Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT) Touring Bike Build, Modification and Review
Aushiker | November 7, 2008 10:59 amPhew! A long title, but this post, reflects the build, modification and review of my first tourer, a Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT). This blog posting will be updated as I experience life on the road with the Trucker.
My maintenance log for the Long Haul Trucker (LHT) can be found by clicking here
and the photo album for the bike is available here
My original intention had been to build my own Surly Long Haul Trucker but the world financial crisis and time have killed that option. The price of a frame at the time of making the decision to order a new built LHT was Australia $990 whereas I could buy a complete 2009 LHT in Truckaccino for $2,129 Australian. This combined with really not having the time to put into my own build lead me down the path of a complete and modified route instead.
On March 7, 2009 I placed an order with Churchill Cycles, Myaree, Western Australia for my new LHT and took possession of the bike on April 4, 2009. This order got me a standard LHT which I intend to modify and add accessories to suit me. More photos of the Surly LHT can be found in the gallery.
Why a Surly Long Haul Trucker?
Before deciding on the LHT I considered a Vivente Randonneur (turned off by the attitude at Balmoral Cycles, Victoria Park plus they where happy to sell me a wrong sized bike). Also the other recommended dealer, Cycle Centre, East Perth, took nearly four months to get back to me! All this plus I just could not get excited about this bike led me to consider two other alternatives: A Fuji Tourer (poor dealer response in WA but could have got one from Melbourne but with freight there was little cost advantage again did nothing to inspire confidence in buying one of these) and a Cannondale Touring 1 or 2 (just too expensive I am afraid, but at least the local Cannondale representative really tried to help).
All this kept leading me back to the idea of a Surly Long Haul Trucker, something about this bike and Surly grabs me so here we are. I did considered purchasing a frame and building the bike up myself but the drop in the exchange rate due to the world financial crisis and just not having the time has killed that option for now. Instead I have purchased a complete bike, however as I am not keen on the idea of bar-end shifters I will be seeing how I go with this set-up with the option to convert this standard bike to STI configuration in the future; either Shimano or Campagnolo. You can read more on the options in the drive train section below.
So here we are … discussing the process of setting up a Surly Long Haul Trucker as road (hard and dirt roads) tourer suitable for touring in Western Australia, Australia, New Zealand and generally first world countries and as commuter, at least a winter commuter. I am not building it as an expedition tourer.
My fundamentals are that I want a good solid tourer set-up for long days in the saddle and loaded climbing, but also something I could use as at least a winter commuter. I want it to have drop bars, brifters, a relatively low range front crank set (something around the 22-32-44 range eventually), 9 speed mountain bike rear cluster and dérailleur, and touring wheels (36 spoke). It will also have front and rear racks,and be set up to pull my BOB Ibex trailer.
Cost:
I am maintaining a Google spreadsheet of the capital cost of this bike. All costs provided are in Australian dollars and include postage where applicable. The spreadsheet can be found here [Excel]. My maintenance log includes an approximate per kilometre running cost over the life of the bike.
The Bike – Specification, Modifications and Accessories:
Accessories | Brakes | Controls | Drivetrain | Frame and Fork | Wheels and Tyres
Accessories
Lights: While it is not my intention to ride at night on tourers, Sir Lancelot is being used as a commuter as well as a tourer, so lights are required. I have therefore fitted a pair of Universal Bicycle Swivel Mounts to allow use of my Fenix L2D torches that I currently use and feel that these will suffice for now.
If I continue to use the bike as a winter commuter, it is my intention to fit a hub dynamo and a dynamo powered LED so I have permanent commuter lighting with the need to worry about continuous charging of AA batteries or the like. My current thinking is along the lines of Bush and Muller IQ Cyo R N Plus as reviewed by EcoVelo and installed by Ken at Palm Beach Bike Tours.
Mudguards: These are silver SKS Chromoplastic P50 mudguards. They appear to have a good reputation and come in a range of sizes. The P50 fit 700c 38 – 45 mm tyres so should be fine for me. Interesting I went with the P50 size and have been pretty happy with them so far, whereas CycleJerk is now reporting issues with the choice of the P45 size (see discussion in the Surly Owner’s Group). Something to consider.
Update – January 15, 2010: I am a little disappointed with the mudguards as where the stays mount to the guard themselves, I have now lost two lots of mounting hardware and have had to use tie-wire to secure the stays to the guard. Attempts to email SKS with respect to obtaining replacement parts have gone unanswered.
Water bottle cages: I am going to go with two Topeak Modula XL cages . This should give me good water carrying capacity.
Front Rack: Currently no front rack fitted but on March 4, 2010 I ordered a Tubus Lowrider Tara front rack from Bike24.net. Only issue is it is black.
Rear Rack: I have fitted a Tubus Cargo Expedition rear rack which I purchased from Wiggle for $130.46. The rack fitted easily and has performed well.
Kickstand: Whilst I appreciate that the debate about kickstand versus no kickstand is a bit like a discussion about religion, I am going with a kickstand. Having considered the option of the Hebie Bidop stand 605 and the ESGE Bipod kickstand I ordered on March 5, 2010 Hebie Bidop stand 605 and 699 40 mounting plate. Dan’s Ramblings has a comparison of the two models. Ken at Palm Beach Bike Tours also has a good reflection on his use of bike stands. I went with the Hebie for a couple of reasons: (1) Simply price and ease of ordering from Bike24.net; (2) there is a mounting plate available (the Surly Long Haul Trucker does not have a mount for a stand); and (3) I like the look of the design. Time will tell if it was the right choice or not.
My preference was to go with 2009 Avid Shorty 6 cantilever brakes. These are more expensive for sure, but early indications are that they are significant improvement over the previous model. However the LHT comes standard with Tektro 992 "Oryx" so will run with these and see how they go particularly in the wet. After a winter of riding and still using the stock pads, I think I will stick with the standard brakes but update the pads. If that does not improve braking then I will consider the Avid Shorty option.
The brake levers are Tektro R200A standard levers.
The front cable hanger is a Tektro #1271A with noodle in silver
Controls
Handlebars: The LHT comes standard with drop bars, the brand being PMT with Co-Union Cork Mix tape. I am not familiar with these bars so will go with them for now and may consider replacing them with Nitto Noodle bars if I don’t find them suitable.
Headset: Standard headset is a Ritchey Logic Comp1-1/8" threadless, w/ 40mm spacers in black. No changes planned. Stack height 30.2 mm.
Stem: Standard stem is a forged silver Kalloy1-1/8" threadless with 25.4mm clamping. No changes planned.
Pedals: A useful discussion on same can be found at Bike Forums. I am currently using my pair of Shimano M424 SPD pedals as they are clip-in both sides, offer a wide supportive platform and can be used with bikes shoes if necessary.
Saddle: The standard saddle is a WTB SST with steel rails. I pretty much replaced the standard saddle immediately with a Brooks B17 which had been fitted to Chase, my Giant CRX 1. The WTB SST saddle was just not for me. However the Brooks is sensitive to getting the adjustment correct and whilst I have just got away with the standard seat post, I found Tamia Nelson’s posting on adjusting the seat angle on a Surly LHT helpful.
Seat post: The standard seat post is a silver Kalloy SP-342 (27.2 mm x 300 mm) with a Surly stainless natural silver clamp. If you are fitting a Brooks saddle, the standard seat post may not provide sufficient setback. The Velo Orange VO Grand Cru seat post is a recommend replacement.
Drivetrain
Bottom Bracket: Standard BB is a Shimano UN53. 68×110mm. No changes planned.
Cassette: Standard cassette is a Shimano Deore XT CS-M770 9-speed 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34t. Whilst, no changes are planned, I have found the ratios are not quite tight enough for my commuting so may consider other options once the time comes to replace the cassette.
Chain: The standard chain as fitted is a SRAM PC971 9-Speed.
Crankset: The standard crankset is a silver forged arms with aluminium rings, 110mm BCD, 48-36-26t Andell. My inclination is change this out to a Sugino XD600 (26/36/48), but will see how the Andell goes first.
Dérailleur – Front: Standard front dérailleur is a Shimano Tiagra FD-4403 triple. This will stay as fitted.
Dérailleur – Rear: Standard rear dérailleur is a Shimano Deore XT RD-M761 SGS long cage. This will stay as fitted.
Shifters: Currently the standard Shimano Dura-Ace Bar-end SL-BS77 9 speed shifters are fitted. However, my preference here is brifters, so I am looking at Campagnolo Xenon Ergopower 10 Speed Gear Shifters which will be married to the standard mountain bike back end and the standard road front end OR Tiagra 9 speed shifters married to the standard dérailleur components.
There has been a really helpful discussion on the Surly Long Haul Trucker & Cross-Check Owners Group in respect to brifter options. I will try and summarise the discussion here. My thanks to Hank Wirtz and Gary form the owner’s group for the substance of this advice.
- Campagnolo shifters are the best option. Either 10 speed or 9 speed shifters depending on if a 8 speed cassette or a 9 speed cassette is required;
- Suggested Campagnolo shifters include Veloce and Centaur. Hank notes that with the exception of Xenon (any year) and 2007-08 Mirage, Veloce and Centaur (they say "QS" on the left lever), any Campagnolo (Campy) lever will work with any front derailleur that’s appropriate for the crank. The levers suggested require either a "QS" or "FB" front derailleur. For triple cranks, those are Comp Triple, Race Triple, Mirage FB, Veloce FB, Centaur FB, and Chorus FB.
- Pre-2007 and now 2009 Ergopower levers aren’t indexed in the front, so you can use any front derailleur that’s appropriate for your crank. Use a Shimano one if you want.
- Some combinations known to work are:
- Campagnolo 11 speed shifters + Shimano rear derailleur + Shimano/SRAM 9 speed cassette;
- Campagnolo 10 speed shifters + Shimano rear derailleur + 8 speed cassette;
- Campagnolo 10 speed shifters + Campagnolo rear derailleur + Shimano/SRAM 9 speed cassette – use a Campy triple front derailleur – systems that are all-Campy 10speed shift 9s Shimano cassettes great, just adjust the limit screws to lock out the last click.
- Campagnolo 10 speed shifters + Shimano rear derailleur + Shimano/SRAM 9-speed cassette + Jtek Shiftmate;
- Campagnolo 10 speed shifters + Shimano rear derailleur + Shimano/SRAM 9-speed cassette + Hubbub cable routing;
- Campagnolo 9 speed shifters + Shimano rear derailleur + 8 speed cassette + Hubbub cable routing.
Hank notes that he is using 2009 Veloce shifters (10 speed) with a Centaur Long Cage rear derailleur and Record Carbon front derailleur shifting a 50-34 Veloce UT crank, and a 9 speed 11-34 SRAM PG-970 cassette. Hank goes on to say "that they shift the 9 speed cassette beautifully. The limit screw locks out the last click." My only concern with this configuration is the carbon front derailleur. Maybe not ideal on a tourer.
Gray indicated that he is using Campagnolo Veloce 10 speed QS shifters with a Shimano XT 9 speed complete drive train (except the brifters and a Tiagra front derailleur). Gary uses a Jtek adapter in this combination.
In addition to the above there is a very good resource on the topic called "Rear Shifting" which is published on the CTC website.
Another option is to go with Shimano 9 speed shifters such as Tiagra or if still available, 105. Bikes such as the Bianchi Axis have a mixed of Shimano road and mountain bike components.
Pedals: The Surly does not come fitted with pedals. As a I had a pair of Shimano PD-M424 pedals on hand, I have used these on the Surly.
The frame is a Surly Long Haul Trucker frame, described by Surly as "100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. Main triangle double butted. TIG-welded. The frame size is 58 cm. Colour: Truckaccino (Pantone Colour Code RAL 1019) .
The fork is the standard Surly Long Haul Trucker fork, a 100% CroMoly, lugged and brazed fork with a 1-1/8" threadless steer tube uncut.
Frame Protection: I have done nothing in terms of frame protection.
The seat post clamp is a Surly stainless steel clamp in natural silver.
Rims and Hubs: I am currently running the OEM Alex Adventurer 700C 36h rims with Shimano Deore XT HU-M770-s front hub and a Shimano Deore XT FH-M770-S rear hub and DT Swiss 14g stainless steel spokes.
The Alex Adventurer rims are a double wall design with the following specifications: ERD 603.1 mm ETRTO 622×18 mm, with an inner rim width of 17.5 mm and an outer rim width of 24.5 mm.
Tyres: The OEM tyres where Continental Travel Contacts 700Cx37 which I removed at 4,722 km. As my day to day use of the bike is commuting, I have now fitted Continental Grand Prix 4-Season V 700Cx28. For touring duties I have ordered (March 4, 2010) a set of Schwalbe Marathon Cross HS 334 700Cx38 as I have a nine day tour coming in April 2010 which will involve a mix of bitumen and dirt roads.
Resources:
Links to discussion forums, owner reviews on the LHT and other related and helpful resources.
Surly Related Discussion Forums
The Ultimate Trek.com Blog – Review on Daniel’s own Long Haul Trucker plus other gear being used on Daniel’s adventure.
Jon’s Cycling Log – Jon has a costing comparison of a Surly Long Haul Trucker versus a Dawes Ultra Galaxy.
Jim’s Riding 4 Life blog – Jim is a LHT owner
Marcos Netto Long Haul Trucker set-up with STI shifters and Deore deraiullers. Nice photos and specification information.
Palm Beach Tours – Ken is a Surly Long Haul Trucker owner and great story teller. Ken’s 2009 year in review in respect to his LHT can be found here.
The Surly Randonneur - Surly commuter and Audax rider.
Other interesting discussions of interest
Touring Handlebars – Discussion in Crazyguyonabike forums.
.
Popularity: 100% [?]
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
30 Responses to “Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT) Touring Bike Build, Modification and Review”
Andrew,
Stumbled on your work in progress. I am also on the LHT & CC Owners’ Group but have not yet taken the plunge. I suspect I have the benefit in Sydney of a good LBS (Cheeky Monkey Transport, Newtown NSW) that specialises in Surly.
If I can be of help sourcing something in Sydney, just let me know.
Good luck with the project.
regards,
Darryl
Andrew – for your wheels have you considered Mavic A719s? They seem popular in road bike circles where strength is needed, and also in 29er MTB groups. I spent some time researching recently after my Mavic Cosmos (from an earlier Carbon bike I had bought already 3rd hand) died and I wanted to replace them with something more suitable on my Surly Cross-Check – with a view to eventually doing some loaded touring on it. I got them in Silver 3h, for $140ea. http://www.mavic.com/road/products/a-719.324119.2.aspx (Warning: woefully slow, flash laden site!)
Kym
Thanks Kym for the suggestion. I had heard of the Mavic A719s but hadn’t given them much thought. I have now added them into the mix.
Regards
Andrew
Hi Andrew – came across your blog when goggling Surly in Australia. I’m in Melbourne. Looking at getting a touring bike for a long trip I’m planning for Europe in early 2010. Doing the research now with a plan to purchase in the next few months. Want to use it as a commuter bike before and after my trip. Currently looking into the Surly Long Haul Trucker Complete – not sure I’m knowledgeable enough up for a custom build… But there are a few things that I’m not sure of on the Complete, namely the drop bars and whether the gear range is low enough. Anyway, they are getting some in at a new commuter bike shop new me http://commutercycles.com.au/ in mid Jan 2009, so I’m going to check it out more closely then. Looking forward to following your build blog! Mon
Have you any thoughts The Reelight is a batteryless lighting system based on a simple principle – LED’S powered by magnets
http://www.spinopsys.com/archives/386
[...] bookmarks tagged surlyCompare Sydney Flights Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT) Touring Bike: A firs… saved by 1 others nitch23 bookmarked on 01/20/09 | [...]
Hey Andrew,
For what is worth I just built a Cross Check fo around the same price As MSRP on the CC. That said I think you can get a betted deal on the pre-buit Surly’s then modify as needed, Good Luck!
Cheers
I have a Surly LHT. I bought it right before they offered the complete. I spent a lot more outfitting it myself from the frame than I would have if I bought a complete. The parts I have are nice, but not worth the added expense. However, it was a fun project so that was a benefit.
I have Mavic 719 rims, 36-spoke, front and rear. I laced them myself (my first wheels) using Sheldon Brown’s website. They’ve made it through the first two years and 1 1/2 tours without problems. No broken spokes.
I actually like bar-end shifters myself. I have brifters on one bike and bar-ends on the LHT. I like them both. I’ve heard that bar-ends are simpler, less likely to have issues, and can still be used even after issues arise. I just repeat what I’ve heard.
I have a Jandd front rack with a shelf. I like it. It’s strong, and I use the shelf.
I think your choice of a 22-tooth chainring is smart. I have a Sugino crankset and the smallest granny I could put on was 24. I have a 32-tooth sprocket in back. On my tours I’ve always felt like that was low enough, so I’m not complaining, but I don’t think it’s possible to have too low gearing for touring. There will always be those extreme hills. I’ve been on tour when I wanted a lower gear and didn’t have one (on a previous bike) and that’s not a good feeling. My knees scolded me.
Your choices all seem sound, though not always what I’d choose (I don’t really want a kickstand, for instance.) I’ll be interested to check back from time to time to see your progress. Will you have pictures of the actual bike?
Andrew,
My LHT came from Cheeky Transport (Sydney) about six weeks ago and I have spent plenty of dollars getting it ready for my Munda Biddi trip in 10 days time. Yoo Hoo!! Staying at Mundaring YHA Sat night and heading off Sun morning. Once I get to Collie it is off to Margaret River for the Great Escapade.
I bought the LHT complete in 56 cm but in olive green.
I am very happy with just about everything but will go though what I am changing or have changed in the order you used above.
Lights: because I already had Ay-Up on my road bike I bought another lamp and 6hr battery. I also have added cheap LED lights front and rear that will stay on the bike. I don’t leave the Ay Up light on the bike when it is parked but need insurance in case I get caught out coming home in the dark. The Ay Up mounts on the handlebars over the stem. The cheap LED lights are mounted on the racks. I do not intend to take the Ay Up on tour but they are superb lights for night time riding. I now love riding dark roads at night.
Mudguards: I bought the SKS black chromoplastic 50s from Wiggle. I was surprised they would ship them out from UK but I bought enough gear (>$250) in the transaction so shipping was free.
Water bottle cages: Two alloy cages in matt black from Probikekit (UK)
Front rack: Old Man Mountain $175 from Cheeky Transport. I bought this because it has a flat tray top, it super light and super strong. The only thing wrong (apart from price, is that it has an unusual lower mount that uses the skewer through the front hub. You have to use a longer OMM skewer and it might also pose a problem when preparing the bike for air transport (still working on a solution). I would have preferred it mount on the fork mounting eyes.
Rear rack: Topeak super tourist ($75) and a nice rack. Really happy at that price for a steel tube rack. I have Ortlieb rear rollers and also mount my pump under the rack.
Kickstand: Have not fitted one yet. Will wait until I finish my first tour and decide.
Power: Solar is too expensive for me – another victim of the financial crisis – so I will take my 240v adapter and plug in where I can.
Brakes/ h-bar/ headset/ stem: all standard but I got them to leave the steerer uncut. I have 2cm spacer above the stem and will decide my most comfortable riding position en route.
Pedals: I picked up Shimano M324 pedals today after having some on order for weeks but he could not supply. I went for the M324 because they are aluminium with platform one side and clip on the other. Most other pedals the clip protrudes slightly higher than the platform and I figured that might be annoying when I wear my sandals (basically my only other form of footwear than my cycling shoes).
Saddle/ seatpost: no change although the seatpost looks a bit cheap. I can live with that.
Crank arm length: You did not mention it but the cheap flat pedals I put on when I first got it were hard to ‘grip’ with my sandals. I went for one decent ride and ended up with a sore knee which confused me because my crappy old shopping bike is the same. Then I ‘discovered’ that the cranks on the LHT are 175 mm. My road bike has 172.5 and my shopper and MTB both have 170mm. If I had my chance again I might consider shorter cranks. Yours might be fine but longer cranks put more strain on the knees.
Shifters: I am keeping the bar-end shifters now that I have tried them. I have brifters, twist-grip and rapid-fire on the other bikes but it only took a few minutes to get used to the bar-end shifting. The other reason is because a bought an Ortlieb handlebar bag (part of my Wiggle order).
Handlebar bag: Ortlieb have a unique mounting system that uses a plastic coated wire that loops around the handlebars. Typically clever German engineering except:
1. I now cannot use my Ay Up headlight while the handlebar bag is mounted because the bag is too high to shine the light over.
2. I cannot undo the stem to take the handlebars off when I pack the bike for air transport. I will have to take off the whole handlebar & stem assembly from the steerer. Not ideal.
I bought a toolkit with every spanner I am ever likely to require and am assembling a range of spare parts.
My biggest worry now is access to water on the Munda Biddi, and the weight of the loaded bike, and the trail surface, and …
Good luck with your build and tinkering. The LHT is a delight to ride.
regards,
Darryl
G’day Darryl
Great post! Thanks for your thoughts and good luck on the Munda Biddi.
The cranks is not something I had considered. May have to investigate this further.
Regards
Andrew
You may wish to re investigate Velocity Dyads. Velocity are relocating to a new warehouse and some items have been unavailable. The situation is about to change (as I understand it)
I was able to buy 36 spoke dyads. (rims only)
Regards,
D1
[...] This post reflects life on the road with my Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT). The bike itself and its build, specification, modification along with links to other resources is discussed here. [...]
[...] This post reflects life on the road with my Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT). The bike itself and its build, specification, modification along with links to other resources is discussed here. [...]
Ay Up lights are definitely good when you need a strong light for rough terrain, but i’ve been trialling these bike lights with integrated indicators around town, and have been quite impressed. they boost safety quite significantly. no need to wave my arms about in round abouts or when turning corners. not that everyone will be into the design, i understand.
Awesome post, very informative and loads of information to take in. I am in the market to replace my Kona Sutra which I had to get rid of mid last year due to my heels catching the pannier bags. It was to annoying so off it went. I love the following the Surly has and its going to be my bike of choice for WA tours this coming touring season.
The only thing that is putting me off so far is price. When I purchased my Kona I was in to minds re the Surly, at that point they were $1500 Australian, Churchill cycles are now quoting me $2200 around what you paid for yours. A call to Brunswick Street Cycles in Melbourne alerted me to a great price which was $1850 included freight to Perth.
It is a tough decision to make as to which store to choose. The benefits of buying local are great, servicing, advice and making new friends come into the mix. However the cost difference is HUGE.
It is frustrating that there is such a cost hike from buying in Melbourne were they obviously sell through loads more of these bikes possibly meaning a better deal from the supplier but really $400 extra its a lot to stomach.
So my question to you. Is Churchil Cycles worth the extra money or so I just buy from BSC
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the link to my blog. I started it (and am maintaining it) as a log of my purchases and a diary, but if it helps anyone else out that would be a bonus!
You’ll be interested to know that after weighing up the Surly LHT vs the Dawes Ultra Galaxy that I ended up actually getting the Surly. It arrived last week and after one 50km ride I think I’ve made a good choice, cant say whether the Dawes was better (as I have never ridden one) but the Surly is a beautiful bike.
You have also inspired me to put up a bit of a chart of my purchases, I haven’t filled in the prices yet but it is here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df9wjkms_1cf6gqpcn&hl=en
I’m going to try to build it up with a ‘classic’ touring bike look. With honey brooks leather gear and chrome everything else.
I have found your blog incredibly useful in making my decision so thanks!
Jon
[...] posting documents, warts and all, my ride on Sir Lancelot whilst pulling BOB, from Geraldton to Perth via the Brand Highway, Indian Ocean Drive and then Two [...]
[...] Continental Travel Contacts puncture and wear experience Aushiker | July 20, 2009 11:03 pm The purpose of this post is to summarise my wear, puncture rates and ride experience with these with Continental Travel Contacts as fitted to my Surly Long Haul Trucker. [...]
[...] commute on Sir Lancelot so my training during the week is on a nice strong (read heavy) touring bike. I am [...]
Andrew,
In June I bought an LHT Complete from Brisbane’s Epic Cycles, at an end-of-financial-year sale price of $1600. I think the LHT Complete offers excellent value, as you discovered it’s difficult to build one cheaper.
But there were some thing I didn’t like. The brakes, the position of the shifters, the saddle, the tires – I have modified these but otherwise the bike will retain it’s original equipment.
I replaced the rather pathetic cantilever brakes on my LHT with v-brakes and levers from Jenson USA. The Tektro 857AL brakes have longer arms for fender clearance, and this also gives them extra bite. The Tektro RL520 levers are a better shape than the OEM Tektro levers with smaller span from lever to bar. Brakes have gone from indifferent to excellent.
While the levers and bar tape were off I fitted Paul Thumbies to move the shifters from the bars ends. Shifting is so much more convenient now with the shifters on top of the bars.
The OEM Conti Contacts were rubbish. I had two punctures from stones chips caught in the treads on my first 60km ride. I’ve downsized to 32C Marathon Supremes from SJS Cycles.
Other items:
Saddle: Brooks B17
Front Rack: Tubus Ergo
Rear Rack: Tubus Cargo
Panniers Fr & Rr: Ortlieb Roller Plus
Handlebar Bag: Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus Medium
Rack Bag: Ortlieb Duffle Travel Bag Small
Tool Bag: Lezyne Caddy Large Saddle Bag
Multitool: Lezyne Stainless 19 Multitool
Pump: Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HP Mini Pump with Gauge
Muduards: SKS Black Chromoplastic
Tires: 700×32 Schwalbe Marathon Supreme
Pedals: Shimano A530
Lights: Cateye EL530 And LD1100 Light Set and Cateye Rear Carrier Mounting.
Bidon Carriers: 1 x Topeak Modula XL and 2 x Salsa SS
All these items were sourced from Wiggle, except the brakes (Jenson USA), thumbies (Paul Components), and tires (SJS Cycles).
P.S. I also purchased a STEIN MINI CASSETTE LOCKRING DRIVER from Jenson USA.
You can see pictures of my thumbie setup here:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum/board/message/?o=3Tzut&thread_id=130783&v=1q&page=1&nested=0
[...] it is the first service in Spring 09 Sir Lancelot got a polish as well. Applied Turtle Wax car [...]
[...] Service – September 20, 2009 Aushiker | September 20, 2009 9:40 pm Sir Lancelot, my Surly Long Haul Trucker received a “winter” service today at 4,272km. Winter services [...]
[...] x Continental Grand Prix 4 Season (Folding) 700 x 28 destined for Sir Lancelot at a cost of $43.76 [...]
[...] got a chance to put the new heart rate monitor strap to the test and ran with it for a few days on Sir Lancelot. The new strap works most of the time. It is slow to synchronise (can take up to two minutes) and [...]
[...] was a loaded ride on Sir Lancelot taking to the office a week’s worth of clothes and bringing the old lot home. Took to the coast [...]
Hi Andrew
I noted your difficulties with the SKS mudguards. I fitted them , and have some left over mounting pieces. Let me know if this would help you
Hi Sarah
Thank you for your kind offer, but I think you might want to hold on to them in case the fitted ones come loose as mine did. My work with the tie wire does seem to be holding good.
Thanks
Andrew
[...] Sir Lancelot, Surly Long Haul Trucker [...]
[...] commute to Fremantle enjoying the afternoon see breeze, not. Rode Sir Lancelot, my Surly Long Haul Trucker today as had materials and clothes to take to Joondalup on [...]
[...] Trucker Service – February 2010 Aushiker | February 19, 2010 3:27 pm Sir Lancelot, my Surly Long Haul Trucker received a service today at 5,721 km. It has been 1,449 km since [...]
Care to comment?