending the shifter lever.

You and I can likely live with all that given the rest of the spec. The real annoyance came when I thought to myself “damn, this bike could almost pass as a real mountain bike. I should turn off on that singletrack right there.” Or maybe it was that all the underbiking I saw the last time I checked that well-known cycling fashion blog. You know, the one where they’re always riding absurdly expensive road bikes on California singletrack.

And even that started out great. It was a blast right up until the first short, punchy climb. I stood up on the pedals, spine curled and hands deep in the back of the drops when cluuunk…instant knee-to shifter contact. Gear 1 to 10 in one second flat. Game over, no more climbing. Those accidental knee-shifts all but prevented me from using this bike as a drop-bar mountain bike.

Given that those shifters and racks are good indicators that Trek may have intended the 920 to fill the role of a classic touring bike (while somewhat extending its utility onto unsealed surfaces) the 28-spoke wheels are also surprising. Sure, 28-spoke wheels are common for all manner of mountain biking these days, including such high wheel-abuse activities as enduro racing. The Bontrager Duster Elite wheelset is built using asymmetrical rims, which provide more even spoke tension, and may allow them to hold their own against higher spoke-count hoops. But, wheels are subject to a lot of abuse when riding corrugated roads with four bursting panniers, as might be expected on a 920. Fortunately, throughout the test, the Bontrager wheels showed no sign of struggling, though I never did ride the bike loaded with more than about 15kg.

With its long 465mm chain stays, its very low 85mm bottom bracket drop, and its high trail fork, the Trek 920 is built for stability above all. Combined with the large wheels, this has the down side of making the bike decidedly not nimble. This is, perhaps, its weakness. It is especially noticeable when the bike plays dual duty as a commuter. Even though my commute times were not noticeably slower than on my positively zippy little 90’s mountain bike-commuter conversion, the 920 felt very slow to accelerate, and far less eager to take 90 degree corners at speed. It made up for time, however, by easily cruising at speeds similar to a road bike.

With a front load, that high-trail fork exacerbates the lack of maneuverability, making it ride as if on rails. This is likely of benefit moving fast on open roads, but I’d advise against riding with a front load bias off-road. Note that, despite the recent resurgence of front loading – a style of touring long popular amongst randonneurs and their low trail bikes – the 920 and the likes of Specialized’s AWOL have very similar trail measurements, and are not actually any more suitable for front-loading off pavement than other bikes. Instead, I found the 920 handled best with a slight rearward weight bias, or close to even front-to-back weight distribution.

Loaded up on smooth back-roads, whether dirt or pavement, this stability plays to its favour. On one lightly-loaded two-night trip, I was able to maintain close to a 25km/h moving average on smooth gravel roads – much higher than my usual plodding pace. Once up to speed, I could sit in the drops and go, and go, and go…I rode 60km of dirt roads in falling snow for lunch with friends, and 60km back along sloppy mud roads in the rain. The next day, 80km before lunch. These are not my usual sorts of backroad riding days, I’m really not that fit.

This efficiency is no doubt one of the few benefits of drop bar bikes for dirt road touring. I find the riding position (after the stem switch) generally more powerful, and less energy-consuming on the 920 than I’m used to. That said, this being a demo bike, I did not have the opportunity to cut the steerer tube to my preferred length. I found the drops often felt too low, while the hoods felt too high. On one trip, I added some aero bars. By rotating between the three riding positions – climb on the hoods, rotate between the drops and aero bars on flats, and descend in the drops – I was able stay comfortable enough.

On rougher roads, such as the crushed rock logging roads found in British Columbia’s more mountainous parts, the efficient road bike-like riding position and incredible stability (lack of maneuverability) ceased to be a benefit. Instead, I found the position made it challenging to effectively absorb rough stretches, even if the bike itself encouraged me to bomb through those parts. After 100km of that sort of road, my back was sore and I was wishing for a flat bar bike. I’m convinced that a flat bar rigid 29er remains the best option over the greatest variety of terrain, even if the drop bar 29ers excel on gravel roads.

Furthermore, the low bottom bracket and bar-end shifters make it very challenging to ride the 920 on even relatively easy singletrack. Perhaps it’s because I’m used to riding modern hard tails on that sort of surface, but between the constant pedal-to-ground and knee-to-shifter strikes, I wasn’t going far on singletrack without getting frustrated. Running 2.3” tires, some of the pedal striking would surely be alleviated, and the bike would undoubtedly tackle singletrack more adeptly.

Aluminum is certainly unfashionable as a material for touring bikes. I think there is a wide notion that the “feel” of steel makes for a smoother, more comfortable ride. That may be so, but 2.0” tires do a lot for a smoother, more comfortable ride. On maintained gravel roads – that is, unsealed roads that may have a good gravel cap and get graded somewhat regularly – the 920 sails. Hitting corrugated corners at cruising speed is totally comfortable. Perhaps some of my soreness on rougher roads could be attributed to the aluminum frame material. But, I think we can really blame that discomfort to the sporty drop bar position and its difficulty dodging bumps when loaded.

• Value for the price – impressive package for sub-$2000
• Comes with good quality front and rear racks
• Finally, a gear range on a touring bike that’s not too tall
• Tire clearance for 2.0” rubber with fenders, or up to 2.3” without
• Bottle bosses for 6 bottles in size 56cm and up, and 5 bottles below
• Hydraulic disc brakes provide plenty of power for stopping a loaded bike
• Surprisingly good tire spec
• Lightweight – 26lb without racks or pedals in size 58cm, 29lbs with racks and pedals.
• Wants to go fast.
• Stock stem length way, way too long for average build
• Bar-end shifters are vulnerable to damage, and impede maneuvering obstacles or climbing out of the saddle
• Stock saddle designed without any reflection on human anatomy
• Long rear end/high-trail fork gives away too much maneuverability for touring stability

​Wrap Up: So what is an adventure bike?

​Think of the Trek 920 as​ an updated ​’classic’ ​touring bike​. It ​offer​s​ the load-carrying abilities ​of racks and panniers ​teamed with​ modern components and materials​, ​​bringing i​t in at ​a ​svelte ​26lb package​ – a relative lightweight in the touring world. ​Though the 29×2” tires ​and its generous clearances ​may ​suggest back​country,​ bikepacking ​inclinations, th​e 920’s super stable geometry​ really shines on paved roads and smooth, non-technical dirt​, the kind of terrain encountered on many of the popular touring routes​. ​Consider ​it more as a ‘Touring Plus​’ bike​. ​But note that while the big tires ​help it ride more comfortably and safely, they don’t necessarily extend the abilities of this machine.

• Model Tested Trek 920 Disc
• Size Tested 58″
• Sizes Available 49,52,54,56,58,61″
• Weight (56cm) 28lbs / 12.7 kg
• Price $1,989.99
• Contact TrekBikes.com
• Recommended Uses Gravel touring, dirt road bikepacking, all-road riding

Rider’s Background

When not on some longer exploratory bikepacking trip, I tend to do my riding on a mountain bike on the steep, technical trails of southwestern British Columbia. Earlier this year, I spent three months finding new bikepacking routes in Chile’s central Andes. Despite my bias toward lighter loads and harder trails, I’ve put in my time riding on pavement with four panniers, and everything in between. I’ll admit a preference toward standard flat handlebars and more upright riding positions for all but the fastest road riding.

Height 6’2” Weight 180lbs Inseam to ground 34.6”

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The New 2019 Trek 520 Touring Bike

Table of Contents

The 2019 trek 520 touring bike, want to compare this touring bike with dozens of others, helpful resources, touring & bikepacking bike overview.

The Trek 520 is the longest running model in Trek’s history. It’s hard to believe that this USA-based company has been refining their dedicated touring bike for 36 years now! Today, we’ll be looking at the controversial changes to the frame, fork and components of the 2019 Trek 520 model.

Ok, the most controversial change to the Trek 520 is the new aluminium fork. Really, a steel frame and aluminium fork?

Aluminium is a dirty word in the bike travel world, but the thing is – broken aluminium forks that are designed for the purpose of touring are about as rare as hen’s teeth. Almost all European touring bikes employ aluminium forks on their builds, and it follows that if this material was inherently unreliable or dangerous, manufacturers would’ve switched back to steel over a decade ago.

From the outset, it might seem strange that Trek chose an aluminium fork for the 520, especially when it causes concern for some. I can’t comment on the precise reason why Trek would have chosen aluminium over steel, but it seems logical to me that they’ve managed to achieve increased fork stiffness with a tidy weight reduction of 318 grams.

Is an aluminium fork less comfortable than a steel fork? Not in my experience. When you’re running tyres in the 38-50mm width range you experience lots of tyre deformation over bumps making any difference in vertical fork compliance unnoticeable. It is worth mentioning that some steel forks with a long rake can be optimised for vertical flex, but this style of fork wasn’t fitted to the outgoing 520 model.

Moving on, a new feature of the fork is what Trek calls the thru-skew secure skewer system. The dropout loops all the way around the skewer, meaning that the wheel cannot fall out unless the skewer is removed. This is designed to keep the quick release wheel perfectly aligned in the fork, similar to a thru-axle system. The fork itself comes with eyelets to fit a cargo cage on either side, as well as eyelets behind the dropout for full fenders.

Included with the bike is a Bontrager front rack unique to the 520. The rack features an upper tray to fit a front basket or a porteur-style bag. Alternatively, you can use the tray to simply strap a drybag to the top. It’s great to see some eyelets on the rack to help mount a front dynamo light too.

The Trek 520 now uses Shimano STI shifters rather than the tried-and-trusted barend shifters of the previous models. While this may seem like a bad decision for a round-the-world touring bike, STI shifters have become much more reliable in the past five years and many people who travel a bit closer to home certainly prefer the better access to the shift levers. You can always swap the levers out if you’d prefer to know your shifter will outlast the rest of the bike.

The bars on the 520 are a pretty typical road handlebar. It’d be nice to see a flared drop handlebar offered with this bike for two reasons: the flared drops provide a bit more steering leverage and the handlebar shape provides additional clearance for a bikepacking handlebar pack, should you decide to pack light.

The gear ratios have improved on the 2019 Trek 520 which I’m really happy about. While many users of the old model opted to swap in a 11-36t cassette to achieve a sub-20″ climbing gear, the new model comes with one as standard.

Another moot point found in the forums about the 2019 model is the downgrade from Shimano Deore gearing to Alivio. The reason for this move is that Deore has now moved on to 10-speed, and unfortunately there are no Shimano STI shifters which will work with the new 10-speed Deore drivetrain parts.

The brakes have received an upgrade to TRP Spyre-C callipers, however. These cable-operated brakes use a unique design that pulls both brake pads in at the same time, providing near-hydraulic braking performance (most cable disc callipers pull just one pad).

Tyre clearance has stepped up from 700x45c to 700x50c. While most companies abide by international standards for tyre clearance (at least 4mm of space on either side of the tyre), Trek adds another 2mm on top of that, so you can likely fit 54mm tyres (29×2.2″) in the 520. Another change to the 520 frame is the larger diameter downtube. This increases the lateral frame stiffness and therefore increases the stability with a front and rear load. As far as I’m concerned, you can never have enough frame stiffness on a touring bike!

And finally, there’s been some discussion around the 125kg maximum total weight limit for this bike. If the bike weighs 13kg itself and you were to carry the maximum rack capacity of 38kg, that means that technically you’d have to be under 74kg as a rider to meet this requirement.

I’m not too sure why Trek have opted for this limit (it’s been like this for a while – something legal perhaps?), but it’s my experience that a frameset of this build type will comfortably handle more. The wheels, although spec’d with 36 spokes, are possibly the only area which may not stand the test of time under a 125kg+ load. Check out THIS resource for my rim recommendations for super heavy loaded touring (ie. tandem-strength rims).

In addition, most bigger manufacturers like Trek are typically a bit more generous with their warranties as they prefer to provide good after-sales service to keep their customers happy. Not always, but I do often hear this.

What do you think of the choice of two colours? I’m digging the simple retro graphics of this years model and think the Anthracite Grey would be a good theft-deterring colour option. At US $1679 , the bike is a bit more expensive than previous years, but with the front rack, upgraded brakes and STI shifters it’s still competitive enough in this segment. Don’t like the build? You can also get the frameset for US $640 if you’d prefer to do build it your way.

You can find out more at Trek .

Check out the  Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide  which compares touring bike steering, sizing, gear ratios, specification, pricing and more. The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide does the same thing, however, with a focus on lighter bikes and models with more off-road capability. Both of these guides are updated annually with the latest models at no extra cost!

All About Touring Bike Brakes Frame Materials for Bicycle Touring How to Select Touring Bike Gearing Understand Bicycle Frame Geometry What’s the Difference between Cyclocross and Touring Bikes?

2016 Advocate Lorax 2018 All City Gorilla Monsoon 2016 Basso Ulisse 2016 Bianchi Volpe and Lupo 2016 2016 Bombtrack Beyond 2017 Bombtrack Beyond 2018 Bombtrack Beyond 2018 Bombtrack Arise Tour 2019 Bombtrack Beyond 2016 Brodie Elan Vital 2016 Cannondale Touring 2019 Cannondale Topstone 2020 Cannondale Topstone 2016 Cinelli Hobootleg Geo 2018 Co-Op ADV 4.2 2017 Curve Grovel V2 2017 Diamondback Haanjo EXP Carbon 2016 Fuji Touring 2017 Fuji Touring 2018 Fuji Touring 2018 Fuji Touring Disc 2016 Genesis Tour de Fer 2016 Giant ToughRoad 2017 Giant ToughRoad 2018 Giant ToughRoad and ToughRoad GX 2016 Jamis Aurora and Aurora Elite 2019 Jones Plus SWB 2020 KOGA WorldTraveller-S 2016 Kona Big Rove 2016 Kona Roadhouse and Sutra LTD 2016 Kona Sutra 2017 Kona Sutra 2018 Kona Sutra 2018 Kona Sutra LTD 2019 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD 2020 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD 2020 Kona Unit X 2016 Marin Four Corners 2017 Marin Four Corners 2018 Marin Four Corners 2016 Masi Giramondo 2018 Masi Giramondo 2016 Niner RLT9 2016 Rawland Ulv and Ravn 2016 Salsa Deadwood 2017 Salsa Fargo 2018 Salsa Fargo Ti Frameset 2018 Salsa Journeyman 2016 Salsa Marrakesh 2017 Salsa Marrakesh 2018 Salsa Marrakesh 2020 Salsa Marrakesh 2017 Salsa Vaya 2019 Salsa Warbird 2016 Specialized AWOL 2017 Specialized AWOL 2017 Specialized Diverge 2018 Specialized Diverge 2019 Specialized Diverge 2017 Specialized Sequoia 2018 Specialized Sequoia 2019 Specialized Sequoia 2018 Surly Bridge Club 2017 Surly Troll 2016 Traitor Wander 2019 Trek 520 2016 Trek 920, 720, 520 & CrossRip 2017 Trek CrossRip 2018 Trek 920 2018 Trek 1120

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Trek 520 Disc first ride review

BikeRadar gets world’s first test of Trek’s revamped steel tourer

Robert Smith / Immediate Media

Simon Withers

The Wisconsin-based company has been making its steel 520 bike since 1983 — making it a couple of years younger than Specialized’s Allez and a decade or so younger than the Dawes Galaxy, probably the standard bearer for steel touring bikes, at least in Britain — and started out as an all-round road bike. But in the years since 1983 the bike has flitted between all-rounder and full-on tourer.

The 2019 incarnation is very much the latter beast, having gained even more touring-friendly features than the 2018 model, and it now has some serious expedition chops to its name.

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Trek 520 Disc spec as tested

• Frame : TIG-welded butted chromoly steel
• Fork : Alloy disc touring with lowrider mounts
• Handlebar : Bontrager Comp VR-C
• Stem : Bontrager Elite ‘Blendr’ with computer and light mounts
• Seatpost : Bontrager 27.2mm alloy, 12mm offset
• Saddle : Bontrager Evoke 1.5
• Shifters : Shimano Sora
• Front derailleur : Shimano Sora
• Rear derailleur : Shimano Alivio rear
• Brakes : TRP Spyre C2.0 mechanical disc
• Brake levers : Shimano Sora
• Cassette : Shimano HG200, 11-36, 9-speed
• Chain : KMC X9
• Chainset : Shimano Alivio triple 48/38/26T
• Bottom bracket : Shimano external cartridge bearing
• Wheels : Bontrager Affinity TLR tubeless-ready 36-hole rims, Shimano M475 hubs
• Tyres : Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38mm with reflective sidewall
• Extras : Bontrager 15kg-max capacity front rack and 25kg-capacity rear rack
• Weight : 13.97kg (57cm including racks but not pedals)

Trek’s 520 ups its touring chops for 2019

Most notably for 2019 the 520 has gained a 15kg-capacity Bontrager front rack and a much lower bottom gear — the all-important one — compared with the 2018 model. It has also moved from bar-end shifters to more familiar Sora STI levers.

Trek’s original 520 was lugged, whereas today’s model has a neatly TIG-welded chromoly steel frame with an alloy thru-axled fork; the rear wheel has a standard quick-release.

There’s a peg at the rear of the head tube to fix a frame pump under the top tube and a chain peg on the driveside seatstay. There are three bottle bosses on the down tube, allowing you to fix the bottle cage at different points, and further fittings on the fork, so you can adjust the height of the rack or carry more bottle cages if you forego it altogether.

Triple the fun

Most significantly for 2019, and a sign of its more adventurous ambitions, is that the gearing has gone even lower than before. Make no mistake, this is a good thing.

If your bike is carrying a 70kg rider (okay, nearer 75kg in my case) and approaching 40kg of kit, and you reach the bottom of a long or/and steep hill, you can never have a bottom gear that’s too low. This is where the very-rarely-seen-on-a-road-bike triple chainset comes in.

Trek should also be praised for making it a 48/36/26t Alivio mountain bike chainset, with a teeny-tiny 26t inner chainring, rather than a Shimano 105 road bike 50/39/30 or similar.

Trek really makes the most of this with the saucer-sized 36t sprocket, which delivers a very low bottom gear (under 20in). The 48x11 top gear (around 120in) is more than adequate for powering down hills, and the Sora gear lever and Alivio rear derailleur pairing works well, even with the large jumps necessitated by the 9-speed 11-36 cassette.

Is that bailout/granny gear too small? Not if you find yourself on an unsurfaced road at the foot of a 2,000ft / 600m peak, which happened to me touring in New Zealand years ago.

The front thru-axles help you get the most from the TRP Spyre brakes, which are among the best mechanical disc brakes around with the advantage of being easier to fix and fettle than hydraulics when off the beaten track. Okay, they require more effort through the brake levers than even low-end hydraulic disc brakes, but they work in all weather conditions.

That said, the 36-spoke Bontrager Affinity rims give the impression they’d survive the apocalypse. The 38mm Bontrager Hard-Case tyres ride well on tarmac and were fine on the light gravel of my local canal towpath, and the rims will take wider rubber too, so you can fit more gravel-specific or off-road-flavoured tyres.

Go low, go slow, go long…

The geometry is touring leisurely, with long chainstays, a wheelbase well over a metre and a slack head-tube angle. This creates a very stable, comfortable, semi-upright riding position, ideal for both touring and commuting.

Contact points are good and you can rack up those miles comfortably, albeit slowly. Where it really comes into its own is in its ability to carry considerable quantities of kit, which is where the super-low gearing helps.

My 16-mile commute ends with a few hundred metres of climbing at 10–12 percent, which usually requires out-of-the-saddle honking or even zig-zagging on the steepest section.

Not with the Trek 520. Even with bulging panniers I could stay seated in the bottom gear and spin-spin-spin. On a tourer you want to twiddle and maintain a high cadence rather than crank a knee-crunching gear. If you are loading the 520 up to the gunwales, split the load between the 25kg capacity rear rack and 15kg front, which will balance the handling better.

Trek 520 Disc early verdict

The 2019 is £100 / $215 more expensive than last year’s model, but I think it justifies the extra cost (in the UK at least) if you fancy tackling some full-on, continent-traversing treks.

The front rack ups carrying capacity to the max, with more bosses for greater adaptability, and while Sora STI may nominally be a lower spec than 2018’s bar-end shifters, the move to a much lower bottom gear more than makes up for that.

Upping tyre spec from 32mm to 38mm adds weight, yes, but increases comfort, which can be further added to by going tubeless or to even chunkier rubber.

If you carry heavy loads you could use Trek’s 520 for tough commuter runs but the 520 is most at home on the wide-open road. Thirty-five years of history so far, and we reckon you could get a lifetime of trekking adventure on this well-specced, attractively priced bike.

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Bikes & Gear

We know that the bike you ride plays an important role in making your vacation truly memorable. That’s why, we go the extra mile to ensure you have the best cycling experience possible, offering world-class Trek bikes and top-of-the-line equipment at no extra charge. Whether you’re excited about the all-new, Trek Domane SL 7 with electronic shifting, or prefer the boost of our electric-assist bikes, we’ve got the perfect option waiting for you. And that’s not all! Every Trek Travel trip comes with a special discount on your next Trek bike purchase.

So what are you waiting for? Step up, clip in, shift down, and get ready to ride the best bikes in the business on a cycling vacation of a lifetime.

Our Trek Bikes

A bike is more than a tool. It’s a ticket to your next adventure. And a good ride on a great bike can make memories of a lifetime. That’s why we don’t offer anything less than the top-of-the-line Trek Bikes on every trip.

Trek Domane SL 7

Experiencing your cycling vacation of a lifetime is not complete without a world-class bike and the Trek Domane is the King of the road ride. It raises the bar to deliver incredible endurance road bike comfort without sacrificing performance and features highly responsive disc brakes and electronic shifting. This new bike is lighter than ever before, and carbon wheels come standard on every bike.

Included in trip price. Not offered on select destinations. See trip pages for details.

Trek Verve+ Electric Hybrid

With its low-step frame design, front suspension, and the barely-there Bosch electric motor, the Verve+ has one goal: pure enjoyment. Get a boost up the hills when you need it, and never feel a pedal stroke behind.

  Not offered on Level-4 trips and select destinations. Contact us to learn more.

Specialty & Upgrade Bikes

Whether you’re seeking an elegant road ride that includes a boost for challenging climbs or aiming to dominate unpaved adventures with the best gravel bikes in the industry, our specialty and upgrade bikes are guaranteed to offer the comfort you need on and the performance you expect.

Trek Domane+ SLR 7

The upgrade you need for any grade you’ll ride up. Experience all of the pleasure, and none of the guilt with the ultra-lightweight design and high-speed assist of the Domane+ SLR 7. This performance e-road bike will help you fly up mountains, hang with fast group, and take every curve with confidence. So go ahead – take the long way.

Available on  select trips .  including  gravel bike tours  where they are specially outfitted with 40cm Bontrager GR1 tires

Upgrade to the Domane+ SLR7 for only $399 (3-6 Day Trips) or $599 (7+ Day Trips)

Trek Checkpoint SLR 7

Sometimes the road ahead isn’t a road at all. With a high-performance frame designed to be nimble yet stable, and the smoothing effect of rear IsoSpeed technology, the Checkpoint SLR 7 chews up any surface like it was made of butter. And the GRX groupset with integrated clutch in the rear derailleur is made for the bumps to hit every shift, every time. Disc brakes give you maximum stopping power, and 45mm tubeless tires will leave you confidence on every corner.

Trek Domane SL 5 Disc

The Trek Domane SL 5 Disc is the perfect bike for your North America self-guided trip. Trek’s latest innovation has led to the best bike on the road—a light weight, stable and technologically advanced machine to make even the hardest roads seem smooth and easy. Ride confidently, comfortably and longer in the most beautiful destinations around the world We think you’ll like this bike so much, you’ll want to get one of your own!

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc

Sometimes, carbon can be overkill. That’s why Trek delivers the best aluminum bike on the road—a lightweight, stable, and technologically advanced machine to make every road seem smooth and easy while the disc brakes make stopping safe and secure. It’s every bit a race machine, only made for the rest of us.

Additional Gear for Your Ride

Great rides are safe rides, and Trek Travel provides the best gear when it comes to keeping you safe and seen on the road. From the most advanced helmet tech, disc brakes, and powerful Flare R lights, to certified mechanics on every trip—you can enjoy the scenery without the worry. It’s safe to say, no other tour operator goes the extra mile like we do.

Bontrager Wavecel Helmet

WaveCel is revolutionary helmet safety tech that’s available exclusively in Trek and Bontrager bike helmets. It’s designed to be more effective than traditional foam helmets by better managing the rotational forces that can occur in certain cycling accidents. You only get one brain, it’s worth protecting.

Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large

Garmin Edge 1030

The Garmin Edge 1030 comes equipped with a 3.5″ high-resolution display for maximum visibility, comprehensive navigation and everything you need to track your ride. This GPS computer offers advanced performance monitoring, turn-by-turn navigation, and the Garmin Cycle Map, which notifies you of upcoming turns, elevation data, points of interest and new route generation to explore a destination on your terms. Simple to use, turn by turn instructions at the tip of your finger with the day’s ride pre-loaded for you, plus all the standard information you need.

*North American Self-Guided trips are equipped with the Garmin 830

Ride with GPS

Now you can store your itinerary, guide and hotel contacts all within the Ride With GPS app on your phone or tablet. It’s a modern-day replacement to your standard vacation folder. You can also see each day’s route options and navigate with turn-by-turn directions right from your phone. And the best part? You don’t have to be connected to WiFi or data to use it.

Learn more about what the Ride with GPS Experience can do for you  right here»

Flare R Lights

We make every ride safer with the first taillight designed for daylight visibility. Flare R’s balanced optics set off with a powerful CREE LED can be seen from over 2km day or night. 65 Lumens and 270 degrees of visibility help make you the biggest distraction on the road.

Shimano R540 Road Pedals

This pedal works with any road Shimano SPD-SL cleat to offer a wide platform for efficient transfer of power. If you prefer flat pedals or pedals with cages, we also have those available on every trip. This pedal is compatible with SPD-SL cleats.

We can also provide flat or caged pedals on all of our bikes.

Shimano M520 Mountain Bike Pedals

This pedal works with any touring or mountain Shimano SPD cleat and can be adjusted to fit your desired tension. If you prefer flat pedals or pedals with cages, we also have those available on every trip. This pedal is compatible with  SPD cleats .

Hiking + Walking Gear

Join our Hiking + Walking Tours and leave the planning to us. With tools like GPS navigation, hiking poles, and backpacks provided, you’re set for a comfortable and safe exploration. The path to adventure is clear—all you need to do is walk it.

Inclusions:

• Hiking Poles*
• Technical T-Shirt
• Insulated Water Bottle 
• Ride with GPS navigation experience

*Available for use during the trip. For your comfort, we highly recommend packing your own.

The Apparel

On every Signature, Reserve, Cross Country, and Pro Race Trek Travel trip, you will receive a complimentary Trek Travel cycling jersey. We are proud to partner with Santini, the official clothing sponsor of the Trek Factory Racing Teams to provide a jersey that delivers podium worthy performance and vacation ready style. And when you return home, sport your Trek Travel jersey for instant travel nostalgia. We’ll be sure to give you a high five if we spot you on the road. 

Please note, we do not send out guest jerseys for our Discover, Ride Camp, or Self-Guided trips

Classic Cycling Jersey

On every Signature, Reserve, and Pro Race Trek Travel trip, you will receive a complimentary Trek Travel cycling jersey. We are proud to partner with Santini, the official clothing sponsor of the Trek Factory Racing Teams to provide a jersey that delivers podium worthy performance and vacation ready style. And when you return home, sport your Trek Travel jersey for instant travel nostalgia. We’ll be sure to give you a high five if we spot you on the road. 

Jersey Sizing | Exchange Form

Cross-Country USA
Cycling Jersey

On our Cross-Country USA trip, you’ll receive a custom kit to commemorate the remarkable achievements of your 47-day, 3,786-mile journey across 15 states, taking you from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine.

Trek Domane SL 7 Components:

• Aeolus Pro 37 Carbon wheelset
• Shimano R8170 12-speed Di2 components
• Shimano Ultegra Disc Brakeset
• 11-34T cassette
• Rear IsoSpeed Decoupler
• Bontrager Verse Comp saddle
• Optional : Women’s Specific Bontrager Yatra Elite saddle
• Garmin GPS Computer

Trek Domane SL 7 Availability:

Available in sizes (cm):  44, 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62

Not available for select destinations. See trip pages for details or contact your Trip Consultant for trip-specific availability.

Trek Verve+ Electric Hybrid Components:

• Shimano 9-Speed Drivetrain
• Bosch Active Line Plus drive unit
• Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Bontrager Boulevard saddle
• Bosch 500WH Removable Integrated Battery
• Max Assistance Speed: 20 MPH (32 km/h) in U.S. / 15 MPH (24 km/h) in Europe

Trek Verve+ Electric Hybrid Availability:

Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large (frame sizes are first come, first served)

Subject to availability. Not offered on Avid / Level-4 trips and on select destinations.

Some of our trips offer the Trek Verve+ 2 or the Trek Verve+ 3. See trip pages for details.

Trek Domane+ SLR 7 Electric Road Bike Components:

• Shimano R8150 Di2 Series components
• Bontrager Verse Elite saddle
• Aeolus Pro 37 OCLV Carbon wheels
• TQ 250 watt motor
• TQ 360Wh battery
• Max Assistance Speed: 28 MPH (45 km/h) in U.S. / 15 MPH (24 km/h) in Europe

Trek Domane+ SLR 7 Electric Road Bike Availability:

Available sizes (cm): 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 (frame sizes are first come, first served)

Available on SELECT TRIPS. Please talk to your Trip Consultant to learn more.

Available on select GRAVEL BIKE TOURS, the Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7 will be specially outfitted with 40cm Bontrager GR1 tires.

Upgrade to the Domane+ SLR7 for only $399 (3-6 Day Trips) or $599 (7+ Day Trips).

Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 Components:

• Aeolus Pro 37 Carbon wheelset with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M Tubeless Tires
• Shimano GRX 2X 11-speed Di2 components
• Shimano GRX Disc Brakeset

Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 Availability:

Available in sizes (cm): 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

Available in 2023 on GRAVEL BIKE TOURS. Contact your Trip Consultant to learn more.

Trek Domane SL 5 Disc Components:

• Bontrager Paradigm SL Wheelset
• Shimano 105 R7100 12-speed components
• Shimano 105 Disc Brakeset
• Bontrager Verse Short Comp Saddle

Trek Domane SL 5 Disc Availability:

Available in sizes (cm): 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60

Available on all North American SELF-GUIDED trips.

Contact your Trip Consultant with any questions you may have.

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc Components:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame
• IsoZone Handlebar with Carbon Fork
• Shimano R7000 105 Series components
• Bontrager P3 Verse Saddle

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc Availability:

Available in sizes (cm): 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

Available on all 2023 SCOTLAND , ENGLAND , and IRELAND trips.

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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Made By Cyclists

Trek 520 Touring Bicycle Review

November 17, 2022

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek 520 is the only touring bike Trek offers
• The 520 has been the stable touring bike for decades
• The 520 may be in danger of being phased out due to decreased demand.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Trek has been making excellent bicycles for years, and their workhorse has been around forever. How good is the Trek 520, and is it worth buying?

The Trek 520 is a touring bicycle that Trek Bicycle has produced since 1983. The Chromoly steel bike has stood the test of time and has been the go-to bike for years for cross-country rides. It is one of the most popular bicycles that Trek has ever made, enjoying brisk sales and a solid following.

In the bicycling community, newcomers often try to promote the latest aerodynamics or advancements as the most revolutionary thing ever introduced. But in a world of constant tweaking, there's something to be said for staying the course. When Trek introduced the 520, the company knew there was a market for enthusiasts interested in more than just recreational cycling. Trek fashioned the 520 Touring bikes in 1983 to be exercised in adventure and exploration. The bike has a solid frame, can handle added gear and weight and gobbles up pavement like there is no tomorrow. Over the years, the 520 Touring bikes have captured the hearts of the bicycling enthusiasts, and Trek has had enough sense not to mess with a good thing.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ What Makes the Touring 520 So Special?

For years, Trek has offered the 520 as the ultimate touring bike. It is the only touring bike that Trek offers. What exactly makes the Trek 520 so unique and loved by so many?

The Trek 520 Was Built Very Well

There is a reason that Trek has put so much confidence in the 520, and a lot of it has to do with the way it was built. Even though Trek’s headquarters is located in Waterloo, Wisc., the actual build is performed overseas. The Giant Bike Company makes many Trek units in the far East. (Giant makes bicycles for several companies). The good thing about this consistency is just that. When you make the same bike for years, your workers have an excellent opportunity to get very good at what they are doing.

The Chromoly frame is designed to be lighter and stronger than average steel composites. This alloy makes the metal ideal for bicycling frames where weight reduction directly affects speed, and the need for durability is equally essential (multiple uses and strains).

The Trek 520 frame features five different sizes of frames that run from 48 to 60 cm to accommodate different-sized riders’ bodies. Since not every bike rider is the same size or shape, the various sizes are a welcome option for many who have trouble finding a bicycle that fits them correctly. The touring bike has a weight capacity of 275 lbs, which includes equipment and a rider.

The Trek 520 frame can handle rear and front racks, making it ideal for long-distance trips. In addition, the frame has distinct features, such as water bottle or pump mounts. Owners can modify the bike with fenders to keep the mud from slinging up, especially when riding on wet pavement. Many cross-country riders have welcomed the small touches because these add-ons made their rides easier to manage.

In early models of the 520, the fork was also a steel Chromoly, but with recent renditions, the company has shifted to an aluminum alloy. While steel forks can often be too stiff, leading to cracking and disintegration, the aluminum alloy fork allows for more flexibility while handling the abuse from different road surfaces. The design of the ThruScrew allows owners to remove the front tire without unpacking all the gear they were carrying upfront.

The tire is Bontrager Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c, with the option of growing into a pair of 29 x 2.00-inch tires. The wide tire gives the rider better comfort and can handle the punishment of uneven road surfaces. Since cross-country riders are traveling on the edges of challenging highway roads, the added width is welcome. The company has also included a reflective sidewall to keep cyclists safe.

The 9spd Shimano drivetrain is versatile, and when coupled with Shimano derailleurs (Shimano Alivio M4000 on the rear), the shifting is smooth and easy. While most early renditions of this bike used Shimano Deodre for several years, the company moved to a Shimano Alivio (which some reviews felt was a step down). However, Shimano continues to surprise, and the Alivio is probably one of the best intermediate group sets on the market. Shimano continues to be the big boss of components for cycling, so their parts are easy to secure. Coupled with the lifetime guarantee, the bike can be quickly repaired should something go wrong.

Most of the other components of the bike (handlebars, seat, and the like) are supplied by Bontrager, which Trek owns. Once again, the company can contain costs using its in-house maker of parts.

For 2023, Trek is offering two distinct colors, Diablo Red and Anthracite (think charcoal), but over the years, there have been complaints about the paint job needing to be able to hold up. The great thing is that the metal below the paint won’t rust or corrode. Most riders can live with a bike that looks like it's been on a few adventures, so this is not a deal-breaker.

The Trek Performed Very Well

The 520 has consistently scored very high in reviews over the years. The ride is exceptional for a heavier bike, but that weight lends itself to stiffness and stability, particularly for the long hauler. (I had an uncle who rode his Trek across the country several times in the eighties, with only a few minor tire changes).

The bike could be more agile, although the added weight can make the handling chunky. Still, the 520 seems to gobble up pavement and isn’t intimidated by inclines or steep descents. The bike has wider tires, which lend themselves to excellent grip on a slick pavement or even gravel roads. The steel frame absorbs most shocks and bumps without translating them to the upper torso of the ride. Overall, there is a lot to love about this bike. Most owners of Trek 520s prefer the older models because their performance is so exceptional. Regardless, the rider will have a lot of confidence in this bike and, even after years of ownership, still be singing its praises.

The Trek 520 Was Reasonably Priced

Even though the current $1895 is pushing the limits of what most families would pay for a bike. At the introduction in 1983, the 520 cost a mere $400, which was exceptional. Since then, the bike has increased in price each year.

The Trek 520 Has Been Around for a Long Time

As mentioned before, Trek has been producing the 520 for almost forty years. During that time, it has seen its share of improvements here and there, but for all intents and purposes, the bike is still a great touring bike. The fact that this is the only touring bike Trek makes, coupled with the continued demand across multiple generations, makes this bicycle deserving of hall of fame status.

The Trek 520 has a Difficult Future Ahead.

During the early years of Trek 520, it is essential to remember that there was a massive surge in the pastime of bike riding. American superstars like Greg Lemond and Lance Armstrong captured the public's psyche and spurred more and more people to take up the sport, both recreationally and professionally. (It didn’t hurt that both Tour de France winners wore Trek jerseys). In addition, programs like 1 world 2 wheels (Trek’s pet project to get more people into the cycling world) helped foster an extensive biking culture. Their willingness to support bike clubs and sponsor longer rides across the country helped keep them at the forefront of an eager public.

While Trek continues to support and sponsor pro-teams, it is clear that more people are turning away this past time. According to statistics, recreational riding by kids has fallen 49% since 1997. Undoubtedly, our world has raised a generation much more interested in playing video games from their couch rather than strapping on a helmet and exploring the world.

For those who are riding, most current riders are moving away from touring bikes and choosing to go electric. The 27 billion dollar industry is expected to double in the next five years, and due to the decrease in sales for regular bikes, it won’t be long before e-bike sales surpass standard bike unit outputs.

As a sign of things to come, the Trek website indicates that it cannot ship the Trek 520 due to a lack of production. Whether this is from the fact that the company is signaling the 520s demise, cutting back on production numbers, or has just sold out of their yearly allotment, remains to be seen. The website advises potential buyers to contact their local bike shops to see if the bike is available in their particular locales.

What We Liked and Hated About the Trek 520

As mentioned above, the Trek 520 has stood the test of time and has captured the hearts of cyclists everywhere over the years.

• Been around for a long time
• It has a solid Chromoly frame
• Able to handle long trips and added gear
• The Bike may be difficult to secure
• The future of touring bikes is dwindling
• See the manufacturer's website for more information on the 520 and its availability.
• For Today’s Price, check out your local bike retailer.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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About PedalChef

PedalChef is a blog on all things cycling. We are a group of people who love bikes, and we want to share the joy that comes with the experience. You can read more about us here .

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2023 Trek 520 Review

Are you looking for an affordable, lightweight, and dependable travel bike to tour around the world? If your answer is yes, then you need to read our review of the 2023 Trek 520.

The 2023 Trek 520 is one of the most popular touring bikes on the market. 

It has a lightweight steel frame, sturdy wheels and powerful brakes that make it ideal for long-distance travel in any terrain. 

Additionally, it offers an impressive range of gears, which helps ensure that you’ll be able to handle anything life throws at you while on the road.

Although this bike was designed with touring in mind, its stylish design and reliable components make it suitable for everyday use as well. 

We will review the features and specs of the 2023 Trek 520 and explain why it’s one of the best bikes for long-distance cycling or urban commuting.

Trek’s 520 touring bike for 2023 comprises both speed and strength, crafted with Bontrager Evoke saddle, lightweight alloy wheels and Shimano components. 

It considers comfort, efficiency and reliability as a priority. Let’s take a look at the features in this review of the Trek 520 for 2023:

The Trek 2023 520 is a dependable touring bike made for long distance rides that has been optimized for comfort and performance.

This touring bike offers riders a lightweight yet strong chromoly steel frame, precision brakes and an ergonomic riding position. 

It also comes with an adjustable stem to provide extra reach when needed, reliable tires on rugged wheels, responsive Shimano drivetrain with 21 speed, wide-range components so you can go farther with less effort. 

– Lightweight chromoly steel frame for strength and durability

– 3×9 Shimano drivetrain for improved gear range

– TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc brakes provides reliable stopping power in all conditions

– Wide range 3×9 drivetrain consisting of 48/36/26t front chainrings and a 11-36, 9 speed cassette

– Reliable Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c tires

– Rugged Bontrager Affinity Disc wheels withstand even toughest terrains

The steel frame is made from Trek butted chromoly that provides a reliable ride quality and excellent strength to meet the challenging miles you will be encountering—no matter if on pavement, dirt or gravel.

Trek has equipped the new 520 with just the right amount of rigidity while still maintaining the compliance needed to stay comfortable over longer rides. 

It comes with Trek’s Alloy disc touring fork, loaded with rack mounts, and a 100x5mm ThruSkew that gives you excellent control over rough surfaces. 

The resulting stability ensures you feel safe and secure even during high-speed descents down steep grades.

Wheels & Tires

This bike is fitted with Bontrager Affinity alloy wheels spinning around sturdy sealed bearing hubs that are designed to tackle any road surface. 

As well as being light they also feature straightforward mechanical disc brakes offering plenty easy braking power when needed. 

For grip on tougher terrain, Trek dressed the aluminum hoops with meaty Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c tires boasting plenty of bite through wet conditions.

Drivetrain & Brakes

Thanks to its strong Shimano Sora and Alivio 3×9-speed drivetrain, you are guaranteed plenty range for tackling climbs or flybys when out riding around town. 

Stopping power comes courtesy of TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc keeping weight low but ensuring you have enough stopping power when coming back down off tough sections.

All these elements come together making up an incredible machine perfect for those looking for strong, reliable, steel touring bike capability at great value without halfhearted design or compromises when it comes to components. 

Next time your considering your next purchase be sure to take some time to consider Trek’s latest offering —the 520 may be just what your searching for!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek 520 Touring Bike Review  

  June 10, 2019

By   Max Shumpert

Trek offers its customers only one touring bike option, the Trek 520.  The Wisconsin-based manufacturer has been producing the 520 since 1983 and each year, the bike is altered with a fresh outer design and paint color.

Although the components have had little variation in recent years, the new incarnation has added more tourist-friendly features compared to its predecessor, the 2018 model. This ensures that you have the ideal biking experience when going out on an expedition.

The Trek 520 touring bike shows its more adventurous ambitions with its gearing , which has gone lower than before.

This feature will prove significant when you are carrying a heavy load and you get to a long mountain pass. In such a situation, it would be nice to switch into a lower gear.  

Trek 520 Tech Specs

FRAME SIZE : TIG-welded butted Chromoly in sizes 48, 51, 54, 57, and 60cm BRAKE TYPE : TRP Spyre C2.0 mechanical discs SHIFTER : Shimano Sora RIMS : Bontrager Tubeless ready, 36h TIRES : Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 29 x 2" (without fenders) CHAIN:  KMC X9 9sp

Features of Trek 520

• The 520 is the longest-running model in the Trek lineup and has been in the market since 1983.
• It enhances the versatility through built-in mounts that help in adding racks and fenders easily.
• This comes with Blendr Stem that allows you to clip your gear directly to the stem for maximum use.
• It also comes with puncture-resistant tires (38mm Bontrager Hard-case tires).
• The Trek 520 offers a wide range of sizes of frames in order to suffice various body sizes.
• Improved gear ratios.
• Upgraded to TRP Spyre-C calipers , it offers assistance close to the hydraulic brakes system.
• One of the advantages also includes the warranty offered by Trek that ensures a bike check-up during its malfunction.
• The geometry and frame of the bike ensure a smooth and comfortable ride on a rough road.

The bike’s front thru-axles ensure that you get the most out of the TRP Spyre brakes. These are among the top mechanical disc brakes in the market, offering an option that is easier to fix than hydraulics when you’ve been on a beaten track.

Even though they need more effort through brake levers compared to hydraulic disk brakes, they still work in all kinds of weather conditions .

Another feature you’ll like is the 36-spoke Bontrager Affinity rims, which add to the 520’s sturdy build.

The 38mm Bontrager Hard-case tires are well-suited for the tarmac and will offer a smooth ride on light gravel . It’s a good thing that the rims will accommodate wider rubber, enabling the flexibility to fit a more off-road flavored or gravel-specific tire.

There is a step up on the tire clearance from 700 x45c to 700 x50c. Whereas most manufacturers abide by international tire clearance standards- at least 4mm of space- Trek adds an extra 2mm so that you can potentially fit 54mm tires in the 520.

The Trek 520 frame features five different sizes of frames that include 48, 51, 54, 57, and 60 cm to accommodate a wider range of body sizes .

The bike maintains the usual Chromoly frame, with the break from tradition being an aluminum alloy fork as opposed to the previously used steel forks.  

However, a controversial feature of this model is the step down from the Shimano Deodre gears to Alivio.

The grounds for this move, I believe, could be since Deore has currently moved on to 10-speed, there are no Shimano STI shifters that will pair with the 10-speed Deodre drivetrain parts.

Another new feature on the bike’s fork is the trek t hru-skew secure skewer system . This has the dropout looping all the way around the skewer to make sure that the wheel won’t fall out without removing the skewer. 

It ensures that the quick release wheel is perfectly aligned in the fork, as is the case in a thru-axle system.

We also liked the 48/36/26t Alivio mountain bike chainset, which comes with a tiny 26t internal chainring instead of a Shimano 105 road bike 50/39/30.

The manufacturer has used a saucer-sized 36t sprocket that delivers a low-bottom gear. The 48×11 top gear is built for powering downhills while the Alivio rear derailleur and Sora gear lever pairing work nicely together.

The trek 520 weighs around 13kg itself and with the rack weight of 38 kg, the rider technically has to be under 74kg to meet this bike's requirement.

Recommended - Trek Emonda SL6 2020 Review

What We Like

Quite a lot...actually.

The Trek 520 is a functional touring bike with improved features that will serve you well on long-distance rides . 

What impressed us about this bike is that the gear ratios have been improved . While the majority of users of the old models chose to swap in a 11-36t cassette to attain a sub-20” climbing gear, this new model comes with one as standard.

The brakes have also been upgraded to TRP Spyre-C calipers. These cable-operated brakes utilize a special design that pulls the two brake pads simultaneously, providing a breaking performance close to the hydraulic brakes system.

Another notable change on the 520 that we liked is the larger diameter downtube . This helps to boost the lateral frame stiffness, increasing the bike’s stability with both front and rear loads. It doesn’t get better than this when it comes to frame stiffness on a touring bike.

Generally, the 520 uses Shimano for most of its components. The advantage here is that these parts are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace . Not to mention the lifetime warranty provided by Trek that ensures you can get your bike checked by experts whenever it develops a malfunction.

If you are planning a long bike tour with a significant load, the 520 has the right geometry for a comfortable ride . The upright posture, chainstay length, and low center of gravity were meant for these kinds of circumstances.

• Increased capacity
• Comfortable on long rides
• Customizable
• Different Sizes

What We Don’t Like

If there’s one thing about the 520 that is still wanting, I would say it's the paint job! What I noticed is that the metallic paint used on the bike peels off easier compared to any other bike I’ve owned in the past.

An easily chipped paint job is not something you want on a touring bike given the prolonged exposure to elements involved.

The good thing is that despite the chipping of the paint, the metal underneath does not rust easily. The price may also be a bit costly for those who are on a budget.

• A bit Pricy
• Paintjob chips easily

Recommended - Cannondale Bike Hybrid

This bike is a bit pricey, but the replaceable parts are quite affordable.

Buying Advice

If you are looking to buy a classic touring bike, the Trek 520 is an investment worth making. Its durability, comfort, style, and combination of convenient features make it all worthwhile.

I personally feel like it’s the perfect bike to set out on a long tour with, especially if you have a lot of supplies to bring along. The Trek 520 geometry and frame of the bicycle provide you with a smooth ride on a bumpy road and can still take on mild dirt trails when fully loaded.

Trek did a good job of fitting an already industry-tested bike model with features that make it even more touring-friendly in its latest offering. The Trek 520 is a bike you can take a chance on!   

The Trek 520 is a classic and functional touring bike that has stood the test of time. Trek has been supplying its customers with quality long-distance bikes for more than three decades.

The retail price might be expensive to some, but the parts are affordable when you want to replace them. Before buying you can also check for trek 520 touring bike for sale as these big manufacturers provide good deals and offer to keep their customers happy.

If you want a practical bike that will ensure your comfort on a long expedition, consider acquiring the Trek 520 .

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520 is a steel touring bike made for the open road. It's the longest-running model in Trek's lineup, and it's built to carry you and your gear on your longest journeys. Rack and fender mounts, a wide range of gearing for climbing, and a stable touring geometry make it the perfect choice for loaded multi-day trips and comfortable all-day adventures. It's right for you if... You measure the success of a ride in the number of beautiful views, and when you're not riding you're likely to be found planning your next escape. You hear the call of the open road, and want a stable touring bike that's just as capable of carrying a heavy load on multi-day trips as it is on everyday rides. The tech you get A road-smoothing chromoly steel frame, alloy disc touring fork with a ThruSkew captured quick release skewer, wide-range 27-speed drivetrain that's great for hauling a heavy load up hills, Shimano Sora brake/shift levers, Bontrager Tubeless Ready wheels with puncture-resistant tires, included front and rear racks, and all-weather mechanical disc brakes. The final word 520 is a comfortable steel workhorse that's capable of everything from daily rides to expedition tours. It's ready for adventure right out of the box, with an included rear rack and a drivetrain that's ideal for hauling a heavy load. Why you'll love it - 520 is built to hold up, and it's super reliable over the long haul—you'll leave this bike to someone in your will - ThruSkew ensures the front wheel will never drop out unintentionally, and makes it easier to remove your wheel without removing all of your front cargo - There's no better way to see the world than from the saddle, and this is the bike that answers your wanderlust - All-weather disc brakes and puncture-resistant tires give you the confidence to take on bigger adventures in any conditions - It's the longest-running model in our lineup, and we've kept it around so long because it's one of the best-loved, too

Geometry chart

* Subject to change without notice.

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Trek Launches CarBack Radar Rear Bike Light with 2 KM Daytime Visibility

If you never leave home without a radar equipped taillight, trek has a new option for you..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Welcome to Velo’s Sea Otter Classic coverage, where we share our favorite things we’ve seen at the 2024 show. Bikes, components, everything racing, and more: if we think it’s cool, you’ll see it. See the rest of our coverage here .

Trek CarBack Radar Rear Bike Light

Trek is bringing to market the new Trek CarBack Radar Rear Bike Light and potentially reclaiming the rear light throne. This news doesn’t start today though. Instead, it started way back in 2018 when Bontrager came out with an absolutely groundbreaking light called the Flare RT. It was a pairing with the Ion 200 RT — both lights are tiny with the rear only hitting 40 grams on a scale. The trick was that despite the tiny size, there was still a sizable 12-hour battery, and even more than the battery and size, there was an innovative lens and flash pattern.

The details in the press release are long gone but the idea was that everyone should be riding with rear lights even in the day. The lens used a fresnel design that made it way brighter than it had any right to be and instead of a basic on and off flash the Flare RT used an irregular pattern. Trek did a sizable amount of research at the time showing how effective it was even in bright light and the brand was right. I personally experienced my wife driving past me through the high-desert of eastern Oregon in the midday sun. She told me at the time how much better it made her feel to know that she could see that tiny light well before she could make me out.

Bontrager had a hit light, but then Garmin came out with the RTL515. It had a similar Fresnel lens and a similar irregular flash but it added Varia radar. Not only could cars see you in midday sun but now you could see them without looking or listening. You could see how fast they were coming and how many were there without ever looking up. The RTL515 doomed the Bontrager light to second fiddle but after a 2020 release, Garmin left it to flounder.

Years later the RTL515 is still a great light, but it’s Trek, having now started to phase out the Bontrager name, who is set to sweep the Garmin product into irrelevance. The Trek CarBack Radar Rear Bike Light takes the Flare RT and builds it into a new shell with radar tech included also.

The end result is a design that combines all the best features of both the Garmin Varia and the Flare RT plus adds a few new tricks. As with the Flare RT, there’s a big emphasis on staying visible with a quoted 2km day-time visibility using the same lens and flash pattern. There’s also an IPX7 waterproof rating and USB-C charging.

Availability

The new light is available today via Trek.com and the only questions I’m left with are around the battery. Trek tells me there’s a 2,000 mAh battery on board which is a 600 mAh increase from the Garmin. There’s also a battery gauge on the side so you always know what’s left in the tank. Unfortunately the brand is also quoting a rather low 7-hours of daytime flash. The upside is that I’m also told that’s a conservative number and it depends heavily on the numbers of cars detected. I know as soon as I have the chance I’ll be looking to see what the upper limits really are.

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Find the right bike route for you through Elektrostal, where we've got 330 cycle routes to explore. The routes you most commonly find here are of the hilly type. Most people get on their bikes to ride here in the months of June and August.

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Lucid Motors

Lucid’s longest-range air grand touring gets faster charging, 516 miles range at a lower price.

New details on the longest-range electric car in the US, the Lucid Air Grand Touring, have been revealed. Lucid’s new 2024 Air Grand Touring gains faster charging, a heat pump, and 516 miles range (in more conditions). And you get all that for a 12% discount compared to last year’s model.

Lucid Air Grand Touring gets upgraded, still 516-mi range

The longest-range EV in the US is getting even better. Lucid upgraded the 2024 Air Grand Touring for better efficiency and faster charging.

Lucid’s new GT model is now equipped with the high-performance Air Sapphires’ heat pump. This allows the 2024 Grand Touring to deliver “outstanding range even in extremely cold conditions.”

The proprietary motor design, battery cell chemistry, and thermal features have been enhanced to reduce wasted energy as heat even during “sustained spirited” driving.

Lucid says the 2024 GT model features about 15% to 30% faster DC charging speeds to quickly get you back on the road. The 2024MY gains improved automatic preconditioning as you travel to the charging station, enabling faster charging once you plug it in.

The 2024 Air Grand Touring keeps its 516-mile EPA-estimated range, the longest of any EV in the US.

However, with a borrowed heat pump from the Sapphire, Lucid says the Grand Touring can deliver outstanding range in a broader range of real-world conditions.

“The Air Grand Touring is our longest-range car – in fact the longest-range EV available today – and is now further optimized with a multitude of powertrain updates, including the Air Sapphire heat pump,” CEO Peter Rawlinson explained.

The 2024 Lucid Air Grand Touring starts at $109,900. That’s a 12.5% price cut from the $125,600 starting price in January.

Top comment by HendersonTRKing

Looks like a Tesla Model S killer to me. And I'm speaking as someone who's been actively looking to replace his 2020 fully loaded (ludicrous, FSD, free supercharging for life) Model S. IDK much about Lucid's track record, reliability or, frankly, prospects for remaining in business. When I bought my Model S in 2020, the 9 year old design was still crisp and many of the manufacturing issues had been resolved (although the tech was still disturbingly buggy). And Elon was still closer to Tony Stark than the Orange Menace. While the design is now getting stale, it's still a gorgeous car and outperforms just about anything else on the road. But this Lucid definitely turns my head.

Lucid’s 2024 Air lineup includes:

Lucid slashed prices on 2024 Air models by up to $7,500 in February. The EV maker is already seeing the results, with a record first-quarter delivery total.

The EV maker handed over 1,967 Air models in Q1, topping its previous quarterly delivery record of 1,932 in Q4 2022.

Lucid expects to build 9,000 electric cars this year, with 2,391 made in the first three months of the year.

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Lucid Motors (formerly Atieva) is an electric ve…

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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