Friends and family, meet the beautiful American made, 1990 Trek 520. Trek 520, meet my wonderful friends and family.
Ryan and I have spent the last two weeks carefully servicing our vintage road bikes. My steed of steal is almost ready to hit the road!
A few more bolts left to tighten and lots of camping gear left to pack. I can see the light! Counting down to takeoff tomorrow. Jon (Ryan’s very generous dad) is driving us into Georgia to give us a head start on our way to the Atlantic coast.
For interested readers – the work I have done so far on my bike:
- Serviced front and back wheel bearings
- Replaced tires on both wheels
- Replaced rear cassette and upgraded from 13-23 to 12-32 teeth for better hill climbing
- Serviced the bottom bracket
- Serviced the headset (longest and hardest part for me. Also the most gratifying! I found the perfect balance between smooth rotation and tightness with no play back and forth)
- Replaced handlebar stem with a shorter reach quill and higher stem
- Replaced bike seat
- Sanded, cured, and painted rust and scratches
- Replaced all brake and shifting cables
- Replaced handlebar tape
- Serviced chain
- Serviced front and back derailleurs
- Serviced front and back brakes
- SCRUBBED that whole puppy down with degreaser and an old t-shirt
- Installed front rack for panniers (saddle bags)
- Installed panniers
Slowly but surely I am falling deeply in love with this bike. Let’s ride!
Special thanks to Park Tools for your AMAZING tutorial videos.
Biggest thanks to Ryan for encouraging me to keep going on the bike and for helping to steady me when I needed it. And to Sue and Jon Wagner for your hospitality, company, and food! We had such a great time staying with you and love you both so much ❤️
There and Back Again 