Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Bianchi Volpe Vs. Surly Long Haul Trucker. Pls. Help Me Decide.

I have gone through 3 touring bikes and am on my fourth. I had one of the very first Volpe's 20 years ago. A sweet bike, did my first DC on it. The Miyata 1000 toured flawlessly for years. The Cannondale tourer cost me $60.00 and served as a commuter for years until I could upgrade. I would like to try an LHT but it would be settling for less as I upgraded to a Bruce Gordon.

I've been trying to make this same decision for over a year now...Volpe Vs. LHT Vs. Xcheck?? I think i have finally narrowed it down to either the LHT or Xcheck. A progression but, after reading this thread, I still cannot make up my mind.

If it comes down to deciding that I need a triple and not a double, then I will pick the LHT complete instead of the crosscheck(especially if getting the xcheck built up custom with a triple raises the price to 1250.00 from 1000.00). I like the idea of being able to go on a serious heavy loaded tour if I ever find the desire or time to do so. In the case that I do decide to do a serious heavy loaded bicycle tour, I would probably buy a touring bike just for that occasion(with the intentions of using it for future tours, commuting and light touring). If I could get the crosscheck built up with a triple for the same price as the complete xcheck/LHT then I would probably go with that instead of the LHT(considering that most of my riding will be long distance day rides, suburban commuting, light city riding, and light touring). But otherwise for the price and minimal differences, I will go with the LHT for the triple.

Maybe I shouldn't worry about having a triple? I live in a fairly hilly area(western massachusetts), but perhaps I could just strengthen my legs to the point where a tripple would just be extra weight? I don't know because I am a noooooooooooooob.

Don't worry about the "extra weight" of a triple crank. It can't be more than a ounce or two. Just put a little less water in your bottle!!!:eek: Any increase is way overshadowed by the lower gear ratios that will allow a tired,hungry,cold,wet and sick rider to climb that too steep hill on the last leg of a long ride.;)

I've been trying to make this same decision for over a year now ...Volpe Vs. LHT Vs. Xcheck??
:eek:

:eek:

The difference is the ability to get a better position on the bike. The LHT will allow a higher bar position for the same frame size,if you desire that, than either of the other two frames mentioned. The other difference is wheelbase, the LHT again, will be slightly more comfortable and will allow a better chainline in all gears, translating into slightly less drivetrain wear. The LHT is a true touring style frame with nifty braze ons and a sturdy fork, plus it is a bike designed to take a heavy load, whether that is from a rider and luggage or just the rider only! Finally, the LHT is a versatile machine that you will find many uses for over the rest of your lifetime. I think it is the best designed frame out there, for the least amount of money, and the result is a very utiltarian machine that you don't have to baby. I'd buy one if, I didn't already have two simular bikes made back in the 1980's. A race bike it is not.....but unless you are an actual competitor or unless you enjoy the fantasy of being a racer, then get a bike that you can ride, that won't be too fragile, that can grow with you as your cycling interests change and you age. A bike is kind of like a car. You wouldn't drive a ferrari everyday to work but instead you would reserve it for sunny days and a good looking companion. In the same way, you would't use your campagnolo equipped super lightweight, with no fenders or way to carry luggage, to ride 300K unsupported, on a rainy weekend.;)

In the same way, you would't use your campagnolo equipped super lightweight, with no fenders or way to carry luggage, to ride 300K unsupported, on a rainy weekend.;) [/SIZE][/FONT]

I beg to differ.

I have my superlightweight Ti frame with Campy and I can ride with fenders, luggage, a leather saddle, and in the rain and snow if I want.

Yeah, he was being a little general in his statement. I have a Ti frame with Campy that I can't do those things with. I have a old Trek 520 for those purposes though.