If I were choosing between just those two bikes, I'd go look at the Pack Rat and see if it fit but be ready to pass if it doesn't. The LHT is a bike I've only tried once and it was stable and hard and heavy. Perfect for heavy duty but I don't know if I'd want to zip around commuting on it. But I wouldn't get my heart set on either. If the link posted earlier is correct then the LHT might be gone. 2017-me was really interested in the Pack Rat but 2024-me wants to want to pop it over curbs and neither of these bikes with luggage mounted are going to be great at that

Looks like the Disc Trucker is no longer available. However, the Pack Rat price is now $700....

Have you gone to test ride it yet?

Thank you again for the replies everyone.

I went to a local shop that deals a lot with Surlys and they were kind enough to size me up and tell me that the Pack Rat would indeed be too large for me. My inseam is about 33" (840mm).

So, I'm just continuing my search and did come across this bike. What do you all think? I think from Googling that the size is pretty good? Possibly large? It has many of the features I've been looking for (rear rack, bag, fenders, etc.). However I think that $1000 might be a bit high? It looks like this model goes for about $900 new. Although the owner added components as well, so it's possible that the components are expensive?

Also, it's been up for 13 weeks...
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e5ef143547.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f1bd11802a.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d5489cd7db.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...03e8760df0.jpg

Talking part is done, lol. You really have to go ride these bikes and see how they work for you.

thanks for your reply. It’s not my bike, but just wanted to get people’s opinions. I’m thinking of buying it. The seller is asking $1000. I might offer $800. It seems that this model goes for $900 new? This bike is about 3-4 old I think, but appears to be in good shape? I’m not sure if the owner’s upgrades are worthy of a $1000 price?

The bike business is doing end of season sales right now and they are also still dealing with the bust and the glut that followed the Covid boom. So the price your seller paid might be a lot higher than it is now. It won't feel fair to them, but you don't have to respect the boom price they paid if it's not worth that any more.

I see that Sirrus 3.0 is still up in Washington.
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...789090829.html
It has the Deore drivetrain and is mismarked as 26" wheels. Has 29-700. Much better deal even new. Now in the $6-700 range.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/si...=301083-187462

So, you're saying that for my needs a Sirrus 3 would be better and you recommend getting it new? I'm not too familiar with components, so the Sirrus 4 that is listed at $1000 might be worth it?

I'm just looking for a stable commuter bike that will last and be customizable to a more upright position. I like the accessories that are on the Sirrus 4 (rack, bag, fenders). I suppose that would run roughly $200?

I'd make an offer on the used bike. Deore is a good group and the brakes are the same. Not a fan of fenders but I live in California. You have a shorter commute so a nice backpack would hold anything you need to carry.

which one are you referring to? The sirrus 3 or 4 ?

The 3

Getting no response from the 3 listing. In the meantime, I have been intrigued by Priority bicycles. What do you all think of them?

The You-Tube channel Shifter was a huge fan a long time before he got sponsored by them. That's good enough for me. I've seen them in person. They are good bikes built for commuter/City/urban use. They fully comply with the general advice I posted on one of the early pages of this (?) thread so many, many months ago. Racks & fender mounts, upright posture, internal gear hubs, chain case or belt drive, etc...

Just buy a darned bike already! :troll: (<---- half in jest)

:)

I had their very first model, won in a contest, about 9 years ago and kept it for a few years. Their design philosophy I found effective. It was a worthy update of the 3-speed format, which is already really reliable. It had teething issues. I posted here about it and the owner got in touch and sent me some test parts for their 2nd generation like the Gates belt (the first one had a cheaper brand belt) and the front rim brake (needful with kid seats). All the problems I had were fixed in the 2nd generation, which was also helped by assembly in Taiwan and not mainland. I don't have any firsthand experience with their higher cost bikes. But the experience gave me enough trust I wouldn't feel worried about buying one.

I see a fair number of Priority bikes here in Manhattan. I happen to be less than a mile from their headquarters but have never visited. I like the bikes, and I can imagine that the drawbacks are worth tolerating to reap the benefits.

While waiting for a light in traffic, I struck up a conversation with a man on a Priority. We rode together chatting after the light changed. He is extremely happy with his and had previously had a lot of the more normal bikes. He likes his Priority for the reliability, and he doesn't find it heavy or slow. They don't look heavy or slow. I think those bikes make a lot of sense, especially if you want to commute by bike often.

So, I ended up getting a Priority Continuum Onyx. So far, it's been very good. Thank you all for your recommendations along the way.

Congratulations! Got any pictures or stories to tell? Welcome to this world.