I'd have to disagree. I In contrast, I think I have the perfect bike for the job. The LHT is my do-everything bike. I found something it can't do on those fireroads, so I changed the tires and now it can. I wasn't expecting this to be a true mountain bike. I have one of those in my garage when I go back to Rochester, NY in a few months. But this will get me through until then. And as far as putting racks and fenders on a carbon racing bike... I did that and rode 750 miles through Ireland in the best two weeks of my life. So I hardly think it's a travesty. It's a matter of doing what you can with what you have. It might not always be ideal, but if the end result is good then who cares?

I did email Surly before I bought the tires. They told me there was plenty of room up front, although the back might be tight. Which is exactly the case.

The bike is a 56cm frame. Toe overlap has become more of an issue than it was before. One more reason I won't be riding (m?)any technical trails with it.

Ethan, you're right about the rubbing. These tires are only going to be on the bike occasionally, and not for very long at any stretch. Before winter comes and snow really sets in I'm going to pick up a slightly narrower tire that won't rub. At $16 each for these tires, I'm not afraid to cut my losses and move on.