Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.episodic
08-07-11, 01:46 PM
I'm looking at getting a replacement tourer. I had used a Surly Cross Check - and based off what I learned before that one was wrecked (car hit us) - I think I want a Surly LHT. However, a semi local shop can sell me a Trek 520 for what I'd pay for the LHT. The only wrinkle in everything is the fact that I'd probably ride a 54 LHT (I had a 52 cross check - and it felt small - the shop I bought from 'race fit' me I found later).
I guess I have a slightly unusual build. I have a 29inch inseam - yet I'm 5'11" - short legs long torso.
So since I'd ride a 54 - I have the 26" wheel issue. I've tried to read up on it - and it doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. I do enjoy weekly group rides with a 'semi quick' group of guys though. I was already the 'oddball' with a steel frame and brooks saddle on my cross bike. However, I never had any problem being one of the faster members of the group. We do 40-60 mile rides with 18-20mph averages.
So my choices are:
Surly Cross Check - just get a bigger one this time (would have to spend money to upgrade rear cassette for hill country - and putting road slicks on instead of the cross tires)
Surly LHT - (I like the gearing better, I would have to spend money to add range on the cross check as I did before).
Trek 520 - seems to be a sweet bike - but I would have to order sight unseen, and I know nothing about the bike's reputation.
All three of the bikes would be with $100 dollars of each other, with the trek topping out the local prices.
I guess I have a slightly unusual build. I have a 29inch inseam - yet I'm 5'11" - short legs long torso.
So since I'd ride a 54 - I have the 26" wheel issue. I've tried to read up on it - and it doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. I do enjoy weekly group rides with a 'semi quick' group of guys though. I was already the 'oddball' with a steel frame and brooks saddle on my cross bike. However, I never had any problem being one of the faster members of the group. We do 40-60 mile rides with 18-20mph averages.
So my choices are:
Surly Cross Check - just get a bigger one this time (would have to spend money to upgrade rear cassette for hill country - and putting road slicks on instead of the cross tires)
Surly LHT - (I like the gearing better, I would have to spend money to add range on the cross check as I did before).
Trek 520 - seems to be a sweet bike - but I would have to order sight unseen, and I know nothing about the bike's reputation.
All three of the bikes would be with $100 dollars of each other, with the trek topping out the local prices.