If the used bike fits you, this is somewhat important, it will be a very fine bike to tour on. Or ride anywhere.
Bikes, quality ones such as the Trek 520, last for many, many, many, many thousands and tens of thousands of miles. The main parts of a bike don't really wear out. Actually used parts have proven they work and will not fail on you. And one cross country trip of 4,000 miles is merely the infancy of a bike's lifespan.
I used a Trek 520 to tour Europe in 1992. And I used the same bike for many thousands of miles of riding afterwards. I'd still be riding the bike except I replaced the frame and fork because it was too small when I bought it in 1992. I've always known this, and finally decided to fix it, 12 years later. But just because the bike was too small and not the best fit, I still rode many miles. So if the desire to ride across the country is there, the bike is very secondary.
I would suggest getting it overhauled before taking it on tour. Hubs and headset regreased. Chain and cogs checked for skipping. Probably new chain. Clean everything. Brakes checked to be sure they work. Bottom bracket and crank checked. Wheels checked for trueness. New tires. Etc. All work you can easily do yourself with minimal tools. And work you should know how to do yourself to go on a cross country tour. And buy the panniers your buddy used too.
This message was edited by RussellSeaton on 3-6-05 @ 6:05 PM
