Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Single best modification to stock LHT for cross-country tour?

« on: July 18, 2016, 02:11:57 pm »

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone! Great conversation.

I have a Brooks saddle. I like my bar-end shifters. I have a variety of tires that I switch out throughout the year including Schwalbe Marathons. My bike fits me well, I think. I'm in pretty good shape.

I like the idea of getting a lower gear for climbs (22t). A recommendation of crankset here would be much appreciated.
I like the idea of upgrading my brakes to direct pull from cantilever.
I also like the idea of looking into Nitto Noodle drop bars, based on another recommendation that was made to me.

If I were going to make only one upgrade for this trip, I think it would be the lower gearing on the crankset, followed closely by a change in stem length/position and/or comfier drop bars.

2

Gear Talk / Re: Single best modification to stock LHT for cross-country tour?

« on: July 18, 2016, 01:58:26 pm »

OP: Ride it fully loaded to determine whether or not the gearing is low enough for you. If not, consider replacing the smallest chainring with something smaller. Don't know what the stock gearing was on the '09 model, but if the small ring is a 26t look into replacing it with a 24t or even a 22t.

Yes, the '09 model gearing is 48-36-26t. Thanks for the tip, indyfabz!

3

Gear Talk / Single best modification to stock LHT for cross-country tour?

« on: July 15, 2016, 01:46:15 pm »

I am thinking of doing a cross country tour next summer (Sierra Cascade or Atlantic route) and looking to make some modifications to my stock-component 2009 Surly LHT, primarily to make it as comfortable as possible to climb with load for long stretches. I have done long-ish trips before (RAGBRAI, Red Ribbon Ride, and multi-day hotel camping trips with friends) but not with a loaded bike. So, my question: what is the single best modification/investment I can make to my Trucker? TIA!

4

Gear Talk / Surly ECR for Sierra Cascades or Atlantic route

« on: July 07, 2016, 09:40:39 am »

Has anyone ridden the Surly ECR on the Adventure Cycling Association's routes? I'm considering the Sierra Cascades route or the Atlantic route for next summer. Can anyone advise as to the appropriateness of this bike for primarily paved roads, ascents/descents with load? Any mods recommended? Any other ACA routes people have ridden with the ECR?