Quote Originally Posted by moderncyclista View Post
To KnottedYet:
Chica. Thank you for expressing my feelings exactly.

To Caitrin: the stock gearing is better for general riding and commuting. The "special build" gearing is higher with bigger chain rings. Good for speed and training, but not quite as good if your a beginning rider. You'd be happier, in my opinion going with the "stock LHT" build and upgrading bars (shouldn't be too expensive) and saddle (brooks B-17 is a great choice). Be careful with crank arm length as the LHT has a lower bottom bracket (like touring bikes do) you don't want your crank arms to be too long on a smaller frame.

Peace, Love, & Bicycles.
Good information on the custom build gearing. I had already started leaning in this direction before KnottedYet spoke up, and both of you have only confirmed what I was thinking. I do like the bars he selected. I found one here - though will have to get used to this style and the bar-end shifters

http://www.bikeman.com/HB9776.html

I cannot find any information on the crank arm length on the Andel crankset - even on the Andel website - but that is the stock Surly part so there will be no problem from that direction.

I've sent a request to my fitter/builder for a quote on the Complete blue LHT with upgraded bars/saddle - though I have an idea what that should be