Just Ordered A Surly LHT

Spent about 3 hours at FreeRangeCycles in Seattle testing different bikes. I'm looking for a bike for touring/camping (weekends and longer trips). I decided on the Surly LHT with 26" wheels in black. It will be available in about one week - so I have some time to decide on the saddle, pedals and any other changes/upgrades. Here is what I'm thinking....any feedback is appreciated.

Peddles - flat on one side with SPD on the other
Saddle - Brooks B17
Adding extended brakes (still debating this $75 option)
Silver metal fenders
Rack - reuse either a Blackburn or Trek rack

Other things I need to consider:
Light
Computer
Handlebar bag

I just bought a B.O.B. trailer off craigslist. So I don't need pannier bags yet.

I've worked long hours this year without much time for fun. This purchase is a reward for the work and an incentive to get out and have fun in 2011. Is there anything else I should consider for outfitting this bike?

Thanks,
Dog

SA-weet!!!! :DCongrats on ordering your new ride!! Sounds like you deserve a little treat after all that work you've been doing!

I love chrome/steel fenders- I think they are just so classy looking.
Sounds like you've thought of it all. I can't wait to see what it looks like (you *will* post pics, right?)

Teehee...WANT! I might go up to REI later and play around on a cross check :)

I'm excited to see pictures of your LHT!

Way to go!
You'll get more ideas for what you want to add as you ride around.

Awesome! You must be super excited!

Sweet! Congratulations to a new LHT owner, or soon to be :) I think the dual-sided pedals are perfect for this particular bike, that is what I moved to in August. Right now I am back to BMX pedals, but that is due to a lengthy injury recovery.

You might want to consider adding a rack trunk to your collection, I find my Arkel to be quite versatile, at least at this point I've no need for panniers. You can see the Arkel in my avatar - which is my LHT.

Regardless how you outfit your LHT, I think you will love it!

Yo Dog,

I bought a black, 26" wheels Surly LHT myself last August and absolutely love the bike. DivingBiker and I rode the C&O Canal Towpath for three days in October and the bike performed well (except for shifting under load a couple of times where the chain locked up on me), but other than that no complaints. I'm attaching a couple pictures of the bike taken during our trip. As you'll see, I've added a pletscher kickstand which allows the bike to be parked on one wheel while the other is airborn making it easier to change the tube, if necessary or perform chain maintenance.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dog

Spent about 3 hours at FreeRangeCycles in Seattle testing different bikes. I'm looking for a bike for touring/camping (weekends and longer trips). I decided on the Surly LHT with 26" wheels in black. It will be available in about one week - so I have some time to decide on the saddle, pedals and any other changes/upgrades. Here is what I'm thinking....any feedback is appreciated.

Peddles - flat on one side with SPD on the other
Saddle - Brooks B17
Adding extended brakes (still debating this $75 option)
Silver metal fenders
Rack - reuse either a Blackburn or Trek rack

Other things I need to consider:
Light
Computer
Handlebar bag

---

Very nice. I know you must be excited. You have to share the pics with us when you pick it up!

I will absolutely post pictures. I'm also looking forward to lightening up my road bike so she can feel frisky again!

Sweet. I love my LHT. I'm still not a fan of my Brooks (on my 520), but I think my sit bones are slightly too wide. Just slightly. Eventually, I will switch to a less appealing looking, but more comfortable saddle. I got the Blue Velvet LHT and man it's just spectacular in person! I'm sure the Black will look amazing! I have a Blackburn rack on my LHT now and Waterproof Seattle Sports Panniers (similar in design to Ortliebs, but much, much cheaper) that work wonderfully.

I have a Planet Bike Superflash tail light that is awesome - so 1 recommendation there.

What fenders are you getting for the 26 inch tires? Mine are Planet Bike but even after tweaking, I'm not very happy with them. The fit isn't as close to the tire as I'd like. Doesn't look very "sleek" in my opinion. After all my babbling, my point is.... keep us posted. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by moderncyclista

I'm still not a fan of my Brooks (on my 520), but I think my sit bones are slightly too wide. Just slightly. Eventually, I will switch to a less appealing looking, but more comfortable saddle.

---

The B17 you have on Buckley is technically a men's saddle. Even though it's wider than the average man's saddle, many women prefer the B67 or B68. (BleekerStGirl wrote out her saga of trying the B17 and moving on to the better fitting B68.)

You might want to consider selling your B17 and buying a B68 or B67 instead. Just as appealing looking, but more comfortable.

I decided on the more expensive SKS fenders over Planet Bike fenders and am quite happy with them. They told me at my LBS that all fenders on an LHT will be a little further from the tire than most other bikes due how the design of the bike. They further explained that same geometry means there is far less likelihood of toe overlap being an issue.

If you really want to do some drooling, check out Velo Orange for metal fenders. They're not cheap but they fit my LHT like a glove and they look very nice.

I bought my LHT at Free Range too. They're a great shop. I've spent the last five years pimping out my Trucker, from top to bottom. I think I finally have it just right. Give it some time and miles to decide what you want to add. The bike will tell you what it needs. :rolleyes: bikerHen

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KnottedYet

The B17 you have on Buckley is technically a men's saddle. Even though it's wider than the average man's saddle, many women prefer the B67 or B68. (BleekerStGirl wrote out her saga of trying the B17 and moving on to the better fitting B68.)

You might want to consider selling your B17 and buying a B68 or B67 instead. Just as appealing looking, but more comfortable.

---

I've got to admit I'm a little gun shy about buying another Brooks. :o I feel so ridiculous. I got this one as a gift last x-mas. Now I have surruptitiously hide the fact I'm getting another saddle. I ride my bike to all family gatherings and make them let me put it inside their houses (yes I am THAT insane about my bikes) so this will be difficult. :p

I appreciate the suggestions on sizes. B68 or b67 hmmm. I should've asked 'em to get it from Wallbike shouldn't I?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dog

Spent about 3 hours at FreeRangeCycles in Seattle testing different bikes. I'm looking for a bike for touring/camping (weekends and longer trips). I decided on the Surly LHT with 26" wheels in black. It will be available in about one week - so I have some time to decide on the saddle, pedals and any other changes/upgrades. Here is what I'm thinking....any feedback is appreciated.

Peddles - flat on one side with SPD on the other
Saddle - Brooks B17
Adding extended brakes (still debating this $75 option)
Silver metal fenders
Rack - reuse either a Blackburn or Trek rack

Other things I need to consider:
Light
Computer
Handlebar bag

I just bought a B.O.B. trailer off craigslist. So I don't need pannier bags yet.

I've worked long hours this year without much time for fun. This purchase is a reward for the work and an incentive to get out and have fun in 2011. Is there anything else I should consider for outfitting this bike?

Thanks,
Dog

---

Consider some emergency kits and a gps too in case something unexpected happens!

I'm finally posting a picture of my Surly and B.O.B. on a WA state ferry to Lopez Island. Rode with a friend and I hauled our gear. This was my test ride with towing the B.O.B. and the bike handled the load very well. We had a great time!:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dog

I'm finally posting a picture of my Surly and B.O.B. on a WA state ferry to Lopez Island. Rode with a friend and I hauled our gear. This was my test ride with towing the B.O.B. and the bike handled the load very well. We had a great time!:)

---

Sweet!

Did another test ride with my Surly and B.O.B. trailer on Whidbey Island last weekend to meet up with some of my riding buddies. It was a perfect day for riding and I ended up riding about 25 miles (lots of rolling hills). Stayed overnight on the west side of the island in a beach cabin with the gals and then got up the next day and rode the 25 miles back to Coupeville. The bike and trailer did great. I'm feeling more confident about planning a weekend get-away :)

Dog, You and I should get together sometime. What's better than a LHT, BOB and camping! Maybe we should meet up out in the middle of the state for a Surly weekend.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dog

Did another test ride with my Surly and B.O.B. trailer on Whidbey Island last weekend to meet up with some of my riding buddies. It was a perfect day for riding and I ended up riding about 25 miles (lots of rolling hills). Stayed overnight on the west side of the island in a beach cabin with the gals and then got up the next day and rode the 25 miles back to Coupeville. The bike and trailer did great. I'm feeling more confident about planning a weekend get-away :)

---

Excellent!!!! :D

Biker Hen. That sounds like fun!:D