Review: Surly Long Haul Trucker

[Trek420]

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??!!" 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]

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!

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

[northstar]

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]

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

Are they made there?

[nicole309]

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.
I would say if you find the Surly, go for it!! Quickly!!

[KnottedYet]

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!