If you want to get away from the traffic and pollution in the city and just explore your local trails in a new way, the Trek 520 and 520 Grando gravel bikes will provide a fun and fast adventure on your next off-road ride.
While both the Trek 520 and 520 Grando share the same frame, fork, front, and rear Shimano hubs, steel spokes, and tubeless-ready rims. However, the 520 has better shifters than the Grando and has a backpack rack that you’ll not find in the Grando. The Grando on the other hand has more versatile tires and is much lighter than the 520.
Table for the differences between Trek 520 and Grando 520
| Model | Trek 520 | 520 Grando |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 31.4 lbs | 29.27 lbs |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Sora R3030 | Shimano Tiagra 4700 |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Alivio M4000 | Shimano GRX RX400 |
| Cassette | 11-36, 9 speed | 11-36, 10 speed |
| Tires | Bontrager H1 hard-case ultimate 700x38c | Bontrager GR1 Expert hard-case 700x40c |
| Availability | Check price | Check price |
Trek 520 vs the 520 Grando. How do they differ?
Tires
Both bikes have very different tires. The 520 tires are thinner with a harder casing that can’t be easily pierced by sharp rocks or thorns on the trail. However, the Grando tires are wider and nubby which makes them more versatile to provide more traction on both gravel and pavement.
The Grando has better, more versatile tires.
Shifters
The two bikes use very different Shimano shifters with the 520 using the Shimano Alivio M4000 for the rear derailleurs and Shimano Sora for the front ones. The Grando uses the Shimano GRX RX400 for the rear and Shimano Tiagra for the front derailleurs.
The Grando has better, smoother shifters than 520.
Trek 520 vs the 520 Grando. A comparison review
Trek 520Â
- HQRP® Bike Tube Presta (French) Valve;
- Tube size: 700*28/38C;
- 200 days warranty!
A great road bike with a rugged, simple design and a steel frame that you can comfortably ride on your all-day adventures and road trips. It features mudguard and rack mounts, stable geometry, and a wide range of gears for climbing. The tubeless-ready wheels, puncture-free tires, and powerful Shimano Sora brakes will provide enough power and stability on different terrain surfaces.
Pros
- All-weather disc brakes
- Rack mounts for luggage
- Tubeless-ready wheels
Cons
- Expensive
Grando 520
No products found.
An excellent gravel bike that is great for bikepacking and gravel riding on less-traveled roads. It features a steel frame, alloy disc fork with ThruSkew, a wide-range Shimano drivetrain for climbing, smooth shifting rear derailleurs, all-weather mechanical disc brakes, and wide tubeless-ready wheels. It also comes with a durable front rack for carrying your luggage on your adventures.
Pros
- Lightweight bike
- Versatile tires
- Great traction
Cons
- No backpack rack
Verdict. So, which is better?
The 520 Grando is a better bike because it’s lighter, has GRX rear derailleurs for better chain retention and smooth reliable shifting on rough terrain, and off-road-ready parts for a great trail adventure.
FAQ
Is the Trek 520 worth it?
This is a classic touring bike that is comfortable, stylish, durable and has convenient features that make it a great investment.
What does Trek 520 weigh?
The Trek 520 weighs about 13 kg and has a rack weight of 38 kg so the rider should be under 74 kg to meet the requirements of the bike.