Review: Surly Long Haul Trucker [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Trek420

07-21-2007, 08:56 PM

Knott and I were out enjoying all the wonders Seattle provides including now, Peets coffeeeeee. We passed by Freerange Cycles by the Burke Gilman trail and I test drove along the ship canal.

They juuuuust happened to have a Surly built up. The 46 was being built up but they had a 42 built up. I ride a 46-47 in most bikes. The reason I say "about" is the Mondonico is custom so I'm not sure what size it would be, other road bikes I've had or ridden were in that range.

"42??!!:eek:" I said but figured it's just a test ride. So after a quick adjustment of the seat off I went.

I like this bike :)

Handling is so steady, stable and reliable. It's not a race bike, it's not meant to be. I got the feeling that the longer I rode this bike the more I'd like it.

You can forget about bumps, it absorbs them and yet still felt crisp. The cockpit was very comfortable, everything is right where I want it to be, I felt aerodynamic enough but upright, not stretched out. Surprise, surprise, the 42 fit me.

Aesthetics: the welds are nice, TIG welds are smooth, it has a lugged front fork, the rest of the bike is TIG, the paint job is smooth but not flashy. I'm glad they went to a blue/grey, the old green was yucky. And best of all....it has spare spoke holders built into the chain stay!! Sweet.

It seems like an excellent touring bike, utility bike, commuter. Alround nice bike.

http://www.surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html

KnottedYet

07-21-2007, 09:45 PM

the Bystander's Report:

Shop-dude brought out the 42cm and Trek's eyes lit up. "But won't it be too small?" "Well, maybe it will work!" "Hey, it's not that small!"

She's fondling the bike before it's even out of the shop. Dude tells her to ride down the block and then come back and he'll adjust the seat. She comes back with a HUGE grin on her face, didn't want to get off and let him adjust the seat (down about 3 cm, so it REALLY needed to be adjusted!) wanted to just keep riding.

I gave her directions, and she took off. I started walking after her. She came back. I gave her more directions (for westbound B-G), and she took off. I kept walking. She came back. I gave her directions for eastbound B-G, and turned around and walked the other way. She was like a ping-pong ball, bouncing between me and the landmarks I gave her, smiling the whole way.

She looked damm good on that bike. We stopped at one point and examined the critter, ooohed and aaaaahed over the very cute spoke holder (with two spokes) and the beautiful welds and the braze-ons for front and rear fenders and front and rear racks. Stroked the gorgeous subtle blue paint. "Puppy-belly smooth."

She rode some more, over curbs and around signs, ping-ponging with me at the center of her orbit. It was a good 45 minute test ride, all this in a pair of Levis and sandals! And on a very ummmm, cheap saddle.

Later when we went to REI we met a fellow with a Surly Pacer in for some repairs. He told us what he didn't like about the Pacer, and Trek pretty much decided that for what she wanted the Pacer wasn't the ticket. Looks like LHT love!:D

(just think, we could be The Two Surly Chicks!)

northstar

07-25-2007, 11:50 AM

I was just looking at Surly's website today and thinking that I might want a LHT for my next commuter/run around town bike. (And being a Minneapolitan, Surly's are extra sweet.) Perhaps next year. I have always been fascinated with touring bikes and this one's just darn cool.

I want, I want!

Trek420

07-25-2007, 01:07 PM

(And being a Minneapolitan, Surly's are extra sweet.) .... I want, I want!

Are they made there? :)

nicole309

07-25-2007, 03:17 PM

I actually tried to get a Long Haul Trucker, but because of all the press they are getting, they are pretty much sold out everywhere. When I bought my bike in May we sat down with a list of all the dealers in WA, OR, ID, and MT. Not a one had a Long Haul Trucker. :(
I ended up with a Jamis Aurora instead, which I love. :D
I would say if you find the Surly, go for it!! Quickly!!

KnottedYet

07-25-2007, 10:52 PM

Free Range Cycles and Recycled Cycles in Seattle both carry Surly LHT.

Trek test-rode one at Free Range. I saw a couple (wrong size) at Recycled Cycles, too. Free Range is very careful to keep one of each size in stock. But they sell very quickly!

northstar

07-26-2007, 09:44 AM

I know Surly is Mpls based...if you go to their website, the photo on the front page is based on First Ave, our pride and joy nightclub downtown. Not sure if the bikes are actually built here though...

I'm also wondering Surly bikes are connected with Surly beer, which I think is local to us, too...Mmm, mmm, good!

shorty

07-27-2007, 11:55 AM

Just had a 42 surly cross check built up - what a fantastic bike - just thought I would join the surly love in!:D

KnottedYet

07-27-2007, 10:02 PM

Love my 52cm Surly Cross Check.

Zen

07-27-2007, 11:12 PM

I have been thinking for some time now that I bought the wrong bike.
the Pilot fits great and is a nice bike for someone who wants to go fast but that's definitely not me.
One of the guys in my bike club has a Jamis Aurora I admire, I think I'll have a look at the LHT even though I don't have any money. maybe I can get one on a contingency basis.

KnottedYet

07-27-2007, 11:24 PM

I used to be wild for the Jamis Aurora.

But for a hundred more there is the Surly Cross Check.

And a few hundred more is the Surly Long Haul Trucker.

check the component packages. The Surly frames are gorgeous, but the components are different. (bar end shifters on the Surly completes, for example)

I love the bar end shifters, and the brake levers on the CC are just so incredibly comfortable.

eofelis

08-10-2007, 01:16 PM

I have a 42cm LHT in the sage green, which I like. I also have a 42cm Pacer. They are both sweet rides!

Yen

09-26-2008, 07:16 PM

I have been thinking for some time now that I bought the wrong bike.
the Pilot fits great and is a nice bike for someone who wants to go fast but that's definitely not me.
.....

It's not me either. I bought a Roubaix Expert and, while it's a beautiful, fast, light bike, it's too fast/light for me. I feel like I'm riding a crystal vase on wheels. Riding over gravel trails is like using the fine china in the brick patio. Today I put a deposit on a Surly LHT, size 54cm (I'm a little over 5'8"). Now I'm trying to figure out which parts to swap for what (saddle and bars, pedals, etc.).

divingbiker

09-27-2008, 03:37 AM

It's not me either. I bought a Roubaix Expert and, while it's a beautiful, fast, light bike, it's too fast/light for me. I feel like I'm riding a crystal vase on wheels. Riding over gravel trails is like using the fine china in the brick patio. Today I put a deposit on a Surly LHT, size 54cm (I'm a little over 5'8"). Now I'm trying to figure out which parts to swap for what (saddle and bars, pedals, etc.).

Wow, Yen, what a journey you've had finding a bike that works for you. I love your analogies. What are you going to do with the Roubaix?

I'll be curious to see how you like the LHT. Hope things are good over on the BF50+. I haven't been there in a while.

elk

09-27-2008, 05:45 PM

yeah...I have an Aurora. I liked the Surly too, but the Aurora just fit me better.

don't forget the Trek 520. Sweet bike if the reach isn't too much...it has a long wheel base for loaded touring and thus a longer reach.

I DO love my Jamis....

Clare

09-27-2008, 08:57 PM

I don't post often,....well hardly at all,...but I like to read this forum for the great information and wisdom that comes from the awesome people on this site...

anyways...I Love my Long Haul Trucker!!!! I have a bike addiction problem:). I have five bikes. Two of which I don't ride, one to eventually sell....( an extra small specialize sequoia espert) and a 1990's trek mountain bike. I also ride a specialize Ruby Expert and a Specialize full supension mtn bike. Now, the Ruby is light and so quick and responsive...BUT the LHT is so steady and COMFORTABLE. I am slower on the LHT but i feel, oh so much better riding my Surly Q (her name) than I do riding my Ruby. I think that maybe I should sell the Ruby, too.

So..just another good word for the Surly...this bike is one comfortable ride!

GraysonKelly

09-29-2008, 10:18 AM

Hi All,
Ya'll are making me nuts!:) In a good way! I haven't even ridden one yet and I want one. I really, really want the LHT but I want the bigger wheels so I'm jonsing for the cross check. Actually, I'm obsessing about the cross check. I've already decided that I will make that bike fit if I have to!! Heck, I've hever even ridden a bike with drop handlebars before but I'm willing to learn...only on the cross check. I think I'm a little crazy about this. And thanks to whoever it was that mentioned they are sold in minneapolis. I have an uncle that lives in rochester, MN and I just might have to arrange to go visit him and have him take me to look at some surlys!!! Want surly will travel!!! hahaha
Gray

ginny

09-29-2008, 05:02 PM

I have posted a few times about my LHT.... I love it! Just another vote in that direction... They are super fun (I actually likened the bike to my banana seat bike I had as a kid), and tough too :)

Yen

09-30-2008, 09:47 PM

Wow, Yen, what a journey you've had finding a bike that works for you. I love your analogies. What are you going to do with the Roubaix?

I'll be curious to see how you like the LHT. Hope things are good over on the BF50+. I haven't been there in a while.

Wow, you have an excellent memory! Yes, it's been a journey. I plan to keep the Roubaix. It's a very nice bike, but I wouldn't consider it an all-purpose bike for me. For someone else I'm sure.... just not for me.

Beane

10-01-2008, 08:36 PM

My husband was recently looking for a 'cross bike and considered the surly cross check, but in the end he decided to go with a used gunnar. The main reason is that the surlys are made from straight gauge chinese steel instead of reynolds 853 or true temper ox platinum. Another very competitively priced option is the Soma doublecross, which is made from Tange prestige tubing. The main issue with straight gauge compared to butted is that it is not as strong or light. Just something to think about.

Blueberry

10-02-2008, 06:11 AM

Beane-

You're absolutely right, and we've been looking for a "better" frame than my Cross Check for my DH. However, I've seen some scary pictures of failed welds on SOMA's in my research (head tube sheared off), and apparently they don't really honor their warranty. One of our shop guys got one, though, and it's a pretty bike! The Gunnars have about a 20-25 pound weight limit on what the bike can carry, so you can't tour with it (or get groceries, really). SOMA is close to the same price as Surly, Gunnar is about 2x as I recall.

We're still looking:)

CA

Beane

10-02-2008, 08:33 AM

You're right, the gunnars do have a weight limit in terms of what they will warranty. I suppose if you are carrying tons of cargo weight you don't mind a few extra pounds of frame weight...

Blueberry

10-02-2008, 08:43 AM

The difference is about .8 pounds on the frame. Not sure about the fork.

Anybody know of a frameset built of the higher quality steel alloys that doesn't have a reputation for failure (SOMA) and doesn't have a low weight limit (Gunnar)? Preferably within a budget:)

CA

Beane

10-02-2008, 09:42 AM

not really an answer, but some AMAZING photos (and crazy people!)

http://www.fullyloadedtouring.com/

ms pepperpot

10-15-2008, 10:17 AM

Just thought I'd add I'm getting an LHT - 42 in green. I should be getting it in about 3 weeks. :) I'm so excited.

PscyclePath

10-21-2008, 11:09 AM

Surly... it's not just a brand of bikes ;-)

I converted to a Cross-Check back the first of August, and if there's a bike that does everything, the C-C is it...

twin

01-24-2009, 10:27 PM

I also love my LHT it is comfortable and I can ride on all surfaces. I have a Tubus front and rear rack and now am using only the rear rack. It also sports yellow Ortlieb panniers when I need them. Mine is blue and my twins is sage green and my brother-in-laws is blue.a family of LHT's.

Trek420

01-25-2009, 08:08 AM

Pictures please :D

How about a group "Surly Family" photo :cool:

twin

01-25-2009, 08:47 AM

Good idea I will work on that!

twin

01-27-2009, 05:12 AM

My LHT in the woods.

ms pepperpot

01-28-2009, 09:08 AM

I've had mine for a couple of months now and it's wonderful. there'a a rather poor photo on another thread, i'll try and put a better one up soon (hopefully in an equally good out doors setting)

canonsue

04-01-2009, 05:33 PM

I realize that this thread started a long time ago but I thought I would continue it as I just purchased my LHT. I should get it some time next week. Yes, I will certainly post a pic or two.

-Sue

sgtiger

04-01-2009, 06:51 PM

canonsue, congrats on the LHT!:cool: They are nice bikes and versatile to boot. I look forward to seeing yours. Welcome to TE, BTW.

creativadiva

05-05-2009, 09:30 PM

I've had mine a few months now and love it. I was almost turned off by the 26" wheels when contemplating buying it but now they don't bother me. I'm 5'8" and normally ride a 56cm but with the LHT I ride a 54cm. I swapped out a few components, the main ones being the stem and handlebars. I went with albatross bars for a more upright position and am so glad I did. I kept the the bar-end shifters which I love. Even though it's not a "fast bike" when I'm riding it I don't feel slow, it's just a really enjoyable ride.

Slowly but surely I'll be adding things (Brooks saddle, Nitto racks and a few other things) to make it my "faux rando" bike. I can't afford a Rivendell but I can make this look like one. Well, sort of. :)

twin

05-06-2009, 07:47 PM

Congratulations on your new LHT's. Pictures please. I am also 5"8 and I also have the 54cm with the 26"wheels and I have become used to them and think it makes for a very versital bike. I have a rear Tubus rack and a honey Brooks saddle with a DiNotte rear light and Ortlieb yellow bags. The components that are different are aThompson seat post and Shimano double sided SPD pedals so that I can ride with regular shoes and last but not least Schwalbe tires.

ASammy1

05-07-2009, 08:30 AM

Have you seen the new "truckaccino" color for the LHT? I love it! I'm trying to convince DBF that our Trek road bikes are not suitable for the long distance rides we are planning

Help me out!

ms pepperpot

05-18-2009, 12:53 PM

finally an ok picture - taken when I was riding in Somerset over the weekend avoiding the rain showers and battling with the wind.

Zen

05-18-2009, 01:50 PM

kacie tri-ing

05-18-2009, 03:35 PM

Zen

05-18-2009, 03:39 PM

Ebay:D

elk

05-18-2009, 04:26 PM

Yippee!!!! I didn't know you won that bike. I probably can't say oh you will love it, because I am not you...but I sure love mine....:D

and odds are that you will too.

i have never heard a bad word about that bike and you got a great price.
Can;t wait to see a photo of YOU on it....seriously.

wait! what's with the red face of abashment....are you only half glad?

elk

05-18-2009, 04:30 PM

finally an ok picture - taken when I was riding in Somerset over the weekend avoiding the rain showers and battling with the wind.

LOVELY!!!! bike in a lovely landscape....

Zen

05-18-2009, 04:49 PM

LOVELY!!!! bike in a lovely landscape....

That is a great photo :)

wait! what's with the red face of abashment....are you only half glad?

Oh, I'm glad but I feel as if I have a compulsion or lack control. Hearing those "you have how many bikes :eek:?" voices.
Eh. They can go suck an egg.

BleeckerSt_Girl

05-18-2009, 04:52 PM

finally an ok picture - taken when I was riding in Somerset over the weekend avoiding the rain showers and battling with the wind.

That's truly beautiful!

elk

05-18-2009, 04:58 PM

That is a great photo :)

Oh, I'm glad but I feel as if I have a compulsion or lack control. Hearing those "you have how many bikes :eek:?" voices.
Eh. They can go suck an egg.

It's your own voice....but you know what? you got a great price on a great bike and there are far far worse addictions. People spend 4x that on bad vacations...

ms pepperpot

05-19-2009, 05:27 AM

How did you all go about buying a surly? Are there shops near you wher you could test ride ofr did you just go on blind faith and order?
I wanted to look at them but there are no local shops that sell them so I am now awaiting arrival of a Jamis Aurora :o
It was only $500 + $75 shipping. I couldn't pass it by.

i had to go on blind faith. I went to the shop and got to see frames and spent some time standing over them while the guy from the bike shop held wheels in place to get an idea of the stand over. From that I figured the only one which fitted was the 42cm LHT, (I was also considering the cross-check).

I then explained what i wanted to another guy from the bike shop. I had a think and decided to go with all the suggestions (as i figured he knew more about this stuff than I do). A few weeks later it was built and i went and it was the lovely little bike pictured above. It's fitted really well from the start, but I think the fact i had got to play with the frames a bit meant I had a good idea that it would be ok.

nb. we can only get frames easily here, we can't get off-the peg full surly bikes.

ps. thank you for all the nice comments on the picture

canonsue

05-19-2009, 06:18 AM

How did you all go about buying a surly? Are there shops near you where you could test ride ofr did you just go on blind faith and order?

I am another 42cm LHT owner. No LBS that I visited had bikes (any kind) in my size to try. For me, I had to find a responsive LBS that featured Surly bikes so they knew the bike well enough and just had to trust them on sizing after a thorough measurement.

-Sue

Red Rock

05-19-2009, 09:42 AM

I have recently been reading about these bikes. They must be sweet. It looks like it would be a great touring/commuter bike. I would love to be an owner of one, but I guess I will have to wait.:(

Love your oics of your bikes:D

Red Rock

kaian

05-20-2009, 11:14 AM

Hey Everyone! I am thinking of buying a Surly LHT. Actually, I have my road bike up for sale (Trek 1500) so I can fund the purchase of the Surly! :) After riding the 1500 for a while, I decided that I want something that isn't going to beat me up while riding. When I ride on rough roads, I feel totally sore and tired after riding the aluminum road bike. I am just not comfortable on the Trek!

None of the shops around here have Surly in-stock though, so I have to go with blind faith. I am small, so like the idea of the smaller wheels, but am nervous about the weight and feel of the bike. Maybe you all can help ease my concerns!?! :)

I am just concerned that the LHT won't be good for the shorter rides. Honestly, I have never toured, but would like the option. I guess I want something comfortable for all kinds of road riding - short, long, extra-long. Will the LHT be good for this or should I consider the Cross Check or something else?

I often ride my MTB on the road and it is sluggish, but feels more comfortable than the Trek, so...I can deal with some extra weight, but don't want a tank. Thoughts from some of the smaller LHT owners??

Thanks! :)

kaian

05-26-2009, 07:03 AM

Anyone? :)

Zen

05-26-2009, 10:53 AM

Bueller?

Cataboo

05-26-2009, 11:52 AM

Anyone? :)

I don't have a long haul trucker and haven't ridden one, so I can't comment.

I do have a surly pacer that's set up with a flat bar and I run 700x28 tires on it... and it feels a bit like a tank. It's still much quicker than my mountain bike on the roads, and I ride it around to commute on. Very comfortable bike. I think I've done my 15 miles on it, and a friend has down about 25 on it.

It's not as quick as my road bikes, but it's still a very nice ride.

canonsue

05-26-2009, 03:45 PM

I am small, so like the idea of the smaller wheels, but am nervous about the weight and feel of the bike. Maybe you all can help ease my concerns!?! :)

I am just concerned that the LHT won't be good for the shorter rides. Honestly, I have never toured, but would like the option. I guess I want something comfortable for all kinds of road riding - short, long, extra-long. Will the LHT be good for this or should I consider the Cross Check or something else?

Sorry about the late reply, I did not see your post until today. I think the LHT is great for short and long rides. It is my only bike. Check out the Surly users group (http://groups.google.com/group/SurlyLHT/) and you will see post after post of great rides with the LHT.

The Cross Check is a bit more nimble but depending upon how small you are, it may not work. When I began looking, I wanted a Cross Check but the smallest frame was simply too large for me. I am 5'3".

-Sue

kaian

05-27-2009, 07:13 AM

Thanks for that link - very helpful! I think I am pretty much sold on the LHT! Now I just need to sell my Trek. :)

ms pepperpot

05-27-2009, 10:06 AM

The Cross Check is a bit more nimble but depending upon how small you are, it may not work. When I began looking, I wanted a Cross Check but the smallest frame was simply too large for me. I am 5'3".

-Sue

This was also my experience. I didn't get to try out any fully built bikes but by looking at some frames and seeing how high they would be I found out that even with the 42cm cross-check frame there'd be no standover room.

In terms of how heavy etc. they are, for me my LHT is the lightest most nimble bike I have had, but then the one I had before was a very clunky tank and I don't have a road bike. It's lovely to ride. I commute most days and have a 13mile round trip. I've also done some longer loaded rides (so far only up to 30 miles at once but much hillier terrain) and it's been great.

kaian

06-09-2009, 09:58 AM

I ordered my 42cm olive green Surly LHT this past Saturday! I am excited, but also nervous about affording it. I sold my old road bike, but the money from that is only covering 1/2 the cost! I keep telling myself this will be THE bike though and it will increase my happiness. :) Some people are house-poor, I am bike-poor. ;) hahaha.

ms pepperpot

06-10-2009, 08:16 AM

I keep telling myself this will be THE bike though and it will increase my happiness. :).

Well my 42cm olive green LHT is my only bike and it has definitely increased my happiness :D

pakinmd

06-24-2009, 03:07 PM

First of, I'm not female - I hope my thought are welcome here.
Zen wrote that she has a Pilot and wanted is looking at a "touring" style bike. I too have a Pilot, my first really nice bike - I love it. However, when I got my Surly LHT, it became my daily ride. I use it for commuting (16 miles into Washington DC) club rides, shopping, day tours, and I hope to do my first solo tour from Maryland to North Carolina with it. The LHT is ALOT heavier than the Trek, but what the hey - with a low gear of 46 gear inches, I might be able to ride it up a wall if I could just stay on. It was built up by my LBS, from a pretty "black cherry pearl" frame.
It is certainly not my fast bike, but the ride is stable, gentle but responsive. I am a heavy guy at 240 lbs but w/ short legs (29" inseam) so I have the 54 cm with 26" wheels. I had the wheels built up as 36 spokes with XT hubs, and I use a Brooks Flyer (springs). I also added shiny chromed steel fenders.
The Aurora is also a nice steel bike - I can't think you'll be unhappy with either so long as it fits.
Paul

eofelis

06-24-2009, 06:30 PM

Here's my 42cm LHT, Camion, doing what she does best. This was last summer on a 12 day tour, 500 miles around southwest Colorado. This picture was taken near Silverton, CO.

http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/45178/2832675160046505395S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2832675160046505395vCqgkD)

On this day we climbed Molas and Coal Bank Passes. We rode off Coal Bank Pass in a thunderstorm and heavy rain. The LHT was steady and "on rails" the whole way down on the wet roads. Great bike.

I have ~6lbs in each front pannier (tent body in one, fly in the other) and ~12lbs in each rear pannier. The front rack is a Blackburn lowrider, the rear is a Delta Sherpa. They both work fine for what I carry. Panniers are Jandd Mountain and Mini Mountain.

The gearing is full XT mountain, 22-34 low gear. I like it. My shifters are 9sp bar end shifters mounted on Pauls Thumbies on the tops of my bars. I have inline 'cross brake levers too. I can shift and brake from the tops of the bars. I don't have any room left for putting a handlebar bag and I really don't need one. I use a small Camelback and keep my wallet in it. My wheels are overkill: Sun Rhinolite rims on 36h XT hubs, but they were $110/set from Nashbar; couldn't pass them up.

The orange roll on top is the Boy's foam roller for his IT band exercises he tries to do everyday. I don't mind carrying it for him if it makes his ride a bit better. He's the ride mechanic, after all.

canonsue

06-25-2009, 05:36 AM

TxDoc

06-25-2009, 06:38 AM

I love the bar end shifters, and the brake levers on the CC are just so incredibly comfortable.

Does that mean bar end shifter on the Surly? So on a bike that is not a time trial bike? I only have bar end shifter on the TT bike and I did not even know that they were normally used elsewhere...
:confused:
Where do you put your bar end shifters then - at the end of regular road handlebars? And if so, what is the advantage over integrated brake levers/shifters or downtube shifters? Do you have a picture so I can see how they work?
Thanks!

eofelis

06-25-2009, 06:47 AM

Surlypacer,

I have been thinking about using Pauls Thumbies and inline brake levers. Is this something you would recommend? Can you tell us more about why you did this and the advantages?

Thanks,

-Sue

I really like the set up I have, even though my bars a bit crowded now. I had downtube shifters, I like the simplicity of them, but I felt unsteady reaching down to shift on a loaded bike. The Pauls thumbies were expensive, $50, but I really wanted to try them.

I'll go take some pictures of my set up:

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/43126/2890304110046505395S425x425Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2890304110046505395QfALZV)

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/43235/2225293920046505395S425x425Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2225293920046505395uVfMvj)

My bf put them on the bike for me. He had to stagger them on the bars to make them fit the right way for me. The left shifter is moved inboard and angled down to make room for the cable of the right shifter. He cleverly put noodles from V-brakes on the cables to bend them and set the cables where he wanted them.

I really like the inline brake levers too. These are just sale-table Specialized levers. They work the V-brakes well. I have the same exact model levers on my Pacer and they work the road caliper brakes well too. On longs descents where I like to go slow, it's nice to have the 'cross levers. My hands get tired always pulling the aerolevers.

I can have my hands up on the flat part of the bars and brake and shift. Sometimes the loaded bike can get squirrely, especially if it's windy, and it's nice to be able to keep me hands on the bars at all times. I get a bit wobbly on climbs and now I can shift down on climbs with out reaching down and upsetting my balance even more.

I feel that this set up enhances my comfort and safety on the bike.

I saw a set up like mine on a blue LHT someone posted to crazyguyonabike. I don't recall who it was.

eofelis

06-25-2009, 06:51 AM

Sorry about the late reply, I did not see your post until today. I think the LHT is great for short and long rides. It is my only bike. Check out the Surly users group (http://groups.google.com/group/SurlyLHT/) and you will see post after post of great rides with the LHT.

The Cross Check is a bit more nimble but depending upon how small you are, it may not work. When I began looking, I wanted a Cross Check but the smallest frame was simply too large for me. I am 5'3".

-Sue

I love the CC too, but the 72cm standover on the 42cm model was just too tall for me. The Pacer and the LHT have a 70cm standover. My bf has a CC as his tourer and it's a neato-bike.

KnottedYet

06-25-2009, 09:22 AM

Does that mean bar end shifter on the Surly? So on a bike that is not a time trial bike? I only have bar end shifter on the TT bike and I did not even know that they were normally used elsewhere...
:confused:
Where do you put your bar end shifters then - at the end of regular road handlebars? And if so, what is the advantage over integrated brake levers/shifters or downtube shifters? Do you have a picture so I can see how they work?
Thanks!

Isn't it cool the way technology for one style of bike can so easily swoop over onto another style of bike? That's one of the things I love about bikes; you can mix and match to your heart's content!

Bar-end shifters were a great advance after crotch-skewering stem mounted shifters came along, but they really got swept under the rug by brifters. The advantage over downtube shifters is that the lever is right there at the end of the bar and you don't have to let go of the bar to shift. I like them more than brifters because they are friendlier to my weak hands. They also mesh nicely with any brand of derailleur, and they are a gazillion dollars cheaper than brifters. And very easy to fix yourself.

I keep mine on friction mode on my Surly, I like the finesse given by friction. She now has a Campy front der and a Shimano rear der, no compatibility issues. My Giant with downtube shifters is kept on index mode, cuz there ain't NO finesse in Knot flailing around with one hand. My Waterford has Campy brifters, which I like quite a lot, but even though they are smallish Athenas they can be a bit awkward for my weenie hands. (She has two different brands of derailleur, too... I like to mix and match, and the Campy Athenas let me do that just fine.)

If you look at the Surly website you can see the barcons pretty well on some of the bike pictures. http://surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html and http://surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html are pretty good pictures. My CC has moustache bars now, and the brake levers and barcons switched over seamlessly. I don't have a picture of that, sorry.

TxDoc

06-25-2009, 11:34 AM

If you look at the Surly website you can see the barcons pretty well on some of the bike pictures. http://surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html and http://surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html are pretty good pictures.

They look cool - although I'm quite sure that if I were to try those I'd fall on my face right away... :rolleyes:

KnottedYet

06-25-2009, 11:38 AM

They look cool - although I'm quite sure that if I were to try those I'd fall on my face right away... :rolleyes:

Nahhhh, you'd have no problem! Your first 3 fingers and thumb maintain their grip on the drop, and you shift with the heel of your hand and pinky.

pakinmd

07-15-2009, 02:05 PM

I have been riding my LHT for about 1 1/2 years now and I really love it. I rarely ride the carbon bike (Trek Pilot 5.2) much anymore. I just built out a Rawland Sogn, to use as a commuter. It has 650 B wheels which seem to be both faster and more able to handle rough stuff than the 26" wheels on my Surly. It's shod with Grand Bois Hetres (650B 42) and I took it on a 34 mile dirt / gravel ride. I still love the Surly, but I love the Sogn even more - a true all-rounder. For pics, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/pakinmd/RawlandSogn# BTW - I got used to bar end shifters, and really like them.

Cataboo

07-15-2009, 02:12 PM