Surly Love

[Catrin]

Yeah, I just don't see the point of switching one pair of 40cm for another pair of 40cm; especially when it's the first pair of drops someone has ever ridden.

Riding usually tells you best of all what you need. If stock is acceptable, I'd go with that for starters.

I don't think he looked at the complete build specs that closely and did not see that the bike comes with compact 40cm bars for the three smallest sizes. The same thing happened with his spec for the brake levers, he included the standard size, not the compact size that Surly includes for the two smallest sizes. This is the same individual who first thought the LHT would not fit me - but I understand that he was very busy that day and just looked at something incorrectly.

I am also checking with another LBS in town - they are newer and may be willing to give me a lower price on the complete build if they have a spring sale on 2010 models. I was surprised to note that their fitting fee ($200), is good for the life of the bike - so if you use their professional fitting services and problems develop later, or changes are needed due to upgrades/whatever, there is no additional charge. For a small store that specializes in mountain biking, they have two fitters, one is female. This is the same store I visited yesterday to see the LHT.

All of this is certainly a learning experience! Ok, back to drooling over the beautiful new bikes in the new edition of Bicycling
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New information - I just spoke with that other LBS, and while their March sale is just on 2009 models that are left, they include the full lifetime of the bike $200 professional fitting (for free) in with the sale of each bike. This other store is looking better all of the time... The LBS I have dealt with throws in a quick basic fitting for free, if you get it within 4 weeks of purchase.