After much deliberation and test driving, I finally decided on the Surly Long Haul Trucker. It was a little more the the Raleigh by the time I customized it, but I think it was worth the extra.
The Raleigh was really good to ride, the curved out handle bars felt good, shifting was smooth and braking was awesome.
Then tried the LHT, and it felt somehow better. I know the parts are better, the wheelbase is longer and the handle bars are a standard drop bars, but somehow it felt a little more refined, and more comfortable to ride. I’m not that much experienced to nail exactly what it was, but it just felt like the right bike. It took a lot of courage not too buy the bike that has been stuck on my office wall for almost a year, but in the end I did.
I was mad keen on getting disc brakes, but as the guy in the shop said, trying to find parts for disc brakes in the middle of nowhere is going to be a challenge. Also, thanks to Kirsten at Recycled Cycles for getting bikes from the warehouse for me to try, and the guys in the back for fitting my accessories at record speed.
The standard bike was pretty bare and needed some customization. Here is what I added:
- Full Fitted Fenders
- Rear Rack
- Shimano SPD PD-M540 Pedals
- Brooks B17-Special Saddle (Oh yeah!)
- 2 cages for water bottles
Here is what it looks like (thanks to Kate for the picture):
I’ve also ordered a cycle computer with Heart Rate monitor that will help me train more effectively. I still cannot decide on panniers, but the detours XCOUNTRY CYCLE are looking hot favorites.
Unfortunately its still only a little above freezing and there is still snow on our drive, so I have not been out on it yet. Hopefully I will get out on it next weekend, but for the moment its in the house, looking brand spanking new!
This year should see me and my trucker on some adventures in the Northwest, including the famous STP, and maybe even the RSVP. And yes, Trucker sounds like…
February 17, 2009 at 1:37 am
I pick up my long haul trucker on friday. So, I’m bored and looking at what people have said about their bike, that’s how I came across yours.
It took about a year and a half to save up for my trucker. In that time I have looked at and test ridden everything. The Sojourn, the Novara randonee, Trek 520, Jamis Aurora, and even some rivendells and hurons which I knew I never could afford.
I, too, loved the Sojourn, but not as much as I wanted to, and the LHT won out by a mile. The disc brakes are a little cheesy, and I found them really spongy. I also thought the geometry was a little funky, and more akin to my road bike, in riding position. The damn thing also weighed almost thirty five pounds. I just thought I would pass on, that I think we both made the right choice. I won’t know for sure until after a few hundred miles, but it’s a proven solid bike.
February 17, 2009 at 3:57 am
I don’t think you will be disappointed. I’ve only done about 64 miles in total, but so far the ride has been great. Could put my finger on why it was better than the others, it just is. My Brooks saddle is taking some getting used to – but I’m told its worth the effort too. Good trucking!!