Long Haul Truckers...

[Gaffed]

How do you like the LHT's and what do you use it for? What would you improve/upgrade?

[troublemaker]

you can find this info in the review section

[mangoman]

Quick answer: Do some digging and you'll see the near cult status of the LHT. Have someone properly fit one to you and you'll see why so many love 'em.

I'm 5'8" and a 50cm LHT fits me like a glove. Could ride a 52, also. Mine's new this year, but I've used it in a duathlon, multiple long distance rides, sprint training, and general errand running (when I'm not using the Goat).

I had the means and time to upgrade several things on mine, but the complete bike, available from Surly, is a really great build that will serve you quite well.

I swapped the drops for Modolo Yuma Traveler bars, among other changes:

[Bob the Wheelbuilder]

I love my bike. Since this picture, I've added a generator front wheel and headlight plus a frame pump. I still haven't done a tour but I ride it around town a lot.

There's more LHT discussion at google groups: http://groups.google.com/group/SurlyLHT/

[Jaker]

I love mine. Only had it a few weeks, but I've commuted to work, done some group rides (20+ mph) and some solo rides (not quite as fast!).

I wish I would have purchased it sooner.

I would have thought the 58 would be too big for me, but it is right on. Make sure you go to a shop that can fit you properly.

[bolandjd]

Commuting, daytrips, shopping, fitness rides, fun rides, family rides, kid-trailer pulling, even a little mountain biking (though the low, low bb makes that one a little challenging). Ironically, about the only thing I haven't done is fully loaded multi-day tour. But this thing will last forvever, so plenty of time for that. Oh, I haven't ever raced it either.

[jct]

i just scored a 42cm LHT frame in olive green for my wife for $230.

sweet!

[Sac29]

JCT,
Where ?!? PM me please if you have to. Thanks !

[jct]

JCT,
Where ?!? PM me please if you have to. Thanks !

ebay! lots of good deals. keep checking.

also, i've seen some really nice deals on LHTs and CCs on craigslist in the bay area.

[Sac29]

thanks !

[Sizzler]

You guys have some nice truckers! I think we should turn this into a long haul picture thread, I searched and we don't have one yet. Everyone, post your LHT!

I finally finished my LHT, here's some of the upgrades I've made:

-Race Face Turbine Crankset
-XT Front Derailleur
-Paul's Thumbies
-Cane Creek V-Brake Levers
-Avid Single Digit 7 V-Brakes
-Salsa Brake Disrupters
-Salsa Stem
-Chris King Headset
-Brooks Professional Saddle
-Crank Brothers Stainless Eggbeaters

[mangoman]

Once you do the Paul Thumbies, it's hard to get excited about the latest Star Trekkish thing called shifters.

[Sizzler]

Thumbies, along with my salsa brake disruptors, have been the most useful upgrades I have done. They really improve the comfort and functionality of riding.

[mangoman]

Get on it...get out there...

[martinsillo]

hey mangoman...I visited your Monster Trucker Flickr Album last night and saw a particular thing...all your bikes are 18" but then you choose a 50cm LHT!! why is that? can you please enlighten me...why not a 54cm or may be a 52cm...but a 50!!? isn't that too small?...you should be at least 5' 8" and 31" inseam to have chosen 18" as your main MTB size...

Thanks!!

Martin

[mangoman]

hey mangoman...I visited your Monster Trucker Flickr Album last night and saw a particular thing...all your bikes are 18" but then you choose a 50cm LHT!! why is that? can you please enlighten me...why not a 54cm or may be a 52cm...but a 50!!? isn't that too small?...you should be at least 5' 8" and 31" inseam to have chosen 18" as your main MTB size...

Thanks!!

Martin

Martin,

I could easily fit a 52cm LHT and had I preferred a little more stretch, that would have been a great choice. However, after a nearly 3 hour fitting by the best road bike shop in town (known for it's fittings), we concluded that a 50cm LHT would be the best overall fit for what I wanted (long slow distance touring with a preference for being more upright).

700+ miles later, no complaints: no knee pain, no discomfort...just a comfortable bicycle that I can ride for hours. Granted, I've tweaked some details: adding the Modolo Yuma Traveler bar, a Brooks B-17 (finally broken in). But I give the most credit to a thorough, detailed fitting.

And I am 5'8".

[martinsillo]

thanks mangoman.. is always good to know this kind of things.. regards... Martin.... (I'm 5' 9" with 32" inseam)

[Sizzler]

here's one to compliment your's mangoman:

[mangoman]

here's one to compliment your's mangoman:

Indeed! Beautiful, idyllic shot.

[Sizzler]

Pastoral . . . I hung that swing for my sister's family and snapped a quick picture with my phone when I was done.

[theindividualist]

Sizzler - You're using Salsa Brake Disrupters with Avid Single Digit 7 V-Brakes - do you find they pull enough cable to work well with the avid "V"s ? - salsacycles.com just says "Cantilever compatible",

I'm interested because I have 287V / Single Digit 7s on my Cross Check.

[Sizzler]

Sizzler - You're using Salsa Brake Disrupters with Avid Single Digit 7 V-Brakes - do you find they pull enough cable to work well with the avid "V"s ? - salsacycles.com just says "Cantilever compatible",

I'm interested because I have 287V / Single Digit 7s on my Cross Check.

The salsa brake disruptors work very well with v brakes, but they do feel different than when used with cantis. When you pull the levers, they are more squishy but because v-brakes are so much better, the levers apply as much or more braking power than when used with the cantis, the difference is just in the feel. In fact, I can now pull the levers about halfway and lock up the wheels, which I could never have done with cantis. All that said, I have never considered them safe to use in an emergency stopping situation. If a car pulls in front of me, I always reach for my aero levers.

[christianxlaura]

Post pics of your Surly!!!

[jkaber]

Here is my trucker.

[ache]

Post pics of your Surly!!!

Christian, which handlebars and shifters are you using?