Surly Love

[Catrin]

I've only tried the stock saddle in a short test ride, so can't really comment.

However I have read on oodles of Surly forum posts that they are pretty ordinary - its like they put a really basic saddle on with the knowledge that everyone is going to switch it out for their preferred saddle. Being built for long hauls, saddle comfort is paramount!

I never even tried the stock saddle - before it left the shop the first time it was sporting a nice Brooks B-17 saddle.

Regarding the weight question I asked earlier in this thread some time ago - my LHT is noticeably lighter than my aluminum with carbon fork Trek 7.6 FX wsd bike. That was a surprise!

[Tiddle]

Lighter than a trek FX ....YAY that's good news

I've just ordered a Cross Check to replace my trek 7.3 FX, relieved to hear it will be a bit lighter. (Might start a new thread on this so I don't hijack this one)

I talked DH out of buying a roof rack cause I didn't think I'd be able to lift the steel that high. Have you tried lifting it up onto the rack yet, or above your head?

[Catrin]

Lighter than a trek FX ....YAY that's good news

I've just ordered a Cross Check to replace my trek 7.3 FX, relieved to hear it will be a bit lighter. (Might start a new thread on this so I don't hijack this one)

I talked DH out of buying a roof rack cause I didn't think I'd be able to lift the steel that high. Have you tried lifting it up onto the rack yet, or above your head?

If you look at my photo here of my "matching" car and bike, you will note that the trunk is quite high - at least for someone who is 5'3 in her stocking feet:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...t=37052&page=3 and scroll down the page.

My Trek 7.6 is quite the chore to get it up on the rack, and it isn't just due to the sloping top tube, the weight plays a role as well. My all-steel Surly Long Haul Trucker is quite noticeably lighter and takes much less effort to get it on my rack. That doesn't mean that the Trek weighs 30 pounds or anything, I think it is in the low-20 pound range.

The LHT LOOKS smaller than the Trek, unless they are standing side by side - they are close to the same length and it is only the different geometry and the smaller wheels of the Surly that makes it look smaller. It really isn't though, outside of the 26-inch wheels. Eventually I will be adding fenders and racks to the LHT (the fenders will come in a couple of weeks) and it will be interesting to see what that does to the weight.

[Tiddle]

My Trek 7.6 is quite the chore to get it up on the rack, and it isn't just due to the sloping top tube, the weight plays a role as well.

I ended up getting a bolt on top / cross bar to mount my Trek on the rack because of its sloping TT (and it saves the nice paint work too!)

Thanks for the link. Your car and LHT were meant to be together!

[Catrin]

I ended up getting a bolt on top / cross bar to mount my Trek on the rack because of its sloping TT (and it saves the nice paint work too!)

Thanks for the link. Your car and LHT were meant to be together!

I think so too!

I got the cross-bar that clamps on my bike made by Saris and it actually doesn't make it much easier - I still have to struggle to get one side of the bike on the rack because of that TT - there just isn't much room between the cross-bar and the TT.

What size is your Trek? I wonder if this is because mine is so small - it is the smallest 7.6 they make.