Your Surly Bikes - show them to me. Please, I mean.

[moderncyclista]

I've noticed a few people on here have Surlys and I'd like to see the variations and varieties of our personalities come through, here.

Here's the most recent picture of mine, "Bowie".

http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j453/whiplash-girlchild/Snapbucket/6B5B2B37-orig.jpg

Fatter tires are awesome. Roll faster than the stock tires for some reason. All sorts of mods including a Velo Orange Setback seatpost (for my Brooks obsessed brain) and a whisper quiet Shimano Nexave rear-hub (the stock hub was very noisy and it just bugged me to ride it at night that loudly. I didn't want anyone to hear me coming, I just wanted to zip past em'. LOL.)

I have great affection for my 520 too, but I don't know how many of us own Trek 520s on here. :D

Share your Surly with me. ;)

[Blueberry]

No photos today, but I have a Black Surly Cross Check with pink wheels/bar tape/cages.

I also have a Trek 520 I adore:)

[soprano]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d152/soprano12/0712011934.jpg

Surly LHT, 52 cm w/26" wheels. This is my only bike right now. The photo was at the end of an 88 mile day, and the end of that tour. I'd like to point out that the bike was extremely stable with the load configured this way.

I've kept the stock components except for the saddle and tires; everything else worked great out of the box. I've got it set up with Tubus racks and Planet Bike fenders. I like wide tires, but the stock tires they put on this bike aren't very good so I replaced them with Schwables. I have zero problems keeping up with riders on skinny tires and I don't have to worry about miniscule little cracks in the pavement. Clocked 42.5 mph on a mountain one day (not on purpose) so I'm really not sure what people mean when they say that this bike isn't fast.

Love that Brooks Imperial. I ride 4000-5000 miles per year and I don't own bike shorts.

I have those adjustable Topeak modulus water bottle holders, and they just fit my stainless steel water bottles. Had trouble placing the bell, so I ended up screwing it into the shifter cable mount on the downtube. This works very well.

My right shifter broke smack in the middle of this summer's tour, causing the cable to break as well. I rented a car and hauled the thing to the nearest shop, where they replaced the cable and put the shifter on friction. So, I rode the next 800 miles of that tour on friction, and then another 1000 or so at home before I finally sucked it up and paid for a new shifter. I don't mind friction shifting out in the middle of nowhere, but in town, friction shifting on a 9-speed sucks.

This afternoon I'm riding to the hardware store for a few little parts (the rear fender-chainstay bridge connection is always problematic, so I'm always tinkering with it) and then I'll be giving my bike a bath.

[moderncyclista]

You rock! And so does your LHT!

I've had mine over a year now. And it's my go-to bike! I kind of get the whole one-bike-to-do-anything, now.

I never found one that fit this in my life. The LHT is it though. If I went back in time, (although I dearly love my 520 and it's an amazing bike) the LHT would be my first and only choice.

I don't regret buying the other, it's nice to have. I ride it plenty. Such as when the LHT is down for regular maintenance. I get pretty fussy about maintaining it. But, yeah. :D

As far as mileage, I have no idea how many miles I do or how fast I go. I think keeping track of it for me, would suck some fun out of it. :o Just because, I'd probably go slower than I'd like. LOL.

[eofelis]

No pic at the moment but I have a 42cm LHT. Mine is an old one - the original sage green color.

I used to ride a black 42cm Surly Pacer. Nice bike.

My SO has a LHT in truckaccino color and a Cross Check in dark green.

[cosc]

My lht is a dirty blue 54cm surly with 26 wheels, planet bike fenders. I haven't changed anything on it except pedals and saddle.
Gearing is great for touring. The stability of my bike is stellar. The bike is even more comfortable loaded, than without the weight.
I have a road bike and mountain, but nothing brings me more adventure than my touring buddy.
In this pic my dh and I are on the 2nd segment of the transamerica 2010. We hope to finish up this coming summer.http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14077&stc=1&d=1325646706

[whateveronfire]

Here's mine. Love this bike.

It's set-up is a little different. Added a Brooks and went to riser bars (from the Mary bars in the pic).

Does anything and gets me anywhere.

Oh and (duh) it's a 16" Karate Monkey.

[Sky King]

My lht is a dirty blue 54cm surly with 26 wheels, planet bike fenders. I haven't changed anything on it except pedals and saddle.
Gearing is great for touring. The stability of my bike is stellar. The bike is even more comfortable loaded, than without the weight.
I have a road bike and mountain, but nothing brings me more adventure than my touring buddy.
In this pic my dh and I are on the 2nd segment of the transamerica 2010. We hope to finish up this coming summer.http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14077&stc=1&d=1325646706

Love your photo! Have ridden that road before :) - I grew up in Yellowstone and my DH grew up in Bozeman.

I was comparing my Rivendell to a 54 cm Surly the other day - I am hoping to build an "adventure" bike soon. Was interesting and when we get a 52 cm in I will be able to try both. So I just had to share this photo! Bike Touring News is a certified surly dealer.

[moderncyclista]

I was comparing my Rivendell to a 54 cm Surly the other day - I am hoping to build an "adventure" bike soon. Was interesting and when we get a 52 cm in I will be able to try both. So I just had to share this photo! Bike Touring News is a certified surly dealer.

For what it's worth, it used to be on the Riv website that the LHT is a functional clone of the Atlantis. I don't know enough about bike geometry to confirm that. I honestly could see it though, if that were true. It used to say something like, "You want beautiful lugs and fancy paint, get the Atlantis. You don't want to pay that much, get a LHT." I have no idea how long the FAQ said that before they took it down. I do remember reading it though. It's what made me look Surly up! LOL.

Oh and I love my LHT and I love that photo! :D

[Atlas]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5188/5689336600_64c6a7984d_z.jpg
56cm Cross Check. I haven't done much other than change the saddle, tires, stem, and added a third chain ring. I love my bike so much. I just went out for a ride today for the first time in months. I had a knee injury in September and haven't been able to ride more than a few blocks since then but it was so nice out I couldn't resist. Its my commuter, road bike, touring bike, gravel/dirt path bike, everything bike. I look at other pretty bikes and sigh because I don't need them, my CC does it all (all that I want to do right now that is)

[Catrin]

My lovely LHT, currently my trainer bike...

[twin]

This is my third Surly and this is a keeper. Its taken about three years to decide exactly how I need my bike setup after shoulder replacement. So I have not cut the fork because I have to ride very upright. It's a very comfortable position. I have only added Drillium pedals and bamboo fenders. I really enjoy the pedals because when I commute I can wear any shoes. I have come to enjoy them on extended rides. My Surly has many bags to wear according to where we are going. I love my LHT.

[Biciclista]

I don't need another bike I don't need another bike. I don't need another bike.

....

these are sure fine looking bicycles!

[Rebecca19804]

MINE! 50cm Cross Check called "Bridget".

Bought it as a complete bike but had to swap out some of the stock parts to get a better fit. We now have:
* Bontrager Race Lite Anatomic bars in 38mm
* shorter stem with more rise (60mm +35degrees, versus 80mm/+6 degree as stock)
* 160 mm cranks
* 26T granny ring - bring on those hills!
Oh yes and now with Speedplay Frog pedals. :)

[Catrin]

I don't need another bike I don't need another bike. I don't need another bike.

....

these are sure fine looking bicycles!

Isn't the perfect number of bikes N+1?

:D

[Savra]

14173 Here is my lovely 42 LHT. I took her across NY last summer and debating doing it again this summer. With the Brooks saddle it is the most comfortable bike I have. The stock saddle sucked but other than that I haven't changed a thing. I did have to gerry rig the fenders on with parts from Home Depot so they weren't a few inches from the tires. I would like a lighter rack for the back and new computer. Otherwise, she's perfect just the way she is.

[Trek420]

Here's Knott's Surly Crosscheck with my Motobecane freewheel mixte.

[SallyRides]

I want to share a pic of my sweet blue loaded LHT, but not sure how to insert the pic here on TE. Help anyone?

SR

[feral1]

Click post a reply then on the little black paper clip looking thing above where you type. Then you can click browse and upload a pic :D

[Trek420]

I want to share a pic of my sweet blue loaded LHT, but not sure how to insert the pic here on TE. Help anyone?

SR

On your initial post or in edit mode under the edit screen is the additional options box. Underneath the blue text that says "manage files" is the "manage attachments" button, click that.

The manage attachments box should pop up. You should then be zen, unattached.

Oh wait, computer directions. :rolleyes: ;)

Click on "chose file" and find the file on your pc.

Click on "upload" on the right. ..... uploading file ... please wait, operators are standing by, we value your call :)

Close the window and voala. Wait, this is not a Surly :)

[bluegirl]

Voila! This is Surly Jack. Brooks saddle, frog pedals, and my awesome and coveted Acorn handlebar bag. Love.

[Savra]

Bluegirl - is that the medium sized Handlebar bag or the Boxy Rando Bag Handlebar bag??? I was looking at attempting to get the Handlebar bag. On your bike it looks pretty big. I feel like Goldilox and the three bears. I'm looking for "just the right" size bag - not to big, not too small - just right.

[Chicken Little]

I have the blue 46. I adore it. I ride it all the time. I can't live without it, and might as well sell everything in the garage. Did stick some 25' Gatorskins on it. It rides fast. I will never sell it.
:eek:

[Rebecca19804]

Well, I've gone and done it... I've bought a second Surly. :D

Just arrived Monday and build isn't 100% complete yet but here's (https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.10150758044578933.464523.701163932&type=1) where we've got to so far. (I'll figure out how to insert a proper thumbnail image in this post later.)

This will be my audax/randonneur bike and will be my partner for my club's tour in June from London to John O'Groats. The training is underway. We have two 60+ mile rides this week. It's all good.

[Rebecca19804]

My new baby. I am so in love.

P.S. Oh and after 12 years of quite contented singledom, I have a wonderful new boyfriend.... who also cycles.... so when I say "in love" here, it's relatively speaking. ;)

[moderncyclista]

Rebecca,

I love your Surly Pacer! So beautiful! Congratulations on all counts!!! :D

- Elaine

[madscot13]

hmm, I tried a LHT in 42 the other day and it did not feel as great as my trek 520. I just felt so sluggish. I only went for a short ride and I could tell that the bike had not been properly tweaked. Does anyone else feel this way after her first ride? Can anyone pipe in if it is a difference in geometry I am not used to, heavier stock components than mine, or just a bike that is not tuned up properly?
I really wanted to like it but it just didn't feel right. I'm just hoping my first impressions are wrong. I am not trying to bash it, so sorry!

[Sky King]

Madscott13, isn't it funny how sometimes a bike others love just isn't for you. Not sure why it felt sluggish, could have been the set up but a trek520 is also a sweet bike!

[moderncyclista]

hmm, I tried a LHT in 42 the other day and it did not feel as great as my trek 520. I just felt so sluggish. I only went for a short ride and I could tell that the bike had not been properly tweaked. Does anyone else feel this way after her first ride? Can anyone pipe in if it is a difference in geometry I am not used to, heavier stock components than mine, or just a bike that is not tuned up properly?
I really wanted to like it but it just didn't feel right. I'm just hoping my first impressions are wrong. I am not trying to bash it, so sorry!

I am one of the rare people who own both a Trek 520 and a Surly LHT. The 520 is more nimble and the tubing is definitely smaller diameter equaling lighter weight.

The LHT is stouter tubed but transfers less vibration to my hands and with fat tires is the cushest coolest ride on the road! I can go quite fast on my Surly. I had a guy honk at me in traffic one day (I thought he was going to be rude) he was smiling and yelled, "You're going over 30 miles per hour!" as he excitedly waved. :) (Disclaimer: this was on a small down-hill descent and I kept spinning into the flat and had gained great momentum. My average speed is not anywhere near that. Trust me, slow turtle.)

The bike itself doesn't make you fast or slow in my opinion. Being a better or worse cyclist does. I need more cardio, because all the skinny road-racing girls could kick my butt with their endurance, even on LHTs. :D But on windy days, nothing is tugging that LHT out of my hands or sweeping me over. Also, during the winter -- there is no better commuter.

I love the LHT. There is a transition when moving from one to the other. The gearing isn't the same and one feels weird after I've consistently ridden the other.

(Random statement: I'm sort of hankerin' to get a Cross-Check and turn it into a single speed.) Point being if you're not used to something, it will feel weird.

[Hartmame]

14452Here is mine. Built up from parts and I think it turned out real nice. It has matching tires now and I'm slowly adding things to get it ready for touring.

[moderncyclista]

14452Here is mine. Built up from parts and I think it turned out real nice. It has matching tires now and I'm slowly adding things to get it ready for touring.

Built from spare parts? Very nice bike you have there! Great job.

Also, to the other 520 riders I just swapped my rear cassette out on the 520. Anyone else had this done??? I felt like the "steps" between gears was just too large and I was never in the "right" gear to keep up a good cadence. Any thoughts?

And, finally more bikes everybody! Pics are wonderful to all who've posted!

[Hartmame]

I thought I'd post an updated photo of my Surly LHT.
14602

[jezbael]

Me and my truckaccino Surly LHT traveling around Prince Edward Island, Canada.

http://travelgeeks.blogspot.ca/2012/07/brudenell-to-campbell-cove.html?m=1

[Scrappy]

My 50cm LHT setup with Trekking Bars. Since this picture was taken I have added a B17 Imperial, changed the smallest chain ring to a 24t and put fatter tires on . The upright ride + trekking bars feels so much like driving a car, that sometimes I hit the turn signal at a stop sign, only to realize there isn't one..lol :p

Scrappy

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8608/imag0201x.jpg

[Catrin]

Scrappy - this...is...just...beautiful! Thanks for the picture!

[Scrappy]

Thank You Catrin! Do you miss your trucker?

[Catrin]

Thank You Catrin! Do you miss your trucker?

When I was commuting earlier in the summer I did a little, it would have made a great commuter even if she was so heavy. I am glad that she went to someone who would ride her more though.

[Kubla]

My 50cm LHT setup with Trekking Bars. Since this picture was taken I have added a B17 Imperial, changed the smallest chain ring to a 24t and put fatter tires on . The upright ride + trekking bars feels so much like driving a car, that sometimes I hit the turn signal at a stop sign, only to realize there isn't one..lol :p

Scrappy

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8608/imag0201x.jpg

Scrappy, that looks so cool! The wheels in particular caught my eye for some reason-what kind are they? They offset the black frame well. (My bikes have stock black wheels, but I am partial to a chrome finish.)

I've never tried trekking bars, but they look as though they'd be comfortable. (Where are the shifters?)

[Anyabeth]

These bikes are all so gorgeous. I have major LHT lust even though I don't need one at all.

[twin]

I have ridden my Karate Monkey single speed for almost a year and I use it mostly anywhere but trails. I have ridden fun simple trails on it. It is a really fun bike.

[Hartmame]

16740

I know I've updated my Surly photo before but I made some big changes for the 2013 summer. I added the front rack and am trying another saddle. the other one did over 2500 miles but seemed to cut off the circulation to my left leg on longer rides this new saddle seems to have solved that problem. I'm planning on adding fenders if I can get the ones I want.

[Sky King]

Is that a Selle Anatomic NS?
What fenders are you thinking,
I have Tanaka, Honjo, Gilles Berthoud (my fav), Velo Orange (noisy), SKS

16740

I know I've updated my Surly photo before but I made some big changes for the 2013 summer. I added the front rack and am trying another saddle. the other one did over 2500 miles but seemed to cut off the circulation to my left leg on longer rides this new saddle seems to have solved that problem. I'm planning on adding fenders if I can get the ones I want.

[Hartmame]

I run 1.5 x 26" tires and I don't like the look of the over sized MTB fenders so I'm looking at the planet bike recumbent fenders which will have to have some modification to get them to fit correctly when hung from my LHT frame. They seem to be out of stock right now so I still have time to consider other options.

[Jolt]

Here's mine, a 46cm LHT: 17112