ultimatekiwi

I've been incessantly on my local Craigslist for the last month or so, trying to find a good touring bike that's a little cheaper. I just stumbled over this, which unfortunately is a little too big for me, I think. However, I thought maybe some other cyclists from the Twin Cities might be interested. I actually have no idea if it's a good deal or not, but I thought I'd post it for dissection by the collective.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/377024776.html

I know this has probably been asked a thousand times before, but I need some help deciding between a Trek 520 or a Surly Long Haul Trucker. The Trek 520 is $1000 at my LBS, but the Surly Long Haul Trucker is $930 at a different LBS. Fuji Touring is $890, Jamis Aurora is $850.

I suppose I should give some background. I'm deferring admission from College for a year to go to New Zealand, and bike tour all around the North and South islands. I will be leaving in late August. So, I would like that whatever bike I get is worth every cent. Are any of the aforementioned bike prices screaming-good deals that I should jump on (I'm especially curious about the 520 and LHT)? Or are they just average, not-particularly-interesting prices?

Thanks for any help, and I look forward to riding a new bike soon!

tacomee

A trek 520 for a grand is good price--- just buy it and stop worrying and start riding!

JunkYardBike

Big consideration is that of the three, the LHT has the lowest gearing. So if you'll be doing hills...

You can also search the infinite number of threads on this topic!

sprintcarblue

man, i'd be interested in that frame, but i am slightly confused on the 25" thing. a 62cm LHT is like 24"? So is it like a 65cm frame!?

ultimatekiwi

To be completely honest, I really don't have a clue about the sizing of frames. I also know that some companies measure frame sizes differently than normal. I would suggest maybe contacting the person who listed the frame, and seeing if they knew anything about it. However, take what they may say with a grain (or two) of salt, as they ARE trying to sell it to you. And maybe you'd be able to talk the price down a little. Maybe not, though. Good luck!

ultimatekiwi

I also found this one on ebay (ends in one hour and ten minutes): https://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-T2000...QQcmdZViewItem