and I have a question about the ride characteristics.
I have a Trek Mamba 29er, and I would like to know how different an LHT rides. Say, if I change to street oriented tires on my Trek, would they pretty much ride the same? I'm sure the stretched geometry on the Surly would be more comfortable, but since the gearing is similar, what differences would stand out?
Thanks All!

The surly will have a harder ride, due to the lack of shock forks. One equation is with how your Trek is, and how you have it set up. A.) Seat height B.) how many stem spacers/ stem rise / length C.) The way your seat position / seat tube angle/ seat tilt. It's almost impossible to squarely compare the two directly. Both brands come in an array of sizes too.

Hi Brian, good points indeed!
Obviously I'm kinda new in the biking thing. I bought the Trek as a leftover and got one heckuva deal on it. The reason I ask is that I'm finding I'm riding more on the street, and kinda interested in the touring gig. So...who knows! ��

Just saw what a Mamba is.
The LHT with drop bars will ride completely different from a flatbar suspension mtb.

Like comparing apples and dogs.

Can you test drive one?

Not sure. Aren't they hard to find in stock at most bike shops?
I'm just looking for a very general difference, like will the it roll easier on pavement? More or less energy needed to get moving?
Maybe what I'm asking is how different a touring bike compared to a mountain bike is on the road.

The rolling resistance depends on the tires. Drop bars allow a more aerodynamic position and they give you more hand positions. I'm guessing the Mamba and the LHT are close in weight so they will accelerate more or the same (assuming same tires - heavier wheels/tires impede acceleration). A touring bike will have more ways to attach racks and stuff.

The LHT will feel longer, more like a stable vehicle. If you are a kayaker I would compare it to whitewater kayak vs sea kayak

I love my LHT, but got it late in the season and have not ridden it much. I SO love the ride quality that it provides me. Way better than the Nishiki POS I have. I have all of the parts on order now to upgrade the brakes to Paul cantilevers, and Jones H-Bar, and VO fenders. Also slapping on a pair of Schwalbe Marathon+ while I'm at it.

xnihilo, I can only describe the difference between a touring bike and a mountain bike.

Both have fairly long wheelbases though the touring bike's is longer. The touring bike has more of a tendency to go straight with a bit more effort to initiate a turn, which is to be expected. The mountain bike isn't exactly 'flickable' on pavement either.

For me, one has drop bars, the other flat handle bars. Trekking handle bars have as many or more hand positions than drop bars and are becoming more popular for those who prefer flat bars.

A front suspension isn't needed on the street and if yours doesn't have a lock out and not a lot of dampening, it will eat up some power and make loading the front more complicated, although there are work-arounds for the latter.

I used my mountain bike for some short trip touring before I bought a touring bike. I love the way my mountain bike handles technical trails and didn't want to change it for another role, I did leave the rear rack installed as it would be perfect for touring on unimproved surfaces and is handy for carrying food and such to remote areas.

Another possibility for you to consider is to buy a fully rigid mountain bike from the '90s. Many bicycle tourists have followed this route and are happy with the result. The cost, even after outfitting it for touring is often less than a bare touring bike bought new.

Brad

Hi All, thanks bunches for your responses!
Brad, I believe you're giving me a good understanding without having to take the plunge on a new bike.
Yes, my Trek has lockouts which helps. I think I'll put on some slicker tires and do some light-duty touring and see where it goes from there.
One thing I know is if I go for the touring rig, different bars will be in the works; I never have liked dropouts.
Thanks again!

Double vs triple might be an issue. I find a triple sloppy. Others won't do anything else. I've met LHT owners who wish they had not. Many others love it. Personally I hated riding one. I also hate bar end shifters. Everything might change with a trekking bar.
Do get a test ride to find out how YOU like it.

You mean you never have like drop bars? Consider a touring bike designed for flat bars.

MARRAKESH FLATBAR DEORE | Bikes | Salsa Cycles

(FWIW Salsa and Surly are divisions of the same company).

Conversions are possible, you might not like the cost. Surly and Salsa same company? I guess I'm not surprised.

The weight of the touring gear in 4 panniers , makes a Bike that feels harsh riding unlaiden,
feel quite nice ..

because to handle the touring load the frame is made differently than a Light weight one.


Your Bike shop that sells Trek Has the 520, which is their Touring bike..

I expect they can order a LHT from Their Supplier, QBP.

Difference is the Billing .. QBP it's paid up front on company credit card ..

Trek has a revolving credit account for dealers, so it possible to stock the bike On Speculation
and pay for it when it sells.







...

Yep, Quality Bicycle Products. They own a lot of brands.

You are obviously familiar with my opinion.

Yes.

However.

The name of the company is actually Quality Bicycle Products.

Oh! Sorry! My apology. Maybe I'll google that name. Thanks!

Your post caused me to investigate. Then, I got curious about Kona who made my bike. Kona is still an independent brand.


Now I am curious is being independent allows a more relaxed attitude about invention and design?

Maybe I think it's mostly about marketing. Surly and Salsa seem to present themselves as the underdog, fighting for an independent idea. Trek & Specialized present themselves as solid mainstream. Cervelo as elitist high end roadies only.
Still a lot more "adventure" bicycles than full on low geared touring bicycles.

So I spied out the Salsa web site and noticed they also make a touring looking bike. The warrentee statement does not seem as straightforward as Kona.

Honestly, I never heard of Kona before I went to the shop to check out Surly. I kind of dismissed them. The LBS told me I have years worth of check ups. I took advantage this week. When I picked the Sutra up the mechanic said he was really enjoyed the bike after doing a test ride. That made me smile cause I figure he has much more experience than me.

When I think of invention and design in bicycles, it is difficult to find a company that bests Surly for trying new concepts that others won't touch. The reintroduced the classic styled touring bike back in early 2000s when others avoided touring bikes, then introduced the Big Dummy (a unique, elongated cargo bike), then the Troll and Ogre (off-road bikes capable of wide tires, 2.5"), then they brought fat-bikes to the masses.

Yeah Surly strikes me a very innovative. Salsa too - wasn't the Fargo more or less the first of its genre?

So if you're looking for an independent brand look at Advocate Cycles. The founder is the former product manager at Salsa...

I'd look long and hard at the sand country if I were looking for a full on tourer