Review: Surly Long Haul Trucker

[canonsue]

I am small, so like the idea of the smaller wheels, but am nervous about the weight and feel of the bike. Maybe you all can help ease my concerns!?!

I am just concerned that the LHT won't be good for the shorter rides. Honestly, I have never toured, but would like the option. I guess I want something comfortable for all kinds of road riding - short, long, extra-long. Will the LHT be good for this or should I consider the Cross Check or something else?

Sorry about the late reply, I did not see your post until today. I think the LHT is great for short and long rides. It is my only bike. Check out the Surly users group and you will see post after post of great rides with the LHT.

The Cross Check is a bit more nimble but depending upon how small you are, it may not work. When I began looking, I wanted a Cross Check but the smallest frame was simply too large for me. I am 5'3".

-Sue

[kaian]

Thanks for that link - very helpful! I think I am pretty much sold on the LHT! Now I just need to sell my Trek.

[ms pepperpot]

The Cross Check is a bit more nimble but depending upon how small you are, it may not work. When I began looking, I wanted a Cross Check but the smallest frame was simply too large for me. I am 5'3".

-Sue

This was also my experience. I didn't get to try out any fully built bikes but by looking at some frames and seeing how high they would be I found out that even with the 42cm cross-check frame there'd be no standover room.

In terms of how heavy etc. they are, for me my LHT is the lightest most nimble bike I have had, but then the one I had before was a very clunky tank and I don't have a road bike. It's lovely to ride. I commute most days and have a 13mile round trip. I've also done some longer loaded rides (so far only up to 30 miles at once but much hillier terrain) and it's been great.

[kaian]

I ordered my 42cm olive green Surly LHT this past Saturday! I am excited, but also nervous about affording it. I sold my old road bike, but the money from that is only covering 1/2 the cost! I keep telling myself this will be THE bike though and it will increase my happiness. Some people are house-poor, I am bike-poor. hahaha.

[ms pepperpot]

I keep telling myself this will be THE bike though and it will increase my happiness. .

Well my 42cm olive green LHT is my only bike and it has definitely increased my happiness

[eofelis]

Sorry about the late reply, I did not see your post until today. I think the LHT is great for short and long rides. It is my only bike. Check out the Surly users group and you will see post after post of great rides with the LHT.

The Cross Check is a bit more nimble but depending upon how small you are, it may not work. When I began looking, I wanted a Cross Check but the smallest frame was simply too large for me. I am 5'3".

-Sue

I love the CC too, but the 72cm standover on the 42cm model was just too tall for me. The Pacer and the LHT have a 70cm standover. My bf has a CC as his tourer and it's a neato-bike.