I've done something similar:
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/9426/23wd.jpg
http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/5711/42fd.jpg

That's right! That's what I'm talkin' about!
When I first heard of this, I thought it was kinda weird, until I started noticing other bikes with the same idea, then I realized the practicality of it.
Good stuff!!

Hey, if you aren't already, I think your a candidate to join our LHT owners group, eh?
We'd love to have you (and others) join our group, if you would.
Just point your browser to the link in my tag line below.

I've found it already, and I'll join, just not tonight. :D
Half one in the morning here...

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jws928...r=732c&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jws928...nm=e633scd.jpg

Frame: 62cm Utility Blue LHT
Headset: Cane Creek S3
Stem: Salsa Moto Ace SUL 100mm 105*
Bars: Salsa Moto Ace Bell Lap 46cm
Tape: Cinelli cork ribbon
Brakes: Tektro Oryx cantilevers
Levers: Tektro R200A
Shifters: Dura Ace 9sp barcons
Saddle: San Marco Regal
Seatpost: cheap Kalloy I had laying around
BB: UN-73 113mm
Cranks: Sugino XD300 175mm
FD: 105 triple
RD: Deore M510
Chain: Nashbar/KMC 9sp
Cassette: SRAM PG-950 11-32
Fenders: SKS 45mm 700c
Racks: Blackburn Expedition rear and Nashbar low rider front
Hubs: C201
Spokes: DT 14ga (36 per wheel)
Rims: Sun CR18
Tires: Panaracer Pasela TG 700c 28mm
Pedals: Shimano SPD campus (no idea what model)
generic front brake housing stop, headset spacers, and inline cable adjusters

I had my first real ride on it this morning commuting to work. So far I like it a lot. Fits great, rides smooth, feels sturdy as all heck.

CDCF, can you ride the full hand positions of the drop bar, no interferance?

If I had that rig I would run an extra front brake for backup, probably a disk.

Looks like my twin. Nice job!

Thank you!

I am very happy with it so far. You are right, our LHTs are very similar except for 26" vs 700c wheels and San Marco vs Brooks saddles. :)

Depends on what you mean... I can use all positions, with the extra bar, that I can use without the bar. I never ever use the hoods position (the brake levers aren't even positioned to allow that) so, that's not possible with or without. So the answer is: yes - for me. :D

Me too, but the problem there is that there aren't any disc brake mounts on the LHT... :mad:
If anyone knows of a way to mount a front disc brake without disc brake mounts, please let me know! :)

The 520 is no longer welded in Wisconsin. Who knows where now, probably overseas. For Treks, they need the "Handbuilt in the USA" decal on the chainstay for them to be USA, all the rest are just designed and assembled in the USA

Oh, and for that disc brake question.....

Just wait about another month for pictures. My 62cm 2004 SHT (green) is currently under the torch. I am "learning" silver brazing on it, and adding a disc brake tab and a support that is made from a disc rotor. I am also adding a few more braze-ons as the disc mount is for a downtube-shifter operated drag brake, and thus there will be different FD cable routing.

In addition, it will be painted a metallic pink with creme panels and a "different" incarnation of Surly graphics.

Not knowing any better, I went with Surly's recommended components which included a 30/42/52 crankset. I can already see that I might eventually need something more like your 24/36/48. When I decide to make the switch, is there any way to change the chainrings on my shimano 105 crank to 24/36/48, or am I looking at a complete change to a mountain crank which will mean a different derailer, chain, cassette,rear derailer,ect.? I currently have the Shimano LX HG70 11-32 cassette. Would this be compatible with a mountain crank?

24/36/48 rings require a smaller crank spider (110 BCD) than your 105's 130 BCD spider.....in other words, buying a whole new crankset to make this change. No need to change anything else though, including bottom bracket, assuming it is square taper....

wsexson - if my memory serves me correctly, I thought you were stripping the paint off of the constrictor seat collar?

Well, that's not an option for me. I was thinking more along the lines of some form of clamp holding it in place...

I would probably get a replacement rather than strip the black paint of the "Constrictor". Right now I am so dang happy with the bike that I don't really feel like changing anything about it. I will probably start seeing "flaws" that I need to fix in the future, though. :D

Brooks Saddle Model
 

Nice bike, which Brooks saddle do you have and where did you purchase it? Did you know that Brooks has a honey handlebar tape that matches the saddle. Not cheap.

LHT 54c Question
 

I am about to purchase a new LHT in a 54c. I know you like it. My concern is the 26" wheel. I wanted a 700c but the frame only comes with a 26". I know most people in Europe like a 26" wheel. I assume you do loaded touring, do you find any speed penalty with the smaller wheel? I do like that it is more robust, more options off road, and in the states, I could walk into a Walmart and always find a 26" tube. :thumb:

Select the correct 26" tire tread pattern for your needs and you will not notice much, if any difference.

Select the correct 26" tire tread pattern for your needs and you will not notice much, if any difference.

Thank you for the info. I will make my decision between a Surly and a Comotion Norwester this week.:)

I had a 26" version and hated it. The bike was very piggish even without a load. The tire choices were limited to mtb treads and mtb slicks. I used a tom slick at 1.25" and it was WAY wide for a touring tire. I sold mine, bought a cannondale T1, and I'm happy now.

I decided to purchase the Comotion Norwester Tour over the Surly LHT due to fit issues and going with the 700c tire. I had owned a Cannondale touring bike but wanted a steel bike this time. Although the Americano would be beefier, my weight of 157, the fact I usually don't carry more than 45 pounds, including bags, and the type of riding I do, tipped in favor of the Norwester. I should have it right after the New Year.

We got 2 of em' and think they are the greatest.
Just waiting on some new tires.
Mark

Here's my LHT in its natural environment

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/...5f2ef58d_o.jpg

I've been happy with my 56cm as it's taken me on several short tours this past year. It's also great for grocery/beer runs and a solid performer for unloaded road rides.

Joining the Truckers: Did a very extensive sizing tonight and looks like a 50cm LHT Complete will be here Friday...to be stripped immediately and rushed to the powder coating shop...

This post has a link to an awesome spreadsheet to help people size their lht's. You'll need to be registered with google. http://groups.google.com/group/Surly...70bf82740f70b5#