I'm really torn. Bike dilemma
 

yeah I can't spell. I am really torn, between two bikes, and trying to figure out which size to get. I used to have a 56cm LHT, that was too big, so I stripped the parts, sold the frame, built up a 52cm Cross Check that fits like a dream. I want another LHT. The 56 was quite a bit too big, my 52cm Cross Check fits perfectly, and I cant figure whether to get a 52 or a 54 cm LHT. Nobody around here has them in stock so I can't test ride, and don't know how the fit between the two compares.
I am also looking at the Surly Troll (yes, I am a Surly nut. I have had a Pacer, an LHT, two Cross Checks, I like them a lot, mainly due to the Jeep like quality of being able to customize them to no end).
Now, I like to go touring off road, mainly fire roads, but single track when needed. I particularly like bikepacking, but I am not out there trying to jump 3 feet in the air with 50 pounds of gear strapped to the bike.
I am so stuck in a delimma. Advice?

Vaya? Mine does all that stuff you mention....can mount all sorts of good rubber. Packs supplies like a mule.

I checked it out, seems like a nice bike.

I'd measure everything on the CC and see what all the distances are, then look at the frame geometry and figure out what to do with the stem/bars/seat-post and cranks. If you don't want to do that, take it to someone that does bike fits for the roadies/triathletes and tell them you need all the measurements so you can order the right bike. Since its QBP, probably even those shops would consider ordering one for you. If you just do the fit it will probably cost you $80-$150 but you'd get all the measurements and take the guess-work out of ordering. I got a bike fitting for a fathers day present a couple of years ago and I still use that as a reference point for frame sizing when buying new bikes, and I've been pretty happy with my results when I do that.

Pretty sure, save geometry, CC and LHT will fit exactly the same. Why risk it, when you know a 52cm CC fits you like a soft glove on a baby's behind?


I think I mixed those idioms up.

get 52cm LHT if you want a touring bike that can take 2.1" tires
get Troll if you want a dirt bike, shocks, discs, ride bigger tires than the LHT.
Figure out what you're doing 80% of the time.

Oakland Cal? how about Bernie Mikkelsen, one made for you.. He is Local .

Or Bruce Gordon in Petaluma ..

I dream about Bruce Gordon bicycles. Sick? Probably.

is Bernie still building? 34yrs ago I had my first custom frame built by him. He was living under 880 at the time in his shop. It was great watching him repair the top tube on a frame. He moved a flame like a paint brush.

I would love to get a Bernie Mikkelsen or Bruce Gordon...perhaps some day when I am retired and wealthy. For now I am a 34 year old with a mortgage and a 2 year old daughter whose first word was "shoes". Don't think I will be spending lavishly on myself anytime soon. I quit racing road bikes when she was born and sold my racing bike, using the money on a crib and stroller.
I went ahead and ordered a 52cm LHT. I figured about like LeeG said, my CC fits great, might as well take a chance and roll with it. I like a more agressive position in the cockpit, so a smaller bike often feels better. The troll, while it looks like an awesome ride, just doesn't look like it would fit the majority of what I really ride quite so much as what think I ride in my dreams.
Most tours for me are still about 60% paved road, 30% fireroad, and maybe 10% singletrack, just getting to that perfect campsite.

Oh, to have such problems.

Buy the better frame and racks, Bruce has the BLT imported from Taiwan,
and packages the racks..

hang 'whatever' components off it, replace them as they wear out.

Surly and any QBP frame is also from the same hands on that Island Off China.

I know horrible isn't it!
I have really pared down the bike thing a lot though, to my wife's delight. When we met, and until about two years ago I had a road racing bike, a mountain racing bike, cyclocross bike, beater mountain bike, touring bike, and a beater road bike.
Now all I have is a Cross Check with three wheel sets, a road, a touring set, and a cyclocross set.
When I get the LHT I can sell the touring wheels, have only two bikes, use the road and cx set for cyclocross season and hopefully be able to do all the riding I like to do with the two.