A lot of good thoughts-- It may be more cost effective to get a stock LHT, and change out a few parts than build one up. Having said that, I built my LHT because the stock bike was not what I wanted. I also got one heck of a deal on a new frame in the color I'd been looking for. Actually, if it was not for the color, I'd still be riding my Volpe. I don't think most stock touring bikes, including the LHT, are geared low enough. I wanted STI shifters, mountain bike gearing and several other options. I had worked out a really nice drive train on another bike and knew it would work well on a LHT. I also used the exact set up to build my wife's bike on a Co-Motion frame. Both bikes performed extremely well. If you are interested in specifics, let me know.

During the build before racks, fenders, old set of tires (28mm), and........................


On tour two weeks ago.