Good day,

This is my first post on the forum, but I have read many threads before coming to my decision to purchase a Long Haul Trucker. I was contemplating the idea of getting a Novara Randonee as well, but the local availability (I live in Canada) made me go for the LHT. Now in the only (somewhat) local store that sells Surly bikes here, they have 2012, 2013 and 2014 models and I was wondering what are the differences between those models, if any?

The 2014 model they have is only disc brakes, 26'' or 700c, and is $1,650 (those are Canadian dollars). The 2013 model is also disc brakes, 700c, for $1,575. The 2012 model is rim brakes, 700c, for $1,500. I never used disc brakes before, but I read that they are better in wet conditions, which could be good for me since I use the bike to commute to work even if it's raining. Also I use my bike for bikejoring (like dog sledding but with a bike), so brakes are important and needs to work since the dog doesn't stop right away at the command sometimes, especially if he is going after a gopher or something (but he is getting better ). Back on topic now, I will also use the bike off pavement, especially since where I live not all roads are paved, so even day trips include portions on dirt or gravel roads, if that makes a difference in my choice between 700c or 26", or between rim or disc brakes. Also, I'm not that tight on cash to not be able to afford the difference of $150 between 2012 and 2014 models, but why spend it if there are no differences (or if the 2012 model is better for any reason, i.e. the only one with rim brakes), noting that only 700c versions of the 2012 and 2013 are still available.

Thanks,