Touring - What is the rght size Surly LHT for me?

Looking at getting a Surly LHT, and am wondering how I go about finding the right size frame for me.

I am 173 cm (5'8") and have longish legs for my build.

What other information do I need to supply?

z

check out an online fit calculator, it will tell you how/where to measure. Here is one http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO, here is a spread sheet for reference http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pdb5rlL1ns0XLxM31WpvkCw

I'm just a little taller than you with long legs. I couldn't find a LHT'r that fit so I didn't consider it for my touring needs. You really need to find one to ride.

You'll want to balance stand over with top tube length. They are equally important. If you're really lucky, you'll find a LHT in the perfect size. If you're more like the rest of us, you'll find one close to your size and then tweak the effective top tube length until it's just right. You can do this with stem length/angle, head tube length, bar type, and saddle position.

Obviously, there is no substitute for being able to test ride. The odds of most of us finding touring bikes in our size range to test are very slim. We're left with measuring and hoping for the best.

OP, how hard is it to find a Surly dealer in your area? Few to none?

Hi Azesty --- What is the rght size Surly LHT for me? ---
Get the 58 or 60 cm size that suits your legs. A big frame tour bike is your FRIEND. Hell I rode a 23 1/2" 1938 Rudge when i was a teen, 5'2 to 5'8" now.
Then get a 1" stem and/or a bar that curves back more. The new in style 4" stems+hands over the front axel/ short frames is NUTS on a tour bike. (Just ask Rivendell) It feels soooo clumbsy after using any cruiser type bike. IMO I see guys here diddling over 1 cm on the top tube and your hands could go 3" either way easily. Use the big frame to hold a fitted cloth bag. It could be tapered out to 5" in the front, almost a cu ft i'd say. It could hold all your clothes easily. Put 2 water bottles around the header and forks or even others in the bag .

PS I was in Chengdu twice to see my GF by Zijing Beliu Theatre. I have a big old style bike sitting there. Bad rod brakes, crooked rusty rims and all. Paid $80 new. haha I rode it off the city map.

@ busted knuckles, there are none. It seems there are none in the whole of China. This is hardly surprising as China does make a few kinds of bikes themselves, and is a major exporter.

I can find some fixie frames on taobao, the Chinese equivilent of ebay, but nothing else.

z

Hi Azesty --- What is the rght size Surly LHT for me? ---
Get the 58 or 60 cm size that suits your legs. A big frame tour bike is your FRIEND. Hell I rode a 23 1/2" 1938 Rudge when i was a teen, 5'2 to 5'8" now.
Then get a 1" stem and/or a bar that curves back more. The new in style 4" stems+hands over the front axel/ short frames is NUTS on a tour bike. (Just ask Rivendell) It feels soooo clumbsy after using any cruiser type bike. IMO I see guys here diddling over 1 cm on the top tube and your hands could go 3" either way easily. Use the big frame to hold a fitted cloth bag. It could be tapered out to 5" in the front, almost a cu ft i'd say. It could hold all your clothes easily. Put 2 water bottles around the header and forks or even others in the bag .

PS I was in Chengdu twice to see my GF by Zijing Beliu Theatre. I have a big old style bike sitting there. Bad rod brakes, crooked rusty rims and all. Paid $80 new. haha I rode it off the city map.

What are you smoking? I want some.

I would start with a 52 or 54 and you really need to understand your upper torso length, I'm assuming it is rather short if you're only 5'8" but with long legs.

I am 173 cm (5'8") and have longish legs for my build.

Probably a 52cm, maybe a 54cm.

:lol: :lol: :lol :lol:

I am about your same size at 5' 7 1/2" and ride a 52cm LHT. The fit for me is perfect with saddle centered and 3 spacers on the stem to rise the top of the handlebars to an even level with the saddle.

This spreadsheet is interesting to see what others are using, but unfortunately someone has deleted about a dozen entries that were there for people sized 5'7" and 5'8"...

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pdb5rlL1ns0XLxM31WpvkCw