Hi,

I've just ordered an new Surly Long Haul Trucker bare frame. I have asked the LBS to install the headset and bottom bracket and to apply frame saver; I expect to be able to do the remainder of dressing the frame (breaks, fenders, handlebars etc, etc, etc. Are there any other things that I need to ask the LBS to do that are hard to do or need special tools before I pick up the bike? Something to do to the Dropouts or frame eyelet mounts; tapping threads for example ? All input appreciated.

Jack

Install crown race on fork... unless you bought a headset with a split race. Fork steerer cut to length desired. If the seatpost doesn't fit nice and easy, may need the seat tube reamed out. Many new bikes also need a slight tweak to the derailleur hanger to get it as straight as it should be, but that will require a rear wheel... wheels will probably need truing.

Thanks for the response mconlonx. Yes, the crown race will be set by the LBS. I was thinking that I was going to try to get the handlebar height dialed in before I cut the steerer tube though. I hadn't thought about the seatpost, good call, will do.

Thanks again,
Jack

Just an observation on Surly frames in particular. I have built up quite a number of them, and have found the frames to be generally very accurately made. Bottom bracket shell and head tube faces usually dead on parallel, but the last one I did earlier this year needed a bit of correcting, so it would be a good idea to have them face and ream the head tube and chase and face the bottom bracket before assembly.

Thanks for the response Dan. I have asked them to face and ream the head tube and chase and face the bottom bracket largely because I don't have the tools or experience to do either. In your experience, have you had to chase the frame mounting eyelets ? In general the frames are true?

Thanks again,
Jack

Eyelets are almost never an issue, except on exceptionally cheap bikes. That said, an M5 tap is pretty cheap, and will come in handy if you work on your own bikes at some point.

A frame from a major manufacturer will be aligned properly (which is what I think you're asking). If it's not, just send it back, that's not your issue to pay for.

Yeah, frame and dropout alignment usually dead on, but still should be checked.

Thanks to you both... I'll ask the shop about frame truthiness but expect no problem and I shall pick up a M5 tap.

I'll reiterate mconlonx's note that the derailleur hanger should be checked and aligned. It's simple, quick, and easy (with the right tool) and is key to perfect drivetrain performance.

Will do Chaad. That is on the list.