Help me decide: Crosscheck, Long Haul Trucker, Cassaroll

Hi everyone,

Okay, so I have a road bike (Trek 2.3 WSD) that I've been riding about a year.... and I love it!! I love riding... I am hooked! So I'm looking to purchase another bike. I knew the moment I came on this forum that it would happen!

I'm looking to replace my old mountain bike (a Barracuda A2R) that I bought in the early 90's with something that more suits my life right now: running errands around town (possibly to the farmers market so I'll need a rear rack), riding the kids to school, riding around with the kids (one attached to me with a trail-a-bike), and also for some touring (and as the kids get older, the more touring I anticipate being able to do).

Basically I want an all-around good bike. (Oh and I prefer drop handlebars because of the need to have different positions for my wrists).

So I went in to the bike store thinking I was going to by a Surly Cross Check (though the bar end shifters would take some getting used to!) but there wasn't one to test drive (though I know lots of people here love theirs)!! I was able to ride a Surly Long Haul Trucker to get an idea for size and I loved it (I don't *think* this is the one I'll end up with but man it felt great and I love that they are rack-ready in front and back)!! I saw the Salsa Cassaroll, after it being mentioned here and I rode it (not in my size because they didn't have it so it was a little too big for me) and it was okay but I might be able to get a really good deal on it... and it has the gear shifting most similar to my road bike that I feel very comfortable with.

So I guess my question is: WHAT WOULD YOU GET if you were me and why? And if there are other bikes I should research/try to test out also let me know. It will only add to my indecision, I'm sure. But in the process I'll learn lots about bikes and the variations!! So that wouldn't be bad at all!

Thank you SO MUCH in advance for any suggestions, tales of experience, etc!!!

:-)

I have a surly cross-check, but my first love was the long haul trucker. The only reason I got the cross-check is because I couldn't get the 700cc wheels on a 50cm long haul, but could get them on a cross-check. If you don't have to worry about the size issue, I'd recommend the long haul. Its got a smooth, steady ride on the road, the cross-check is more nimble which for me translates into less stable ride.

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Originally Posted by Jewell

The only reason I got the cross-check is because I couldn't get the 700cc wheels on a 50cm long haul, but could get them on a cross-check. If you don't have to worry about the size issue, I'd recommend the long haul. Its got a smooth, steady ride on the road, the cross-check is more nimble which for me translates into less stable ride.

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That's the same reason I'm leaning against the LHT but I fell in love immediately upon riding it! So we seem to have similar tastes! :-)

I have a Casseroll that I built up for commuting and I've been very happy with it. It's both nimble and tough.

I have a LHT. If you are a small person like me, (5'3"), the smallest Cross-check may be too large. I wanted a bike I could ride on any surface, paved or gravel. The LHT fit the bill. As far as the 26" wheels, I am glad that I have them. I have many choices as far as tire width and tread. Also, the LHT complete bike has some very good components for the price.

After doing some research, it seems that some people with touring bikes who have the 700cm wheel will go to great lengths to put on the 26" wheel. The small wheel is stronger for heavy loads and more available in third world countries.

If you are a taller person with more choices on frame size, then any that you mentioned may be the ticket for you. All three that you mention are great bikes. The only other bikes you might think about is the Novara brand (REI), but I think if you can test ride the ones you mentioned and like the ride, Surly or Salsa will give you great value.

Don't buy a bike that's too big for you, you'll be miserable later.

If you want a bicycle that can do anything, my vote would be to put an xtracycle on the mountain bike. It's still nimble and can still do a trailer if kids sitting on the back discomfits you.
do a google image search on xtracycle for a treat - and redefine normal if you can :)

Oh, and of course, the Big DUmmy :) -- the electric motor on this one is optional...
http://www.surlybikes.com/2007_07_01_blog_archive.html

For many examples of the limitless usefulness of the Big Dummy, check out Tarik Saleh's blog (the last post I read had him carrying 50-gal water barrels on it!). Inspiring.

http://tsaleh.blogspot.com/

I guess I should have mentioned that I'm 5'2".

For someone 5'2" Surlys are generally not the ideal option, imo, as iirc they tend to have longer than normal top tube/reaches. Just a heads up.

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Originally Posted by lunacycles

For someone 5'2" Surlys are generally not the ideal option, imo, as iirc they tend to have longer than normal top tube/reaches. Just a heads up.

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That may be true, and I know that Margo knows more about it than I do, but I do know that my 42cm Long Haul Trucker fits me well. I am definitely not stretched out and I have a good and comfortable reach.

However, I think the Cross-Check would be too big.

-Sue

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That may be true, and I know that Margo knows more about it than I do, but I do know that my 42cm Long Haul Trucker fits me well. I am definitely not stretched out and I have a good and comfortable reach.

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Actually, you own one, so you know more.:D

I am just passing along what I "have heard" in the industry. I haven't personally spent much time with surlys. but I can bet that is most likely the case for their line up using 700c wheels, simply for wheel/tire clearance issues. I just did a quick google, and it looks like their smaller sizes now have 26" wheels. That's why it fits. Good value!

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Originally Posted by lunacycles

... and it looks like their smaller sizes now have 26" wheels. That's why it fits. Good value!

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I would agree. All the bikes I tried with the larger wheel just would not work well for me.

-Sue

P.S. - If I had the funds, I would go custom with one of Margo's bikes.;)