Messages

46

General Discussion / Re: Atlantic Coast Bicycle Route USA

« on: November 23, 2015, 10:12:28 pm »

I just wanted to jump in here and let you know that I too will be following your progress.  I can't really help you with your request but as a brother Firefighter and a former U.S. Marine you have my support.  I ran the Stephen Siller run back in 2011, words cannot express the emotion I felt the day of that run.  My lieutenants uncle was killed on 9/11 in the second tower I believe, his name was Joseph Spor.  I was with my buddy's family and my brother firefighters that day, I haven't shed that many tears since I was a kid.  Thanks for what you have done and what you are going to do, it's motivating as h***!  Stay safe.

47

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 21, 2015, 09:23:50 pm »

Thanks for the help guys!  RonK that was my next question as the web site is somewhat intimidating.  I picked up the Park Tools maintenance manual this evening, looks like an awesome book.  Im excited! 

48

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 21, 2015, 10:49:23 am »

Thanks Dave, solid advice and I really appreciate the help.  This sounds terrible but I just cannot do the color.  I figured since I was building the bike I would truly make it mine.  The powder coat company is very well known and has a great reputation.  They do bikes and when speaking to the guy it sounded like he knew exactly what I was talking about.  Im going to call him back, maybe this morning, and make sure he clearly understands.  Thanks again for the advice and knowledge.  I will keep this thread up to date on my progress.

49

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 21, 2015, 07:36:11 am »

I watched a video and it looks like the bearings/cups are part of the headset you buy.  So I am guessing If I buy a Cane Creek 40 (comes stock on this bike) I will have all the parts that I will need to install the headset.  Am I correct?

50

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 21, 2015, 07:00:18 am »

I think I am going to pick up that Park Tools repair manual from my shop today, that has to be of some help.

51

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 21, 2015, 06:58:01 am »

Thanks Russ, I really appreciate it.  I have been around bikes my whole life, but now turning 45 in a few days I would like to build one.  This bike will carry me on some tours and when I retire in 12 years I want to take a long extended tour and this will be the bike I plan to ride.  By building it I should understand how the whole thing works, so I really appreciate the help.
The cups (bearings) that get pressed in....Do they come with the Cane Creek Headset that I buy or are they separate? While we are on bearings/cups are the same type of cups/bearings pressed into the bottom bracket?  I found a bottom bracket that fits but I am guessing that has bearings pressed in to.
Thats a great idea about the threaded rod.  I see know reason why that would not work, maybe I will try that.     

52

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 20, 2015, 07:00:04 pm »

DaveB is exactly correct.  Today I ordered the 56 and paid for it, I should have the frame and fork on Tuesday.  First thing is off to the powder coat guys to work their magic.  Now I need to figure out what part to build first.  I was looking at the Cane Creek Head Sets but I am not sure exactly what I am looking at.  Some are longer than others, I understand this is because you can change the size or fit, i'm just not sure what to get.  Since I am building this bike without actually sitting on one.  I am confident that I will be ok, worst case scenario I try to recoup some of my money and sell it, but that is a last...last....last resort.

Any ideas on the headset?  I think I need to have bearings pressed into the frame, not sure.  This is my first build and will be a learning process but I think in the end it will be worth it as I should learn quite a bit along the way.

53

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 17, 2015, 09:16:58 pm »

Thanks Russ.  The guy that did the fitting told me that he would have put me on a 54, I don't know, he didn't really have anything invested to tell me that.  I was inclined to make the 54 work anyway, I got lucky and found a $5000 bike a couple years old for $1800.  I got a few other things with the deal, a kirk kinetics trainer and roof rack.  Na, it wasn't stolen, my profession allows me to check things like that and besides my co-worker would have been charged with the crime, not good for his career path.

I really feel like the 56 will work.  I may go order the frame and build it, if it doesn't work maybe I can sell it but I really think the 54 will work fine.

54

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 17, 2015, 03:23:31 pm »

Yeah, I have had people say I look big on the 54CM.  I was fitted for it and he said it fit nicely, I bought it used so it was what I had to work with.  I have put about 2000 miles on it and it is very comfortable, including a century or two and one back to back.  However I am a normal looking 5'10".  I stood over my cannonade and there is about an inch maybe before it is crammed into my crotch, maybe 1 1/2".
 
It's always neat to see the different opinions of people concerning frame/bike size.  Even from one pro fitter to another, I wish I could find that black and white answer but with all the variables that is just not possible.

The correct way is to get on the bike I intend to buy while on a trainer.  At this point make all of the adjustments and size corrections to see what fits and what does not.  Maybe I will extend my search for a shop that has a Surly LHT on the floor.

55

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 17, 2015, 01:55:10 pm »

Thats a good idea, I think I will give him a call.  Not sure if he can help without having the bike but its worth a shot.  Thanks.

56

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 17, 2015, 01:44:53 pm »

Exactly what I was speaking of in reference frame size.  I am surrounded by really good shops, no one has the LHT on the floor.  I spent 4 hours with a gentleman when I was fitted for my Cannondale, he does not work for a bike shop but himself.  After the last 40 years racing bicycles in some way shape or form he has settled down and runs a fitting business, the guy is through.  I have this very long sheet of paper with all of my measurements and the tweaks and changes he did to my Cannondale, but that paper is not the same as sitting on the bike.  If I needed to re-set my bike now that paper would do it perfectly, but this is a different bike.  Not sure which way to go.

57

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 17, 2015, 10:17:55 am »

Thanks Dave, I think there is an argument for both sides of this discussion.  However I am leaning towards exactly what you replied.  I would love to hear any other thoughts.  I am new to this site and just paid for a membership, I am really loving it here, thanks. 

58

General Discussion / Surly LHT/Disc Trucker

« on: November 16, 2015, 08:11:28 pm »

Hello all, I have a dilemma and thought I would post it here for some help.  I am going to build a touring bike and I am stuck on the Surly LHT.  With that said, I want the 700C wheels and not the 26".  The frames are built for 26" wheels through 54CM, 56CM starts the 700C wheels.  I ride a 54CM comfortably and was fitted to that size bike, a Cannondale Super Six. 

None of the shops in my area stock the Surly so I cannot go sit on it.  I am concerned about it fitting me, mainly the top tube.  It is extremely important for a bike to fit properly.  Many times the stem and or seat can be adjusted to make it work, however I feel like the proper way to get it right is to start with the correct sized frame.

My question is, I am 5'10" 215lbs.  I know there is a lot more that goes into fitting on a bike but I need to start somewhere.  Is there anyone out there riding a 56CM LHT that is my size?  If so are you comfortable?  Any help is appreciated.

59

Gear Talk / Re: Front rack that will work without eyelets

« on: November 09, 2015, 06:09:31 pm »

As far as a trailer goes I bought the BOB trailer for my trip on the GAP/C&O.  The trailer is built very well and is quality, expensive but it is very nice.  It held up very well on the trip and it was loaded down.

After my trip I sold the trailer, glad I tried it and learned for myself.  Pulling a trailer is not for me, maybe you but not me.  I was an idiot and overloaded it, the BOB will take it so I just kept loading.  I had enough gear to stay out there for three months.  My fault there, if you get it don't over load it.  It was a royal pain having something attached to my bike.  From parking it to just moving around when you stop for a minute....  A royal pain.  I am sure they have their place but I did not like the trailer.

I know there are some people here that love them, I'm not one of them.  Good luck.

60

General Discussion / Re: Getting in shape for touring

« on: November 09, 2015, 03:06:59 pm »

Hello,
I did the GAP in 2013, rode from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD. I have to say it was awesome!  My plan is to do it again, I hope to in 2016 with the new LHT I am building.  The ride was tougher than I thought it was going to be, the reason in my case was I took way too much crap.  I learned a lot on that trip.  I bought a BOB trailer (I have since sold that now) and I am sure it has its place but man I loaded that thing down.  Plus a rear rack on my bike, I could of stayed out there for three months.  My advice, don't pack to much gear, you just don't need it.  You really are never to far away from civilization.  I am in my mid forties and in good shape, my career requires that.  I also ride a road bike a lot so I thought it would have been no big deal.  I am sure it would not have been if I was not literally pulling 100 lbs.

I have heard of people putting in crazy mileage but I think around 40 miles a day will work for me next time, and I will be way lighter.  Maybe one day do 55 and the next do 38 or something.  Part of the enjoyment for me is seeing everything that I am riding through.  For me putting in crazy mileage means I will miss a lot of the scenery.  Good luck with you trip.