Touring - LHT to Salsa Casseroll - possible - difficult - dumb?

So - I have a LHT that I have spent over two thousand miles on. I really like the bike but.... I have yet to tour on it and am looking for something a bit sportier for brevet or century riding. FWIW - I also have a mint '84 Trek 620 sitting in the wings ready to be put into service. The LHT and the 620 would fit the same purpose. I do love the LHT, but I just want something a bit more spry
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b110/e_merlin/LHT%202010/IMG_0015.jpg
So - I am interested the 2011 Casseroll, it seems to fit the bill and I like the looks. I was thinking about purchasing frame only and moving the parts over from the Trucker which is all XT. The trucker is 26" wheels so that won't work, but what about the other parts? Can I transfer everything else over? I think the seat post is the same as well?

The complete bike is like 1199 and the frame is 549 - before any good guy discounts :-). I wonder what my LBS would charge to do the work.

Any thoughts would be appreciated - also any other bikes I should consider in this price range? Wish I had the cash for a Riv Hilson.... Am I making a poor decision?

Cheers

E_merlin, Are you sure you won't be disappointed with the Casseroll because it isn't a Hilson? Anyway, you should ride what style of bike you wish to.

Brad

That's what I did. I have a 53cm Casseroll and love it. There's toe overlap if I have on big shoes and Keen commuter sandals so I can't ride it like a city bike. The problem goes away when I wear Sidis. Here's how I had mine initially setup. Brifters, compact road gearing, dyno hub.

http://i.imgur.com/JAnPSl.jpg

I got a 2011 Casseroll in April because I wanted a quicker, lighter, livelier bike for commuting than my touring bike. I just bought the frame/fork and swapped parts from my old Merckx Corsa, but still needed to buy canti brakes, threadless headset and stem. The Casseroll has turned out to be a great bike, and I've hardly even ridden my 4 other road bikes since I got it. It is the most comfortable riding bike I have owned, yet is quick and light enough for group rides. It is also very versatile. I am riding it on Bike Virginia starting next weekend and bringing an extra set of wheels with cross tires so I can ride on the New River Trail part of the time.

I got a 2011 Casseroll in April because I wanted a quicker, lighter, livelier bike for commuting than my touring bike. I just bought the frame/fork and swapped parts from my old Merckx Corsa, but still needed to buy canti brakes, threadless headset and stem. The Casseroll has turned out to be a great bike, and I've hardly even ridden my 4 other road bikes since I got it. It is the most comfortable riding bike I have owned, yet is quick and light enough for group rides. It is also very versatile. I am riding it on Bike Virginia starting next weekend and bringing an extra set of wheels with cross tires so I can ride on the New River Trail part of the time.

Thanks - that is the kind of feedback I am looking for. What touring bike did you come from?

Or a Soma Smoothie or Smoothie ES

I got a Smoothie and admit that it was because I like the look of the white frame and white steel fork. The steel forks allow greater tire clearance with fenders as well

Rides great, handle great, takes up to a 28mm tire, or 25 with fenders, plus has rear rack eyelets. This bike replaces the Heron Road that was too big for me and becomes my hilly century, hotel touring bike. I paid $550 frame and fork.

http://www.somafab.com/index.html

SB

Or a Soma Smoothie or Smoothie ES

I got a Smoothie and admit that it was because I like the look of the white frame and white steel fork. The steel forks allow greater tire clearance with fenders as well

Rides great, handle great, takes up to a 28mm tire, or 25 with fenders, plus has rear rack eyelets. This bike replaces the Heron Road that was too big for me and becomes my hilly century, hotel touring bike. I paid $550 frame and fork.

http://www.somafab.com/index.html

SB


I think you are right on Soma - the Stanyan should be on my list - not sure about the price

Anyone else have a thought?

Look at my sig line! I got the 2011 Casseroll in April and the LHT went up for sale shortly after. I have been having a blast on the Casseroll, it is just so lively and smooth on the road. I road the LHT the other day and it just felt heavy. I had many a great ride on the LHT and its surely (Surly) a workhorse, but the Casseroll just makes long day rides so much fun. I didn't realize all the fun I was missing. Wouldn't use the Casseroll for heavy touring, but with a light load, I can see some summer trips using a light hamock & sleeping bag to camp, or some CC touring.

207390

Look at my sig line! I got the 2011 Casseroll in April and the LHT went up for sale shortly after. I have been having a blast on the Casseroll, it is just so lively and smooth on the road. I road the LHT the other day and it just felt heavy. I had many a great ride on the LHT and its surely (Surly) a workhorse, but the Casseroll just makes long day rides so much fun. I didn't realize all the fun I was missing. Wouldn't use the Casseroll for heavy touring, but with a light load, I can see some summer trips using a light hamock & sleeping bag to camp, or some CC touring.

207390

Thanks VT - great bike looking bike.

Anyone else have a thought?

I assume you are aware that you'd be losing 35mm of chainstay in the switch from a LHT to Casseroll. Also, 700c wheels on smaller frames normally result in toe overlap, as mentioned in post #3.

Have you considered a Vaya?

Thanks - that is the kind of feedback I am looking for. What touring bike did you come from?

My touring bike is a Bob Jackson World Tour. I still have it and plan to keep it. My Jackson is built up to handle loads with bomb-proof wheels (36 H Dyads), but just isn't as fun to ride on a daily basis. That is partly due to the extra weight, but also due to the frame being much stiffer. I ride the Jackson much more in the winter when I have to carry a lot more clothing while commuting. Eventually I would like to do some loaded touring with it, but haven't accumulated all of the gear I need (mainly panniers).

I also considered buying a Soma ES and it's another great option. In my case, the Casseroll geometry suits me better -- taller head tube and shorter top tube -- but that's an individual fit issue. However, I also like the canti brakes on the Casseroll, which provide better braking and more room for larger tires and fenders. The Casseroll also includes a front rack, but I left it off mine because my Jackson already had one that I rarely use and I was trying to minimize the weight as much as possible.

I've owned at least 10 road bikes over the years, including some quality racing frame (GIOS, Merckx, Bianchi, De Bernardi) and the Casseroll is the nicest riding bike I have owned. I am not a racer and comfort is more important to me than speed, stiffness and extreme light weight. However, the Casseroll seems to ride just as fast as my Merckx and De Bernardi racing frames. I rode a century in April at an 18.5 mph pace in very windy weather with my Casseroll rigged with fenders and a large seatbag (see photo above), which is a good time for me under those conditions.

I assume you are aware that you'd be losing 35mm of chainstay in the switch from a LHT to Casseroll. Also, 700c wheels on smaller frames normally result in toe overlap, as mentioned in post #3.

Have you considered a Vaya?

Do doubt - the toe overlap is a concern. With a greater fork rake I think that will make it livable on a 53CM. I could be completely wrong.

I also considered buying a Soma ES and it's another great option. In my case, the Casseroll geometry suits me better -- taller head tube and shorter top tube -- but that's an individual fit issue. However, I also like the canti brakes on the Casseroll, which provide better braking and more room for larger tires and fenders. The Casseroll also includes a front rack, but I left it off mine because my Jackson already had one that I rarely use and I was trying to minimize the weight as much as possible.

I've owned at least 10 road bikes over the years, including some quality racing frame (GIOS, Merckx, Bianchi, De Bernardi) and the Casseroll is the nicest riding bike I have owned. I am not a racer and comfort is more important to me than speed, stiffness and extreme light weight. However, the Casseroll seems to ride just as fast as my Merckx and De Bernardi racing frames. I rode a century in April at an 18.5 mph pace in very windy weather with my Casseroll rigged with fenders and a large seatbag (see photo above), which is a good time for me under those conditions.

Thanks Tarwheel - I appreciate the info, I think it would be same for me.

In terms of "zippier feeling ride" it should work out, and the parts ought to be compatible.

However, I'm not sure you will end up saving any money in the process. The frame will run you $550, wheels another $350+, labor can easily run you $250. All that to what, move $250 in slightly used parts?

In contrast you might be able to remove the racks and saddle, and sell the LHT for $500.

You might also want to look into something a tad more sporty, like a "plush" bike -- Specialized Secteur or Roubaix, Giant Defy, Cdale Synapse.

I assume you are aware that you'd be losing 35mm of chainstay in the switch from a LHT to Casseroll. Also, 700c wheels on smaller frames normally result in toe overlap, as mentioned in post #3.

My gosh -- how long are the chainstays on a LHT? The Casseroll has 42.5 cm chainstays, but you can easily stretch that out to 45 cm due to the horizontal dropouts.

I have had no issues whatsoever with toe overlap on my 56 cm Casseroll, even with front fenders.

My gosh -- how long are the chainstays on a LHT? The Casseroll has 42.5 cm chainstays, but you can easily stretch that out to 45 cm due to the horizontal dropouts.

I have had no issues whatsoever with toe overlap on my 56 cm Casseroll, even with front fenders.

The chainstay on my trucker 47cm :eek:

Absolutely perfect for my Arkel utility panniers.

In terms of "zippier feeling ride" it should work out, and the parts ought to be compatible.

However, I'm not sure you will end up saving any money in the process. The frame will run you $550, wheels another $350+, labor can easily run you $250. All that to what, move $250 in slightly used parts?

In contrast you might be able to remove the racks and saddle, and sell the LHT for $500.

You might also want to look into something a tad more sporty, like a "plush" bike -- Specialized Secteur or Roubaix, Giant Defy, Cdale Synapse.

You are probably right on about going frame only. They make it very attractive to buy the whole bike.

"You might also want to look into something a tad more sporty, like a "plush" bike -- Specialized Secteur or Roubaix, Giant Defy, Cdale Synapse." - thanks for the recommendations, but I really want to stick with steel.

I think you are right on Soma - the Stanyan should be on my list - not sure about the price

Stanyon is a great looking bike, but you have to like black. Pretty lugs as well. Only thing I warn folks about is the headtube is very short and makes it tougher to get the h-bar up towards saddle height. Read the spec's to compare.

SB

"You might also want to look into something a tad more sporty, like a "plush" bike -- Specialized Secteur or Roubaix, Giant Defy, Cdale Synapse." - thanks for the recommendations, but I really want to stick with steel.

How about one of these: (http://blackmountaincycles.blogspot.com/p/road-build-kit.html)It's road bike sporty, but can take reasonable width tires and fenders.

I hadn't been on a drop-bar road bike in 20 years when I went bike shopping. Just mountain bikes and hybrids in recent years.
My immediate reaction to the Salsa Casseroll was, "My God, this thing rides nice." I hope to have one myself this summer.
Question: Who makes those large front handlebar bags that appear in several of the above photos? Got to get one of those when I buy the Casseroll.

Who makes those large front handlebar bags that appear in several of the above photos? Got to get one of those when I buy the Casseroll.

Mine is a Velo Orange bag, but it mounts on the front rack, not attached to the handlebar. Other front rack bags I know of are Acorn, Gills Berthoud. I think Rivendell bikes may carry some also.

Question: Who makes those large front handlebar bags that appear in several of the above photos? Got to get one of those when I buy the Casseroll.

Not sure how VT is making out with the Velo Orange, but mine is an Acorn. I had the Velo Orange and did not have a good experience with it - it is reasonably priced however. Perhaps it has been improved.

The Acorn Rando bag is very well hand built bag - good quality construction. You can find them here (http://www.acornbags.com/index.html). The bad thing about Acorn is they can be hard to get as their production is limited.

Swift industries (http://www.builtbyswift.com/) also makes some good looking products but are more expensive yet. I think they offer custom build options as well.

Mine is a Loyal Designs bag. Zugster also makes them but they don't have the same kind of look.

Not sure how VT is making out with the Velo Orange, but mine is an Acorn. I had the Velo Orange and did not have a good experience with it - it is reasonably priced however. Perhaps it has been improved.

What issues did you have?

Hello,

I've a Surly LHT for commuting, running errands and touring, and I like the bike, but I'd like to have something lighter for the faster rides.

My LHT has 36h touring rims and 700x40c tires, rear and front racks, kickstand, lightning with dynamohub and stainless steel fenders so it’s very practical but little bit on the heavy side.

What I like with the LHT are the high handlebars and comfortable ride. That's why I thought a Salsa Casseroll frame would be good starting point for my new bike; it should be as comfortable as a touring bike, but lighter and faster. I also like Casseroll’s clearance for wider tires and possibility for fenders.

Casseroll is discontinued, but there are still few frames available in my size.

I guess you who have, or have had both Casseroll and a touring bike, are happy with getting the Casseroll? Or have you been longing for something even lighter?

Maybe you could also give me some advice on choosing the gearing for the Casseroll?

What kind of gearing do you have on your Casseroll and your touring bike? Is there a big difference on what gears you use? I mean do you use the same gears, or for example one or two gears higher on the Casseroll when riding the same roads?

You do realize you're posting to an 18 month old thread, right?

E.merlin, my 2 cents is to test ride before buying.

I know the thread is old but since my post was about these two particular bikes, I thought I could use this thread as well.

I’d love to test ride the Casseroll before buying, but since I’m living in a small town in Europe, it’s not possible for me – I have to order the frame. The only local bike shops here unfortunately aren’t selling these kinds of bikes.

You do realize you're posting to an 18 month old thread, right?

Even when you pointed it out I didn't.

I know the thread is old but since my post was about these two particular bikes, I thought I could use this thread as well.

I’d love to test ride the Casseroll before buying, but since I’m living in a small town in Europe, it’s not possible for me – I have to order the frame. The only local bike shops here unfortunately aren’t selling these kinds of bikes.
Makes sense to me.

Get used to not being able to test ride new bikes unless you happen to be looking for "flavor of the month". That`s just how it goes, unfortunately.

OT: I wonder why Salsa canned that model. Hardly ever see anything negative against them, it seems to have sold well over its short life, and there`s very little (nothing?) else filling that niche.

OT: I wonder why Salsa canned that model. Hardly ever see anything negative against them, it seems to have sold well over its short life, and there`s very little (nothing?) else filling that niche.
It’s definitely strange that Salsa discontinued the Casseroll. Only other reasonable priced steel road bike frame with clearance for 32mm tires with fenders that I know is Rawland Nordavind. Unfortunately it isn’t sold in Europe. Getting a Nordavind frame shipped here would be too expensive with all the tariffs etc. It would be cheaper to get a custom frame. Salsa Casseroll frame costs the same in Europe as in USA, so it’s an OK deal.

The Salsa Casseroll was a bike I rode several times and I really liked the ride. After it was discontinued, I contacted Salsa and they informed me the reason it was discontinued was they didn't sell enough of them. I am now considering the Salsa Vaya and the Surly LHT.
Being close to 70, comfort is my primary consideration and I realize I don't have many years left to ride dropped bars. The Long Haul Trucker is first on my list now. Where I live, at the foot of Washington's Olympic Mountains, I'm usually going up or down. I'm wondering if I can get used to bar end shifters after using STI's. I shift alot in order to keep a constant cadence and when I'm half way up a long climb and really feeling gassed I feel the STI'sl might be the better choice. Of course, I have only used the bar end shifters once on a 15 minute ride, and I didn't really get used to them.

you can even just get like a cross check, and strip the lht , for parts,

then reverse the process when you want to tour again.

I'm wondering if I can get used to bar end shifters after using STI's. I shift alot in order to keep a constant cadence and when I'm half way up a long climb and really feeling gassed I feel the STI'sl might be the better choice. Of course, I have only used the bar end shifters once on a 15 minute ride, and I didn't really get used to them.
I think a lot of that has to do with the hand and body position that you prefer. In my case, I keep my bars very high and use the bar ends as my primary hand position, cupping the bar end shifters in my palms most of the time. I shift a lot too, but it isn`t a reach for me. If my hands were elsewhere (hoods or the top of the bar), I don`t think I`d like them so much. If you do end up with that LHT and don`t come to an agreement with the shifters, you do have the option of switching shifters. More dough, though.

Now that I`ve thought on it for a bit, the Jamis Aurora, Bianchi Volpe, and Novara Randonee look similar to the Salsa on paper. Anybody have a real life comparison to offer?