Hello Folks,
I made the decision several months ago to purchase a SURLY Long Haul
Trucker.
I'm an ex-pat who lives in Taiwan and I've been able to find a shop
that will sell me a complete LHT bike.
Unfortunately, because in Taiwan they virtually have ONE shop that is
able to sell SURLY, I have to take what is being made available by the
dealer. (I know, its ironic because they are literally manufactured down the street)
So, instead of being able to test out a variety of frame sizes, I've
been able to test out one.
A 52CM LHT.
Luckily, I believe that the 52CM LHT might be the bike for me.
I just need a couple of confirmations before I buy it.
I've read lots of links to various websites suggesting formulas and systems for sizing road bikes but all of them work from the premise that you ALREADY HAVE a bike that you find comfortable.
Currently, I ride a MERIDA 16inch XC frame and I'd say that it is on the small size. Good for inclines and declines and single track but no good for anything longer than a 50km ride.
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I am 5,7 (170CM) with an inseam of about 30 Inches.
My PBH is about 80CM.
I am committed to buying a LHT but I would like to hear a final 'OK'
from folks on this forum who might know.
I've posted some inquires on the Google LHT / Cross Check forum and I've gotten some good advice from LHT owners but their opinions are really split between suggesting a 52CM or a 54CM.
Currently, my LBS has allowed me to demo the 52CM complete LHT for a week or so and it seems fine.
Originally, I had some problems with the bar-end shifters hitting my
knees when using the stock stem but the shop has since replaced it
with a long adjustable stem and I've been able to test out a few
different stem angles. I have found lots of riding positions that seem
comfortable.
The bike is comfortable to ride but I still have the following
concerns:
1. Frame Size (a)- Should I consider a 54cm? I plan to use this bike
for long distance road riding and might also consider keeping a 'city
bar set-up' for ambling around the city. Primarily though, it would be
my road bike for touring around Taiwan with my friends.
If I stand-over the top-tube with a pair of CROCS on, I have about one
index finger of space between the top-tube and my crotch. I can jump
up and down straight legged and not damage the eggs.
-given that I have not tried the 54CM LHT (and will have no chance to
try it) my question is this:
What would be the benefits of a 54CM LHT equipped with a shorter stem
over a 52CM LHT equipped with a longer stem?
Should I be trying to
'max-out' the absolute top-end of the stand-over height (whereby the
top-tube is definitely touching my crotch) or should I really want a
centimeter or two of clearance as is currently available when I stand
over the 52CM?
This is never made clear in any of the sizing formula websites that I've read either by SURLY:
http://www.surlybikes.com/spew17.html
Or by Rivendell:
http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_...g_a_frame_size
I can't get over the fact that when I see pictures of myself standing
beside the bike, it seems a little small.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64532733@N00/3502501827/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64532733@N00/3502504675/
2. Steering tube length: According to some of the pictures of the
steering tube lengths on various LHT's that I've seen, it seems that
many people have several rings left between the top of the stem and
the top of the steering-tube. My steering-tube has not been cut but I
have my stem set to the very top of the steering-tube. There is no
more length available to raise it.
Is this a problem? Might the 54CM not also have a longer steering tube
and therefor have the additional option of raising the stem up a
little more if need be?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64532733@N00/3502485613/
3. Seat height. Should the seat height be level with the top of the
steering-tube? Or, should the top of the stem be level with the top of
the seat? I know this depends on the rider but what produces the most
comfortable ride for long distance travel?
What is the formula with regards to seat height and top-tube? I
imagine if I go with a 54CM I would have to lower the seat post a
couple of CM. Would that be good or bad?
I have the seat height pretty much set in this picture, does it seem
high or where it should be?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64532733@N00/3503293554/
Thanks in advance for the help.
I just want to make sure I'm purchasing the ride frame size.
According a LHT frame-sizing spread sheet that was created for the LHT / Cross-Check Google Forum, I can't really find anyone who has my dimensions who is riding a larger frame size, which
indicates that the 52CM might be the best purchase.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?k...s0XLxM31WpvkCw
However, I'm still unsure.
Would love to hear from some tour folks who use bikes similar to LHT's and who can offer advice about what would be the drawbacks and benefits of going slightly larger on the frame size.
Any advice would be swell.
Cheers