Comments on: The New 2016 Trek 920, 720, 520 and Crossrip Touring Bikes

By: Mitch Metzger

Mitch Metzger — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 11:44:00 +0000

I had the Trek 728 back in 1982 and it was perfect. Unfortunately, I sold it in 1986. I am getting ready for a TransAmerican Bike Trail 4,000 mile trip. Which TREK is the right one for this kind of trip with four panniers all around? The 520? What year?

By: Alee | CyclingAbout.com

Alee | CyclingAbout.com — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 21:34:00 +0000

In reply to Rasmus C. They really are almost identical in spec and geometry. Go with the 720 if you like that better!

By: Rasmus C

Rasmus C — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 15:21:00 +0000

Hey Alee
Given the 720 is cheaper than the crossrip at my local dealer? Which one would be the better option? I’ve more or less settled on the 720 since it to me looks lighter and with better specs. 🙂

By: Alee | CyclingAbout.com

Alee | CyclingAbout.com — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 04:53:00 +0000

In reply to Callum C. Sounds like you've made a great choice!

By: Callum C

Callum C — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 10:21:00 +0000

Hi Alee. I just got the 920 on Friday and took it riding on the weekend!

It had about 15 kgs on it, about 75% rear loaded (until the front panniers arrive; also to give the rear wheel a bit of settling in before I head on a bigger trip). At first I thought it was not handling too good with the weight, but then I got the rear panniers forward and the weight properly L/R balanced …amazing difference 🙂 I’m new to this.

I did about 60 kms on tarmac undulating country roads around Tatong and then I’m not sure maybe about 60kms without much load (~7kg on rear) on state park clay road, gravel track, and variously more difficult track. I had lots of fun finding the boundaries (mainly mine), not being used to that type of bike or tyres. It felt well behaved and definitely good for a bit of fun with my limited off road experience. As I practiced picking lines and committing, ignoring obstacles etc, my confidence in what the bike was doing was rewarded.

I was running Schwalbe Marathons, as recommended elsewhere in your blog (pumped hard on the tarmac, soft off). The hums along the tarmac and tracks straight.

Really happy with the choice…found some things for me to learn about riding with weight and off sealed roads, got my body worn out in the sun, dust and hills, had heaps if fun. Successful foray into trekking with panniers 🙂