Cyclaholic:

I do love those Surly bikes. Rode with a guy on a century who had one and he just looked so darn comfortable and no muss, no fuss simple down to earth bike. Yours is that plus some serious business! Mine is currently a POS (not point of sale!) 80's road bike. Looking at giving her some better wheels.

You can pick up Ultegra 28 spoke hubs on eBay for a fair price and I have heard they are silky for life and industructable! But I stay away fron 28 spokes because of strength. Then I see your bike. 18 spokes in front and something under 28 in back. Ok, if I was a purist I would know the range...I'm just getting back into bikes and 25 years ago it was 36 36 36. My point, are you not putting high performance racing wheels on a utility bike? Or do I have a mis-conception as to what makes a strong durable wheel? I'm 220 lbs and I often have a laptop and other heavy stuff going home and I would hate to think the torture I am putting my old high flange Normandy hub and Wobler 58 rim through! I made the wheel 25 years ago and she still runs just fine....but I have never ridden the new stuff!

Again, very nice bike. I generally lurk trying to learn where bikes are today. Rode 3 of 5 days so I avoided 60 driving miles (97 klicks)! I'm getting back into it slowly. Some day I may have the guts to post a picture of my vintage commuter!