Review: Surly Long Haul Trucker

[Trek420]

Knott and I were out enjoying all the wonders Seattle provides including now, Peets coffeeeeee. We passed by Freerange Cycles by the Burke Gilman trail and I test drove along the ship canal.

They juuuuust happened to have a Surly built up. The 46 was being built up but they had a 42 built up. I ride a 46-47 in most bikes. The reason I say "about" is the Mondonico is custom so I'm not sure what size it would be, other road bikes I've had or ridden were in that range.

"42??!!" I said but figured it's just a test ride. So after a quick adjustment of the seat off I went.

I like this bike

Handling is so steady, stable and reliable. It's not a race bike, it's not meant to be. I got the feeling that the longer I rode this bike the more I'd like it.

You can forget about bumps, it absorbs them and yet still felt crisp. The cockpit was very comfortable, everything is right where I want it to be, I felt aerodynamic enough but upright, not stretched out. Surprise, surprise, the 42 fit me.

Aesthetics: the welds are nice, TIG welds are smooth, it has a lugged front fork, the rest of the bike is TIG, the paint job is smooth but not flashy. I'm glad they went to a blue/grey, the old green was yucky. And best of all....it has spare spoke holders built into the chain stay!! Sweet.

It seems like an excellent touring bike, utility bike, commuter. Alround nice bike.

http://www.surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html