All-rounder Wanted
07-12-08, 04:33 PM
#1
Playing with the traffic
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sydo, 'Straya
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Bikes: 2009 Colnago Primavera, Campy Chorus 11 speed, 1986 Colnago Master, C-Record, 2008 Surly LHT, 1930's Malvern Star 3-speed.
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All-rounder Wanted
I have various bikes in my stable. A fixed gear, a 650b tourer/pseudo-rando bike, a soon to be completed 1957 Malvern Star 3-speed and lastly a Surly 1x1.
The Surly has alternated between rigid singlespeed mtb (current set-up) and child-mover (topeak rack and seat, with slick tyres). As much as I love riding at the local trail i get the time to do it about twice per year. Subsequently, the Surly is much admired, but rarely utilised. As my family grows it's usefulness as a kid mover wanes. I'm planning to get a trailer, so think gears are in order.
So, here's my question. What I'd like is a bike that fits various functions, primarily child/grocery mover and occassional overnight camper, but that I could put on the dirt too without too much altering between functions.
My initial feeling is that a Surly Cross-check might fit the bill, but then also the Long Haul Trucker? How does the LHT handle on dirt? I want a non-mtb type bike.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks
I'll post this in Utility section too.
The Surly has alternated between rigid singlespeed mtb (current set-up) and child-mover (topeak rack and seat, with slick tyres). As much as I love riding at the local trail i get the time to do it about twice per year. Subsequently, the Surly is much admired, but rarely utilised. As my family grows it's usefulness as a kid mover wanes. I'm planning to get a trailer, so think gears are in order.
So, here's my question. What I'd like is a bike that fits various functions, primarily child/grocery mover and occassional overnight camper, but that I could put on the dirt too without too much altering between functions.
My initial feeling is that a Surly Cross-check might fit the bill, but then also the Long Haul Trucker? How does the LHT handle on dirt? I want a non-mtb type bike.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks
I'll post this in Utility section too.
07-12-08, 05:03 PM
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
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Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er
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The Cross Check will do all of those, but if you ride smaller than a 54 you will have toe overlap. That is mostly an issue on trails, but also with fenders and manuvering a trailer I would bet.
07-12-08, 05:58 PM
#3
Justin
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bayou City
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Bikes: Soma Double Cross, KHS Urban Uno
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Soma Double Cross, I am happy with mine though I have never carried more than 50 lbs on the rack that's about the max amount of groceries this single guy needs.
07-12-08, 07:26 PM
#4
Senior Member
how about converting the Surly 1x1 to a 1x9 with multi use tires like 50x559 Big Apples or Marathons?
A 42 t chain ring with 11-34 cassette gives a gear in range of 32 to 98, which should allow you to cover a lot of ground. Plus not a gigantic expense to make the conversion, plus makes good use of
a bike you don't use a lot ? Perhaps a on one mary bar or origin space bar for more ergo grips, might want to add a chain deflector like dog fang or jump stop and a chain ring guard. Plus with winter tires it would make a great winter commuter, but you just might want fenders down under.
ps. if no RD hanger on the 1x1, consider a hub gear.
pps. I have a CrossCheck built up as a 1x9 have ridden it a few thousand km
in all sorts of weather, probably my favorite bike.
A 42 t chain ring with 11-34 cassette gives a gear in range of 32 to 98, which should allow you to cover a lot of ground. Plus not a gigantic expense to make the conversion, plus makes good use of
a bike you don't use a lot ? Perhaps a on one mary bar or origin space bar for more ergo grips, might want to add a chain deflector like dog fang or jump stop and a chain ring guard. Plus with winter tires it would make a great winter commuter, but you just might want fenders down under.
ps. if no RD hanger on the 1x1, consider a hub gear.
pps. I have a CrossCheck built up as a 1x9 have ridden it a few thousand km
in all sorts of weather, probably my favorite bike.
Last edited by martianone; 07-13-08 at 05:25 AM.
07-13-08, 04:41 AM
#5
Senior Member
I really like the idea of a do everything bike. The Cross Check fills the bill nicely. If you want a more upscale bike, buy the frame/fork and do it yourself. If the standard Tiagra level fits buy it complete. My brother has a Trek 1200 Tiagra triple and the group really performs well. Good luck
Tim
Tim
