Salsa Fargo - sad news

[andtckrtoo]

Another CrossCheck lover here - although the LHT sounds like it would be a better bet for you. My only beef with my Surly is the handlebars which are simply unsuited for me and not bad over all. I'm going to have my LBS switch out the bars for me and finally wrap them in pink (I have the tape - just haven't put it on yet). I've ridden mine many long distances and I love it for commuting and light touring. I have a compact double on mine and a triple on my Cannondale. I like the triple because of the smaller gear changes, but my Surly has greater ranges (I had them add cogs) so I actually find the compact double better for steeper climbs. I really don't notice that much of a difference in weight between my aluminum Cannondale and my steel Surly, except when the Surly is fully loaded for my commute, of course, and even then it's totally maneuverable. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Surly.

Here's mine on my commute home on day when I decided to take the long way.

[KnottedYet]

My only beef with my Surly is the handlebars which are simply unsuited for me and not bad over all.

Oh, yeah, I switched out the bars on my Surly CC pretty darn quick! My shoulders are not as wide as a man's who rides the same bike size! Actually, I switched them out again to a pair of narrow moustache bars. They are perfect for me for commuting. If/when I change my Kona Smoke into an xtracycle hauling goddess, I will give her the same moustache bars.

Even with the bars set too low and too wide, I knew it was true love when I test rode the Surly CC. The second test ride a week later (I made myself wait) was a damm fabulous second date. After that, we simply had to be together.

[Catrin]

I stopped by my LBS today to check out the 42-inch Surly Pacer frame they have on display. Of course that is for a different bike, but it allowed me to see one of the Surly steel frame designs.

The fitter apologized to me, all he could say in his defense was that he just plain looked at something wrong. He did say that the LHT was the best fit for me, by far, out of the others he originally suggested. Then we had a good discussion that proceeded from there. My LBS does not stock Surly, but they can easily get one for me.

There is a local Surly dealer (same store that has Salsa), but I am not comfortable doing business with them. They will not guarantee a fit at all, if it is ordered, then I am obligated whether it fits or not. That is for the brands for which they are an official dealer...nor do they have fitting services. That seems odd to me, not for a very large store that has been around for more than 30 years.

The LHT has everything I want Of course it doesn't take 29ers, but it does take the tires that I want - I won't be confined to only dry pavement and I am a woman who likes options The price rocks as well - unless I start upgrading components

[MartianDestiny]

It's actually very standard for stores to lock you into a special order bike purchase.

It's a lot of money out of their pocket for something they aren't going to make much on, will likely be hard for them to get rid of, and that they can't really discount much to get rid of either (margin on bikes is small plus many manufacturers have a minimum selling price).

If you can find one that won't lock you into it then count your blessings, but that's not something I'd expect.

[Catrin]

It's actually very standard for stores to lock you into a special order bike purchase.

It's a lot of money out of their pocket for something they aren't going to make much on, will likely be hard for them to get rid of, and that they can't really discount much to get rid of either (margin on bikes is small plus many manufacturers have a minimum selling price).

If you can find one that won't lock you into it then count your blessings, but that's not something I'd expect.

I understand that, and would have understood it more if it was not a bike that particular LBS did not keep in stock. They do carry the Fargo on the floor, they just didn't happen to have the small size in stock the other day when I dropped by. I do understand the Fargo is considered a speciality bike though, and that didn't bother me as much as the lack of fitting services. In these days that did seem a little odd - but perhaps I am just spoiled. Obviously they must be doing a lot of things right to have been in business this long

My usual LBS, on the other hand, if it is a bike/brand they normally carry, will order something in a different size at no obligation to allow you to try it on for fit. My Trek 7.6 is an example, they normally do not carry it because it is a little high up the price food chain - but even though they special ordered it for me - there was no obligation until I had the chance to try it on for size.

The Surly LHT, however, is a different situation. They do not normally stock Surly bikes, but have no problem getting them - and of course - I will be obligated when I make that order in late spring. I expect and understand that.