Trek 520 vs Cannondale T1 or T2

[dkoloko]

Interested in feedback from anyone who has touring experience with recent models of both, to compare. Not interested in components, advantages of repairing steel over aluminum, choices in other brands, etc. Just these two, differences in handling and ride. (Yes, I know Cannondale has discontinued touring models for now.) Thanks.

[Ailish]

Handling and ride are subjective experiences.  The better bike is the one you're most comfortable on.  Even if people who've ridden both offer opinions, that reflects how the bikes feel to them, not you.

[DaveB]

AFAIK, the T1 and T2 used identical frames but the T1 had higher level components at a higher price.

[dkoloko]

"Handling and ride are subjective experiences.  The better bike is the one you're most comfortable on.  Even if people who've ridden both offer opinions, that reflects how the bikes feel to them, not you."

This would mean that all the opinions of handling and ride in all the reviews of bikes have no value. I take a more open view; hence my inquiry.

[paddleboy17]

A buddy of mine rides a T2.  He claims that it has a little bit of shorter wheel base than a typical touring bike, and hence was a little more nimble.  He also raced cycle cross on it for a while, and bent the fork in a crash.  I think he was able to retrofit a fork from Independent Fabrications.  He had no issues touring on it.

I know someone who owns a 520, but he never toured on it.

Like any used bike, it comes down to how badly the previous owner abuse the frame,  what kind of shape the components are in, and how much it costs you out of pocket.

Bottom line, if you want a T2 then buy one.

[dkoloko]

I have a T2. Query was difference in ride and handling with Trek 520. I'm surprised at advice if you want to know buy one, which could be said in answer to most questions on this forum. Still interested in hearing from anyone who has actual experience with late models Cannondale T1 or T2 and Trek 520 who can give difference in ride and handling.

[PeteJack]

I've yet to hear of anyone repairing a steel frame. I suppose steel is less likely to break if you attempt to straighten a bent frame. Forget about welding. In the western hemisphere it's probably easier and cheaper to replace a frame than mend it if it's badly bent or broken. Repairability was not a consideration when I bought my 520. having said that I have had to have the derailer hanger bent back into alignment a couple of times. I suspect a hanger on an aluminum frame may have broken off.

[DaveB]

I've yet to hear of anyone repairing a steel frame. I suppose steel is less likely to break if you attempt to straighten a bent frame. Forget about welding. In the western hemisphere it's probably easier and cheaper to replace a frame than mend it if it's badly bent or broken. Repairability was not a consideration when I bought my 520. having said that I have had to have the derailer hanger bent back into alignment a couple of times. I suspect a hanger on an aluminum frame may have broken off.

"Repairability" is the myth many touring riders  use to recommend a steel frame but modern thin wall Cr-Mo tubing is no more repairable by a third-world village welder than aluminum.  As to the bent derailleur hanger, yes steel hangers can be realigned a couple of times if not too badly bent but most Al frames have replacable hangers which serve the same purpose.