New bike!
 

Hey everyone, just wanted to come in and show off my new ride. I had been lurking here and lusting over not only the idea of touring but also the touring bike in general.

Well a couple of days ago I came across a 2008/9 Surly LHT on Craigslist, and luckily for me I saw it just as it was posted. Complete the asking price was $450. I jumped all over it, and then went to outfitting it for everything I could imagine using it for, with the eventual goal of touring somewhere (hoping to do the Oregon Coast next year time permitting).

So here are some pics of my new Commuter/Tourer/Bike Train in it's various incarnations.

First commuter mode with a single Ortlieb Back Roller
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_0294.jpg

Next up touring mode with a full set of Ortlieb Roller Classics back and front hanging off of a Jaand Extreme and a Jaand Low Rider.
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_0299.jpg

And lastly bike train mode, for when my 4 year old wants to come along.
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_0288.jpg

So for 2/3 the price of a new LHT I managed the bike, the Jaand racks, and the Ortliebs. I'm a happy guy!

Upon closer inspection after getting home with the bike the first night I did notice it had a small dent in the top tube which the seller never mentioned. I don't know if he was trying to be shady or not, but for the price I would have still bought it so I can't be too upset about it.
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_0300.jpg

Love the dark green, great score!

Thanks surlyman. The color is actually more closely represented by the last photo I think as it is not super dark. That being said I really like it.

Luck does occasionally strike. Looks like it was your turn. Congrats.

I wouldn't worry too much about that little dent. The price was certainly right, is it 700c wheels ?

Clayton, it is the 700c version. I would have been okay with 26" but given the choice prefer 700c since its what I was already used to, have tires/tubes for, etc.

Nice bike, Great price, dent does not look to bad. Enjoy

Now you dont have to worry about that first dent or scratch ...

Wow that's a great deal. you'll have to let us know how it rides. :)

So far I am loving the way it rides. I have alwasy ridden an aluminum Orbea Dauphine which is fast and light. I have finally accepted that I am neither of those things. The LHT really rides much more the way that I ride as a person. It feels like a road bike, which I like (as opposed to a flat bar MTB inspired ride) but is much more plush and stable feeling. It really is a purchase I should have made long ago. Now it is just a matter of putting some miles on it and then finding time to do some touring.