I am pretty set on getting a LHT. I've gone to a few shops in Chicago and have been able to take the 54cm one on a test ride. It felt pretty good but I'd really like trying the 56cm frame just to make sure I'm getting the right one. I've called around to a few places, but no one seems to have a 56cm in stock. Does anyone here have a 56cm frame that I could either take a look at or take for a spin?
Thanks!

If you ever get up to Madison, WI I have a 56 that I would be happy to let you try. A coworker had a 54cm Cross Check and I rode that and it just felt a little small. Granted they are not the same bikes but I felt that a little bigger for a touring bike would be better for me. I think I was right!

I don't have any immediate plans to be up in Madison, but thanks for the offer!

I am pretty set on getting a LHT. I've gone to a few shops in Chicago and have been able to take the 54cm one on a test ride. It felt pretty good but I'd really like trying the 56cm frame just to make sure I'm getting the right one. I've called around to a few places, but no one seems to have a 56cm in stock. Does anyone here have a 56cm frame that I could either take a look at or take for a spin?
Thanks!

Did you try CycleSmithy on Clark? They had a 54 that I testrode. It felt a little small. On his bike modelling contraption he (John, who seems to be the senior sales guy) then build a 54, 56 and 58 to test. The fit on the 56 was the best and I ordered that one, albeit with the longest and steepest stem commercially available (I believe it to be a Salsa 130mm x 115 deg), to offset my long torso/short legs situation (I am 6'2" with a 32 inseam). I am quite happy with the setup.
You are welcome to take a look at it. I don't think riding it is going to tell you anything because of the extreme stem. The stem makes it comparable to a 60 cm frame which is more in line with my torso length
Besides, it's my baby :love:

So I guess your best bet may be to have a reputable shop set you up on their bike modelling contraption on a 56 cm. I am sure any reputable shop would do that for you, especially this time of year when they are slow

Duppie

Did you try CycleSmithy on Clark? They had a 54 that I testrode.

Yeah, the 54cm I rode was actually at Cycle Smithy. After looking around at a few different places that carried Surlys, I decided I wanted to get it there because they seemed the most knowledgeable. I put the LHT next to my current bike, and the top tube on the LHT was an inch or two lower than my current bike, so it made me wonder if the 56cm would be better. The seat on the 54cm LHT was a few inches out of the seat tube, so I know if I got the 56cm that at least the seat could be low enough on the frame to be a good fit.

(I am 6'2" with a 32 inseam)

The specs for the LHT say that the standover height for the 56cm frame is 32", is that enough clearance for you? I think I am about a 32" also.

I think I'll go back and try the 54cm again. I don't think John was there the last few times I came. They didn't offer to put me on the bike modeling contraption. Maybe I should ask?

Yeah, the 54cm I rode was actually at Cycle Smithy. After looking around at a few different places that carried Surlys, I decided I wanted to get it there because they seemed the most knowledgeable. I put the LHT next to my current bike, and the top tube on the LHT was an inch or two lower than my current bike, so it made me wonder if the 56cm would be better. The seat on the 54cm LHT was a few inches out of the seat tube, so I know if I got the 56cm that at least the seat could be low enough on the frame to be a good fit.



The specs for the LHT say that the standover height for the 56cm frame is 32", is that enough clearance for you? I think I am about a 32" also.

I think I'll go back and try the 54cm again. I don't think John was there the last few times I came. They didn't offer to put me on the bike modeling contraption. Maybe I should ask?

I'll have to check on the standover height, but I have never noticed it to be a problem. I guess 32" inseam is not the same as 32" standover (meaning you add shoe soles to the inseam to get the free space below your crotch)? I'm just guessing here....
John is the Asian guy, 30-ish or so. I bought my bike in Aug-Sep 07 and he was there everyday. He seemed very knowledgeable. He may steer you towards a custom buildup though.
Duppie

I'll have to check on the standover height, but I have never noticed it to be a problem. I guess 32" inseam is not the same as 32" standover (meaning you add shoe soles to the inseam to get the free space below your crotch)? I'm just guessing here....
John is the Asian guy, 30-ish or so. I bought my bike in Aug-Sep 07 and he was there everyday. He seemed very knowledgeable. He may steer you towards a custom buildup though.
Duppie

besides the stem, did you get the surly buildup? just out of curiosity, what color did you get?

never mind... :D

i took the 54cm out for a much longer test ride than last time and decided that it worked great. i put the order in, should be here on thursday. woo hoo!!

never mind... :D

i took the 54cm out for a much longer test ride than last time and decided that it worked great. i put the order in, should be here on thursday. woo hoo!!

Congrats. You're going to love that bike!
Duppie

got a call back today, the olive green won't be in until late march. i think i may wait for it. if i get too anxious, i'll call in for the blue one and have it the next day...