Review: Surly Long Haul Trucker

[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!

[northstar]

I know Surly is Mpls based...if you go to their website, the photo on the front page is based on First Ave, our pride and joy nightclub downtown. Not sure if the bikes are actually built here though...

I'm also wondering Surly bikes are connected with Surly beer, which I think is local to us, too...Mmm, mmm, good!

[shorty]

Just had a 42 surly cross check built up - what a fantastic bike - just thought I would join the surly love in!