Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

I've been watching this bike and dreaming for about 2 years now. I saw it come on sale, and pulled the trigger. Added a cheap Topeak rear rack, Ortlieb Rear Roller Panniers, a Light & Motion Taz 800 headlamp and some Shimano M424 pedals. I load the panniers down with clothes and books for work, and strap a 14lb lunch box to the top of the rack. The bike can certainly haul a lot. I'm riding it 8 miles to and from work in Oregon, so some very minor hills. I'm out of shape and easing a low back injury, but I can comfortably hold 12 mph. I've always hated wind on my road bike, but this thing loaded down is a dog when it comes to wind. I love the bike and am very happy I spent the money.

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

2010; 62cm. Cycled Vancouver to Ottawa - Fraser Canyon right off. Appreciated the wide gearing including awesome granny gear. Towed a Bob trailer plus front panniers. Bike felt rock solid. The frame flexed some with the trailer but I got used to it and it was never 'wobbly'. Great components. Original tires lasted 6000km. 5 flats. Now it's my daily commuter but it longs for the open road! I'm glad I bought this bike.

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

This is the road bike you wish your mountain bike was

This is the mountain bike you wish your road bike was

I did not expect to like the LHT very much - I ride fast road and TT bikes and enjoy speed - Ok, my wife loves it when I admit being wrong and I was wrong about the LHT.

My TT bikes are sports cars - my road bikes are sedans - the LHT is a pickup truck - big, comfortable and versatile. Today I will do about 80 miles with my lunch, locks, jacket etc on the rear rack.

Every component of the bike works together very well, shifting is quick and easy, I especially enjoy shifting when hill climbing with high pressure on the shifters and it shifts just fine.

I did put on a set of what I call triathlon bars and they are fantastic because the long wheelbase and comfy seating position make riding hunched down much more relaxed and removes pressure from my wrists.

Also on pedals I am a clip fan, but I got the Ergon pedals from REI and also expected not to like them, but darn, they are comfortable and not needing special shoes makes life off the bike easier.

Of course REI Staff is amazing to work with and very helpful.

This is a great bike that I highly recommend for long fun rides.

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

I've ridden about 300 miles on the LHT since I bought it. It's way more comfortable than my carbon fiber road bike for long rides. I'm less bent over with the tall head tube and stem so I can comfortably stay in down position for long periods. Gearing is great for hills. Brakes and heavy weight are drawbacks but well known. Bike is built to last and I'll be putting it to the test when I kick off my cross country tour next month.

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

Not much to say. The bike is bombproof, check out all the other reviews. I just got a Brooks saddle and I'm off.

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

Out of the box, the Surly Long Haul Trucker is a serious touring machine. The only component I switched is the seat. Other than that, just bolt on racks, attach panniers, and you are ready for epic adventures. I opted for the canti-lever brakes but I might choose the disc brakes if I could go back and do it again. I found the ride to be more comfortable when the bike is loaded versus not. It just seems to smooth out and make the miles comfortable. The best purchase I have made in a very long time!

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

I purchased my LHT for a 900 mile tour of Colorado and have since ridden Skyline Drive-Blueridge Parkway, and the Olympic Penninsula. I was surprised to see reviews that said the LHT handled poorly at fast speeds. I routinely approached 45 miles per hour coming down the passes in Colorado and despite not having front panniers (I carried about 35 lbs on the rear) never had any instability. It always handled surperbly. I did switch out the seat for a more comfortable touring seat but everything else was stock from Surly. I did have trouble with the red paint job because it blistered, but was told that it was only the red paint. (my luck) I have since had the frame powder-coated and Surly shipped me the decals and front plate quickly and with no charge. I can highly recommend this bike for someone who wants to tour, carry groceries, or just get to work as I often do. I liked the LHT so much that my wife and daughter each got one too. Obviously, I would recommend this bike.

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

seat was little uncomfortable in begining but after 250 miles i kinda like it now. not afraid to go anywhere this thing will make it haven't loaded it down with anything yet but bear it is very responsive and easy to ride i use it for a 18 mile work-out and 30- 50 on the weekends lota fun gettin hot in vegas cant wait for a cool down for some serious miles the gear ratio is great and end of the bars levers are really nice highly recommend for any one gona put long haul truckin on your menu

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

Great bike for the price, fully outfitted for [$]. Stable, strong, dependable. I have to take issue with the low reviews... I have ridden my LHT with panniers, BOB trailer, and have hit 50mph downhill, dead stable, no shimmy. I think the low review riders had unbalanced loads or just don't know how to ride. Great bike.

Comments about Surly Long Haul Trucker Bike:

Last summer, I rode coast to coast across America for the 7th time with two of my best friends who bought Surly Long Haul Truckers. I ride a custom Franklin Frame from 21 years ago at $2,500.00. My two friends Scott (rugby player) and Bob are 6'3" 215 lbs and 6'1" 210 lbs. They loved their bikes with heavy loads of water through Yosemite, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, over the Rockies, and up the Blue Ridge Sky Line Drive. I tried their LHT's and their bikes performed and handled as well as my $2,500.00 custom Franklin Frame. [...] Frosty Wooldridge