Touring - My New LHT Build

I know you are probably tired of these threads but I have been working on this build for a while and finally got it on the road. It took a while to get the wheels built up like I wanted them. I am planning to do the ACA Atlantic Coast route next summer and this is the bike I plan on using. Current specs:

56cm Surly LHT frame
Shimano LX Rear and 105 front derailleurs
Shimano XT Hubs laced to Velocity Dyad rims w/ 14g spokes
Shimano 105 triple crank with Salsa rings (48/38/26)
DuraAce bar end shifter mounted to down tube bosses. (I have DT shifters on the way)
Shimano Ultegra 12-27 cassette. This will be switched to an 11-34 when I start hauling a load.
Salsa Short and Shallow bars and some mid-level Cannondale stem. Stem may change as I dial in fit.
Conti tires for now which will probably morph into Schwalbe Marathons for the tour.
Shinmano cantilevers and levers.
Shimano SPD pedals.
WTB Saddle.

I just got the first ride in today and am still playing with fit and deciding what parts to keep and what to change out. I am toying with XT V-brakes and Cane Creek levers since I am not too thrilled with these brakes. I need to play with them some more and see if I can get them working better.

Any non-Brooks recommendations on saddles? I ride Ariones on all of my racing bikes but am looking for something a little cushier for daily loaded use. I know everyone loves Brooks but I just can't get my mind wrapped around one. I just don't like their looks.

Nice rig.

I'll be touring on a fizik saddle this summer. I don't see why you'd want to get a cushy saddle if you're already used to riding without much cushioning.

What kind of racks are you getting?

The Fizik Rondine is the Arione's slighty tubbier relative. Can sometimes be had cheaply.

Nice rig.

I'll be touring on a fizik saddle this summer. I don't see why you'd want to get a cushy saddle if you're already used to riding without much cushioning.

What kind of racks are you getting?

I haven't totally given up on using an Arione. I just thought with a more upright position, I may need something a little more substantial. As far as racks, I am still trying to decide between racks/panniers or getting a BOB Yak. If I go with racks, probably Blackburn, Tubus or Old Man Mountain.

At nashbar.com right now for fifty bucks.

always wanted to try out a bob trailer, if only to see how the other half live.

Selle Anatomica Titanico. Or WTB Laser.

quit being a turd a get a brooks

You might consider a Terry Fly or Liberator for a saddle. The Fly is the most comfy I've had. The Liberator is a little wider.

"quit being a turd a get a brooks" Hey, leave him alone. How much does a person have to conform? Should he get some tattoos as well?

Is that one photo, or has that been 'shopped?

The Black Cherry Pearl is the best color they've dressed the bike in. And that's a great looking build. Nice work. Handsome bike.

And don't give in to the Brooks crowd. If the BF had it's way, we'd all be riding pea green LHT's with Brooks saddles, matching leather tape, bar-end shifters, sporting canti's, Ortlieb's and microwave ovens.:rolleyes: How would you know which rig was yours at a bike rack outside the café on the Trans Am? Nothing against the collective wisdom here, it's a tremendous resource (the best), but feel free to do what pleases you.
:D Just having a little fun here.

You might consider a Terry Fly or Liberator for a saddle. The Fly is the most comfy I've had. The Liberator is a little wider.

"quit being a turd a get a brooks" Hey, leave him alone. How much does a person have to conform? Should he get some tattoos as well?

Is that one photo, or has that been 'shopped?

The Black Cherry Pearl is the best color they've dressed the bike in. And that's a great looking build. Nice work. Handsome bike.

And don't give in to the Brooks crowd. If the BF had it's way, we'd all be riding pea green LHT's with Brooks saddles, matching leather tape, bar-end shifters, sporting canti's, Ortlieb's and microwave ovens.:rolleyes: How would you know which rig was yours at a bike rack outside the café on the Trans Am? Nothing against the collective wisdom here, it's a tremendous resource (the best), but feel free to do what pleases you.
:D Just having a little fun here.

The photo is a single photo. Other than sharpening and color balance the only photoshop done was the feathered border around the edge. My other hobby (and someday second career) is photography.

The photo is a single photo. Other than sharpening and color balance the only photoshop done was the feathered border around the edge. My other hobby (and someday second career) is photography.

Look for a very well regarded tech/art school and attend. Having completed that, wrangle a job as an assistant gopher for a high-buzz photographer and network, network, network.

Look for a very well regarded tech/art school and attend. Having completed that, wrangle a job as an assistant gopher for a high-buzz photographer and network, network, network.

I have been shooting for about 30 years and already have my own part time studio. I am just waiting until our house is paid off to go full time. My tour is going to start my transition from IT geek to starving artist.

30 years? You're in it all ready. So, thats why the lighting on the bike looked so good. We have somewhat similar plans. I'm quitting my job as an AD/designer to go riding for a few months. I might give the full time "illustrator" a go when I get back. I'm sure I'll be able to relate to the "starving artist" bit (certainly have in the past). We'll see how it all works out.

Enjoy that nicely built bike. As I said before, that cherry color does it for me. Happy trails and success in your new endeavor!

30 years? You're in it all ready. So, thats why the lighting on the bike looked so good. We have somewhat similar plans. I'm quitting my job as an AD/designer to go riding for a few months. I might give the full time "illustrator" a go when I get back. I'm sure I'll be able to relate to the "starving artist" bit (certainly have in the past). We'll see how it all works out.

Enjoy that nicely built bike. As I said before, that cherry color does it for me. Happy trails and success in your new endeavor!


One of the reasons I chose to do my own build was because I really wanted the cherry red paint job. I also had a lot of parts I wanted to use and would have ended up changing a lot of the stock stuff. I really enjoy building my own bikes and haven't bought a fully built road bike in years. I guess I am just too picky and want to have a say in what goes on the bike.

quit being a turd a get a brooks

Yeah, they'll try to pressure you into using those old-school canti brakes too!


.... oh wait... you already are...

Nice looking build, though!