Salsa Fargo - sad news

[KnottedYet]

He didn't think the Surly Long Haul Trucker would work for me either...though he didn't say exactly why other than it was based on the geometry chart. I need to ask about that. More for me to check out

The fitter did suggest the Trek 520Touring bike, one of the Cannondale Touring bikes. I know he said the Long Haul Trucker wouldn't work for me, but I won't rule out until I find out why I have looked at the Surly Cross before - how does it do for long rides?

What does KOPS mean?

Perhaps he was looking at a different chart for a different bike?

The LHT in size 42cm has a 49.26cm top tube (he says you need a 50cm)
and a 70.3 cm stand over (your inseam is 78cm)

The LHT in size 46cm has a 50.83 cm top tube, and a 72.38 stand over.

I find it fascinating that he dismissed the fairly independent Surly product out of hand (even though it has the wheels/tires of the Fargo which you like so much) yet recommends bikes of the same purpose and geometry from the larger corporations (and without the wheels/tires you said you like).

The Cross Check is excellent for long rides, though it cannot be loaded as heavily as the LHT and it is a bit more responsive (aka "squirrelly") than the LHT. Also, because of the higher bottom bracket of cyclocross geometry, the 42cm CC fits more like a 46cm LHT.

KOPS is "knee over pedal spindle". This is obliquely what he was referring to when he discussed seat tube angles with you. When your pedals are horizontal (9 o'clock and 3 o'clock) and the balls of your feet are centered on the pedal, a plumb bob dropped off the leading edge of your knee should line up at or slightly behind the pedal spindle. In other words (just like when you squat properly) your knee should not be hanging out in front of your toes. KOPS is dependent on such a HUGE variety of factors that it is pretty silly to dismiss a bike simply over seat tube angle.

You won't know if a bike is "right" for you until you've ridden it. Seriously, sizing and geometry charts only give you a guideline, you really need to ride all the different bikes. If you are interested in Surly, find an independent shop who carries them and take some test rides! More rides, more better! Lots of bike love!

ETA: here's the LHT info: http://surlybikes.com/bikes/long_haul_trucker_complete/ click the "geometry" tab and look at the chart for the 26 inch wheel bikes.

ETA #2: my CC is also gloss black, but with red accents. Mmmmm, tasty...

ETA #3: there are enough of us on TE who are trained fitters that you will be able to get lots of good info, so don't be shy about asking questions, ANY questions!