Surly Long Haul Trucker

[rogerzilla]

Anyone got one?

I'm toying with the idea of stripping the Thorn when the rear rim is finally worn out and putting the f&f on eBay, then going 700c.

[Regulator]

You need to speak to Vern of this parish...

[JT]

I've got one with 700c wheels whereas Vern's got 26"s on his, I think.



What do you want to know?

[rogerzilla]

Whether the smallest 700c version would be too big in terms of standover height (the top tube length is fine).  I fear it will.

I'm 5'10" and a bit, and I wear 32" leg jeans.

[JT]

Mine's the 58cm frame but I'm 6'2" and wear 34" leg jeans so I don't think that really helps.

There is a newsgroup Google group for the LHT: it might be worth enquiring there or emailing the guys at Surly?

http://groups.google.com/group/SurlyLHT?pli=1

[Vernon]

I've got the 54cm (largest of the 26" jobbies) and was pondering the 56cm at one point, but figured it was going to be a little bit snug for standover.

As it happens, I took a 56cm for a test ride from Brixton Cycles and it fitted fine, although the top tube was a little close to my nadgers for care-free rough riding. If you're ever in the smoke it might be worth seeing if they have one you can play on.

I'm just over 5'8" and have an inseam of about 31.5", so the 56cm should fit OK - it's about 1/2" higher than the 54cm according to Surly.

[Lotum]

Whether the smallest 700c version would be too big in terms of standover height (the top tube length is fine).  I fear it will.

I'm 5'10" and a bit, and I wear 32" leg jeans.

I'm 5'10", too, and my inseam is 34". My LHT has a 56-cm frame, which I think is the right size for me. With Mavic A719 rims and 700x32c Schwalbe Marathons, the top tube height varies between about 805 mm (rear) and 823 mm (front).

[bikenerd]

Alternatively: have you thought about the Cross Check?  700c wheels and sloping geometry so the standover might not be an issue.
Nice bikes, I still love my Pacer even 3 years on.

[Lotum]

Alternatively: have you thought about the Cross Check?  700c wheels and sloping geometry so the standover might not be an issue.

Actually, it's the LHT that has the more steeply sloping geometry. I just checked my 56-cm Cross-Check, and the top tube is for all practical purposes horizontal. With similar rims and tyres as with the LHT above, the top tube height varies between about 811 mm (rear) and 813 mm (front).

[JT]

Alternatively: have you thought about the Cross Check?  700c wheels and sloping geometry so the standover might not be an issue.

Actually, it's the LHT that has the more steeply sloping geometry. I just checked my 56-cm Cross-Check, and the top tube is for all practical purposes horizontal. With similar rims and tyres as with the LHT above, the top tube height varies between about 811 mm (rear) and 813 mm (front).

I don't think so, my LHT has a horizontal top tube.

[Lotum]

I don't think so, my LHT has a horizontal top tube.

Well, I do think so. The (admittedly gentle) slope on my LHT is very obvious even to the bare eye. Your LHT must be different from mine. Perhaps Surly have varied the geometry over the years?

[clarion]

I think they have varied geometry for the different sizes.

[bobb]

I have one and it ROCKS!

I'm 6' and have the 56cm. I could've gone for a 58 but I don't like big frames for some reason.

The stand over height is quite low so you'd be fine at 5'10" with a 56 700c job I reckon.

The top tube on mine slopes slightly.

Quite an old pic - has more *stuff* on it now...

[rogerzilla]

That's useful, thanks.

[clarion]

I do like the look if them.  Not in the market for a tourer, but my normal aversion to Leftpondian brands could be overcome.  I like the Crosscheck and Steamroller, too (but the Pugsley's not my bag)  Pagan always said I should have a bike with 'Surly' on it.

[bobb]

Allow your aversions to be overcome, Clazza!

The LHT is fairly traditional in the *English* tourer style.

There is one difference however. It isn't bendy and it will not break!

I've crashed mine into various inanimate objects when pissed and there is no damage. To the bike that is. The crashees are not in the best state 

If WOMD were about to be dropped, I wouldn't hide under my bed. I would get on my LHT because that is the safest place to be!

It will resist ANYTHING!!

Cheap, cheerful and absolutely bomb proof. Oh, it actually rides nicely too!

[rogerzilla]

Made in Taiwan, although that probably means it's better than most UK-built frames.

[Blah]

I'd be interested to hear how you think the LHT will be better than your Thorn?

[Luke]

Spotted in Germeshiem.



Not the most useful of posts I know. I just wanted to use the photo.

[Chris N]

I'd be interested to hear how you think the LHT will be better than your Thorn?

It'll be a nicer colour for a start.

[bobb]

It won't need 8 feet of headset spacers either 

[LEE]

It won't need 8 feet of headset spacers either 

And how many feet of spacers does the LHT have?



I count 4 feet above the stem and 4 feet below

[JT]

It won't need 8 feet of headset spacers either 

And how many feet of spacers does the LHT have?



I count 4 feet above the stem and 4 feet below

I hadn't cut the steerer down when that was taken.

[LEE]

Wouldn't bother me if you hadn't 

I find it extremely useful to have spare steerer tube.  Means I can fit accessory bars and, horror of horrors, raise and lower the bars like in the, quill stem, old days for longer rides.

[rogerzilla]

Compared to the Thorn?  It has bigger wheels, and the Nomad is designed for heavily loaded riding, so is twitchy unladen.

Red Planet Bikes are going to quote me for a complete bike with medium-quality kit on it (I've gone off XT, since the rear wheel bearings still rust out and the mechs seem no better than Deore).  I'll see how that compares to what I can get for the Thorn.  They usually sell for a lot of money, and mine has some substantial improvements from new (King headset, better chainset, better gearing, infinitely better wheels).