New Surly LHT for Tour

[moderncyclista]

NICE!!!! Lovely. Now you get to customize it and make it yours. I scraped off the "fff logo" on one side (which offended my prissy sensibilities as a woman) - the other was covered with a clear chain guard by my bike shop so I covered it with perfect color -match blue electrical tape (until I find the perfect snarky bike bumpersticker that wants to live there.)

Upgraded to a Brooks saddle, got soft blue waterproof roll-top panniers. I was going to leather wrap the bars but the wrap job is so good and comfy I didn't want to mess it up. I slapped on FOX mountain bike alloy platform pedals (with nobbies to hold my feet on.) All in all I adore this bike. I don't care how heavy people say it is, it rides like a dream. I beat people in aluminum, carbon and vintage steel bikes up giant hills and straightaways (and I'm no professional biker). Surly makes great bikes. If the economy improves sometime soon I really want to invest in a Cross-Check. (The GF wants a Karate Monkey or a Troll. )

Basically CONGRATULATIONS! Be prepared for massive fun ahead!

[Savra]

[QUOTE=moderncyclista;570632]
Upgraded to a Brooks saddle, got soft blue waterproof roll-top panniers. I was going to leather wrap the bars but the wrap job is so good and comfy I didn't want to mess it up. I slapped on FOX mountain bike alloy platform pedals (with nobbies to hold my feet on.)

Sounds like we have similar tastes. I have already ordered the Brooks and was thinking of the Ortlieb Backroller Blue Panniers. I was going to do the leather wrap too but found the black wrap that is already on it to be really well done. I don't want to mess with a good thing. I stuck with my basic SPD pedals though. I keep thinking I'm going to try the Speedplay Frogs but don't feel like having to change the pedals on ALL my bikes at this point.

[wnyrider]

Hi Savra, Just a quick hello and congrats on the LHT! Are you still in Cheektowaga? Seeing Buffalo in your location, I remembered you from back when I joined the forum. I ended up meeting another Niagara County resident member from this forum and for the last two summers we've ridden around the area. You are welcomed to join us. In the meantime enjoy your Surly:- )

[Savra]

Hey wnyrider - I would love to meet up with you. I did my first group ride yesterday and am definitely looking for more people to ride with.

[Sky King]

I love Surly's. When we owned a retail store we sold them all the time.

Sounds like yours is fitting you well. I ride a Rivendell Bleriot and it cracks me up when someone on "race bike" is shocked that I can keep up with them.

We are going to ride the Natchez Trace Parkway in October and will have to read about the Erie Canal.

I have a Giles Berthoud Saddle, took a bit to break in but gets better every ride. I am fairly sure that I am going to take the RackTime TravelIT's on our tour but I also ride with two Zimbale Bags everyday - the 11 liter and the front rack bag. Here is a link to our Blog Post about the TravelIT's

[Biciclista]

congrats on your new bike. Don't be shy! welcome to TE!
and Sky King, a welcome to you too!

[Velocivixen]

Congratulations on your lovely new bike. Have a great time riding it and don't be too shy.