OdieInAz

Just ordered a LHT from my LBS. $1250 shipped and he's going to fit me to it on the trainer when it gets here. Can't wait until my commuter/grocery getter/touring/ bike gets here! Right on!

corwin1968

Sweet!

26" or 700c? Be sure and post pics and a ride review when you get it.

I've narrowed my choices of production frames down to a 26" LHT or the upcoming 700c Camargue from Velo-Orange. It basically boils down to what wheel size I decide on.

OdieInAz

26" Smoggy Pearl 50cm. I will post pics and review. It's about time I spent the money so I get what I want. I grew tired of buying cheaper bikes and modifying them just to be frustrated in the end. It stung a little but it'll be alright.

LeeG

well done, remember, it's a truck! not a sports car! Lots of other tires to try on that beast than the stock ones.

IDOutlaw

Can you just sense the jealousy? Congrats--looking forward to seeing the pictures!

OdieInAz

Yessir. I'm only interested in long, comfortable rides...not fast ones. Although I'm sure she can get up to speed from time to time.

OdieInAz

Thanks. I bled a little when I forked over the cash. But I've been wanting this piggy for a long time.

J.C. Koto

Congrats! As a fellow LHT enthusiast I've gotta say, you're gonna love it!

corwin1968

My primary reason for wanting a new bike is because after two years of curiosity I finally bought a 90's MTB and some 55mm Schwalbe Big Apple tires. I love the ride of that old MTB with those fat tires and I think a 26" LHT would be even sweeter! However, I already have a set of custom built 700c wheels and the Velo-Orange bike will allow me to put 55mm 700c Big Apples on it. Decisions, decisions, decisions.......

If I was starting from scratch and didn't already have the 700c wheels...the LHT would be a heavy favorite! I look forward to seeing yours!

OdieInAz

Or you could sell those farg'n wheels and use the dough towards your LHT. I'm not real familiar with the Velo-Orange but I do hear folks giving them props from time to time. I'm sure you'll make the best decision.

OdieInAz

+1

bradtx

OdieInAz, Nothing like a new bike to make an adult feel like a kid on Christmas morning.

Brad

Vintage_Cyclist

I just picked-up a new LHT also - 58cm, black, 700c. Tweaks so far: Brooks Flyer, Jandd racks front and back, SKS P45 fenders, my old Specialized platform touring pedals, and bottle cages.

indyfabz

What LeeG said. I am on my second one. (First one was stolen.) I used to ride on the 37c stock tires because a lot of my touring involved some unpaved mileage, including some pretty rough sections. For my tour of PA via the GAP and then all paved roads and trails last September I switched to the same tire but in a size 32c. Worked great even on the GAP.

I think one thing you will find is that if you stand up and climb the bike will say to you "Sit back down and spin."

Also, I would not cut the steering tube, if at all, until you have had a lot of time in the saddle.

Tourist in MSN

A lot of bike shops want to cut the steerer down but if you find later that you would have been more comfortable with a higher handlebar, that becomes a bit difficult if the stem can't be raised on the steerer. You can get a stem riser, but most people instead just leave the handlebars lower than they wanted.

So, I suggest if they cut the steerer, that you have the stem configured the way I have on one of my bikes, it is almost horizontal. The stem in the photo is a 17 degree stem aimed down, not up. If I wanted to raise the handlebar later, it would be easy to flip the stem around.



I know you said you are getting fit on a trainer, but there is a difference between being fresh and excited in the shop versus nearly exhausted after a very long day of uphills wearing you down when your back might start to hurt.

In the photo I also have two 10mm spacers above the stem. If you do not want the stem flipped downwards, option two would be to have them put 20mm or 30mm of extra spacers above the stem in case you want to raise it later. And if a year from now you want to cut it down or have it cut down, it is not a big deal. I do all my own work, if you were going to pay later, ask them the price up front to see what they would charge to cut it later.

It would be best to have this conversation with them before the bike arrives in the shop to make sure your wishes are understood.

lurch0038

NICE! Picked one up this year as well and cannot wait to take it on a weekend tour in the spring/summer.

OdieInAz

Good advice. I'm going to keep the steer tube uncut and I can cut it down later. Simple pipe cutter does the trick just fine. I've done a few before. I know I will have additional adjustments on the road. It's always a pain to get your machine dialed in. It usually takes me a week of hour rides (or more) to get it feeling perfect. Good thing is I was measured too, and the LBS called in my specs to get me the right machine, even though we both knew I was a 50cm. The extra care and caution that was taken gave me comfort. And to fit me on the trainer as part of the purchase, plus free tune ups for life (even though I like to do my own), was pretty stand up.
I do know that I am very picky with my fitting so no cutting my steerer!

OdieInAz

+1

Walter S

Congratulations! I have a long haul disc and it's my pride and joy. Never loved a bike so much as this one. I'm always finding the trade offs "perfect" for me. I can carry about anything and the bike loves it. It's a truck indeed, because it feels so solid. But still nimble too.

https://www.walterstovall.com/my-bicycle/

OdieInAz

Great write up. I'm glad you love the bike as I hope I will. Being comfortable is the most important factor for me. Looks like I'm in for a treat!

Aerohip

I bought my Surly a month ago(I wont be riding it for another couple of months...cold and snow!)I just have to add a front rack and fenders. I have 700c tires, their 28x 1/38. Are Contis okay tires guys? I know about the Schwalbe Mararthons...do I really need to upgrade? Are Contis that bad?

bradtx

I hope so, I just bought some Continental Touring Plus Reflexs in 700X32.

In any case ride them to decide.

Brad

dannwilliams

I have these same tires. I find the Conti's feel more "supple." Very happy with them.

bradtx

Thanks for the feedback.

Brad

LeeG

No they are not bad. I rode everyday across a drawbridge with a zigzag metal grate and the pronounced angled tread jiggled the bike riding over it. On rainy days I liked the feeling even less. That was my main reason for changing to a smoother tread otherwise I would have worn them out. I wouldn't call the Marathons an upgrade for unloaded riding.