I'm buying the Surly LHT as my first really quality bike, and my lbs has offered to build it up with components 'comparable' the complete bike from Surly, for the same price. I really know next to nothing about components, but the complete build looks great to me, and seems to be well received on this forum. Should I wait for the complete bike (Surly will only say it will ship 'sometime in April'), or let the lbs build it up (with my input, which is currently somewhat uninformed)?

I'll be using this as an all around bike, but I may use it for touring in the future. What changes would you make to the build for a similar price point?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

I would let the lbs build it. Get it sooner if nothing else.

I like the look of the LHT complete. I think the only thing I would change is to put big apple tires on (I would have one w/ 26" wheels). But that's just me. And if possible get a red one rather than blue.

All I really think I could evaluate is drivetrain (gears), frame/fork (eyelets mostly in my philistine eyes, some angles and lengths), maybe wheels/tires. I don't know from headset, bottom bracket, cable hangers... and assume lbs would be as (much more) informed (than me) as Surly would be so I wouldn't have a problem deferring to them if they weren't going to duplicate the part.

For the price, I don't think the componentry on Surly's complete bikes is a real good bargain.

HardyWeinberg: I'm curious, what's great about Schwalbe Big Apples on a touring bike? I can see using them for a cruiser or urban assault bike. You see, based on the Surly frame geometries, the one that would fit me most would be the 54cm version Of course, throwing on 2-inch tires might raise the stand-over a bit more than I'd be comfortable with

I also agree with MrCjolsen; considering what's offered on the complete build, it's made me reconsider building up one from scratch. Reconsider it, anyway. Shimano XT rear derailleur and hubs? Reliable bar-con shifters?

The tire comment was definitely relating to what I would do, not a suggestion for anyone else. I love those tires. Right now I am mostly riding a hardtail mtn bike w/ a pair of them, all over the county, about 20-25 miles' worth is the longest I can escape from reality, they are comfy, good traction, stand up to everything and keep on rolling. Looooove those tires. I am in kind of a weight weenie phase (if it weighs more, I put it on!!!). At this point I would have no qualms riding them any distance (I'm thinking about the Seattle-to-Portland in July).

If you didn't want to go that fat, the Marathon Supreme has very similar qualities as the BA, but with a little less width (in the 700 size).

I'd go with the LBS build up. You can get it sooner (!) and probably get either color, and get a little better spec. It looks like Surly is doing blue only for the complete bike

It's a pretty good overall spec on the complete build, but the upgrades I'd go for may run you a little more money, but I think they're worth it.

- Brooks saddle
- Avid shorty 6 cantilever brakes (Tektro levers are good - same as Cane Creeks)
- LX or XT front derailleur
- I would go for a double instead of triple front chainring set up (personal and location pref.)
- Probalby a different bar, you choose one you like the shape of. I like bars with flat sections on the tops, like ITM wing shaped lite luxe. But they require a bigger stem clamp size 30.8.
- Cinneli cork bar tape.
- Good hub and spoke spec, But I don't know much about alex rims, someone else here might.

As far as tires, tubes, chain, cassette, I consider them to be consumables. If you ride a lot you'll have to replace them far sooner than than the rest of the stuff, so just get it and ride the hell out of it.

That'd be nice, but according to LHT sizing, I'd have to take a 26" wheeled version. The 700c versions are too big.

I'm seriously considering a LHT too. I just hope Surly has made enough of them so there isn't a long waitlist.

I personally think the price of under $1000 is competitive.

Are you dead set on buying an LHT? From your post it sounds as though you'll be doing more than just touring -- a Cross Check might be better suited as an all-around bike, and occasional tourer.

How firm are the specs for those FDs where they claim a 44t big ring max?

There are those (including me) who think that a touring bike is actually a more suitable all-rounder platform than a cyclocross bike, particularly for commuting. Furthermore, when you do decide to go on tour, the LHT is better suited for the task than the Cross Check. Don't get me wrong, the Cross Check makes a passable touring frame, but the short chainstays and high BB mean that it can't do any better than that.

I would think that the deciding factor would be your confidence level in the LBS. If you are convinced that they can do as good a job building up the bike as Surly for the same price, I would go with the LBS.

+1
I was in the same position with the CrossCheck. Ended up going with the LBS, due to their reputation, and their mechanics pride in showing his work off.

The nice thing about Surly bikes is there versatility. You can build up a LHT as "fancy" or "bare bones" as you want.

A LBS can have some real fun picking parts for a LHT build. I agree with Woodlark here. If your confident in your LBS, I would ask them to build it up for you with your help of course.

When I had mine build I told my LBS what I wanted to do with it (commute mostly) and what my price point was ($1000). I ended up with all Tigra drive train and STI shifters, Salsa Delgado rims, Tektro brakes with a nifty Travel Agent adapter. I love this bike!

One thing, Tektro levers are okay, but they're not the same as the Cane Creeks. It's obvious these things were made at the same factory and a lot of the parts come out of the same molds (you can literally see some of the same fabrication marks on the Tektro/C.C. levers). The C.C. levers are actually a bit nicer though, as they've got a heavier duty return spring and better bushings that last longer.

The ergonomics of them are identical though, be it the standard versions or the short reach.

Edit: I've yet to find a good source for these levers in Canada. I doubt it's an issue in the U.S. since QBP stocks them, but for us riders up north a lot of the time the Tektros are the only option if you want that lever shape.

Almost bomb and flat proof as well as providing confident gripping of slick wet surfaces. They make for a nice comfortable ride on the poorest of surfaces as well. When your putting 60 or so miles a day on a loaded bike you will never go back to skinny tires after you try them.

I have FD with max claim of 44 running on 46 and 48.

Just make sure they don't cut the steerer tube until you have the bars where you want them (and I suggest not even then... let them use spacers to take up any slack until you've decided on your ideal handlebar height).

The other suggestion is build the LHT with a Sugino XD crank. I have the 26-36-46t, and I think you'll find that you will pretty much live on the 36/middle ring for most of your commute. I rarely/never have occasion to shift off the middle ring. My lbs couldn't get the Sugino, so I mail ordered it from lickbike.com for them to install (or you might consider Rivendell bikes... a little more expensive but I find Rivbikes/Grant Peterson a worthy cause

Oh... and don't forget to have them treat the inside of the frame with a rust inhibitor. I can't remember what it was called.

The shop that built my LHT was pretty hard-core spandex/weight-weenie crowd-caterers and lacked any sensibility towards touring... so both of these requests (high handlebar and the 26/36/46 chainring) were anathema.

+1 on the Sugino XD. A great value.

Sugino XD300 on my LHT is great value. The rust inhibitor you are probably thinking of is JPWeigle Framesaver.