2015 Trek 520

Archived: 2015 Trek 520 · Touring · Published sizes: 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63cm

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: Trek butted chromoly touring, rack & fender mounts · Fork: Chromoly Touring w/lowrider mounts · Chromoly

• Check paint damage, vent holes and accessible internal surfaces for corrosion. Look for dents, bent tubes and cracking around welded or brazed joints.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.
• Inspect the fork crown, blades, dropouts and visible steerer area. Check that it is straight, securely installed and free of cracks or impact damage.

Archived: Group: Touring mix · Shifters: Shimano bar end shifters · Front derailleur: Shimano Alivio · Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore · Crankset: Shimano Trekking M590 48/36/26 w/chainguard · Rear cogs: Shimano HG50, 11-32, 9 speed · Chain: KMC X9

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Shimano T400, V-Brake brakes, Tektro RL520 alloy levers

• Inspect pads, cables and housings, then examine both rim braking surfaces for concavity, cracking or heavy wear. Confirm each caliper returns and centers correctly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 700c · Rims: Bontrager Tubeless Ready 36-hole · Hubs: Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore · Front tire: Bontrager AW1 Hard-Case, 700x32c

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.
• Confirm whether the bike is actually set up tubeless, whether both tires hold pressure, and when sealant and rim tape were last serviced.

Archived: Headset: Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed · Handlebar: Bontrager Race, VR-C, 31.8mm · Stem: Bontrager Elite Blendr, w/computer & light mounts, 31.8mm, 7 degree · Seatpost: Bontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 12mm offset · Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 1 · Pedals: Nylon body w/alloy cage, toe-clip/strap

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.