Surley Troll

[twalls]

Opine me, please, on any experience you may have had with the Surly Troll for road touring. I like the idea of being able to fit wide 26" tires and mudguards on a sloping top tube bike.  My Kona Sutra is pretty limited that way. Are the chain stays too short for rear saddlebags? Thanks

[dombrosk]

I don't have any experience with the Troll, but am also interested in the bike. 

My wife is considering getting one as a commuting/touring/all-around bicycle.  Upright handlebar riding position and Rohloff-ability are both nice features.  She did test ride a stock model and was very happy with the ride and handling.

Here are some resources I've stumbled upon, I'd love to hear other 'opinings'!

 http://www.pushingthepedals.com/2011/07/review-aarons-surly-troll-with-rohloff-speedhub/

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-780680.html
 
http://whileoutriding.com/2011/02/23/a-troll-is-born-in-costa-rica/
 
 
 

[TCS]

Opine me... Are the chain stays too short for rear saddlebags?

The Troll's 16.5" factory geometry chainstay length is measured to the shortest point on those long track ends.  The rear rack attachment 'eyelet' ~looks~ to be maybe another 1.25" further back.

[twalls]

Thanks for your contributions.  I tried a Troll out for standover, reach,  and heel clearance for panniers today and, though the bike was not set up the way I'd want it, I think it will be fine.  Looks like the perfect All-Rounder.  Now to figure out how many $ it will cost.  Tim

[twalls]

Took my first ride on the Troll today.  Went swimmingly.   The bike is set up w/ 26 x 1.75 Marathons, and wide fenders (Planet Bike,Cascadia).  The bars are a slight-rise pretty straight mtn bike bar, with Ergo grips.  Glad that Surly chose to paint it BRIGHT ORANGE, and with the black fenders, seat, and front rack, fairly yells Oregon State, home of the fighting Beavs (I know it's hard to picture).  The only glitch was Old Tool Time Tim partially stripping the threads of the right crank by improper threading in of the pedal.  But, I think the bike will more than meet my needs.

[PJinNJ]

you might also try a Salsa Vaya.

[dombrosk]

We just returned from our first tour with my wife riding her new Surley Troll.  While it has been a good commuting/recreational bike, I was anxious to see how it rode loaded with front and rear panniers.  The handling was excellent and she kept exclaiming during the trip how much she liked the bike!

Her Troll is set up with Planet Bike fenders, Surley Nice Rack (front), Jannd Expedition rack (rear), Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires, and a Rohloff.   If you're thinking of a 26" wheel bike, I'd definitely consider a Troll.

[twalls]

I've spent several months with my Troll now.  Good all-rounder, with only one small glitch: my left heel (I don't use foot restraint) occasionally hits the outside adjusting wheel of the disc brake, and auto-adjusts it more closed. Surprising and annoying to suddenly have the rear brake start to hang up.  No, my feet are not gigantic.  Size 11. Otherwise great bike, great stopping brakes.

[DaveB]

....with only one small glitch: my left heel (I don't use foot restraint)...

If you ever try clipless pedals, you will never go back to unrestrained flat pedals or even toe clips.

[twalls]

Actually, I used clipless pedals on most of the bikes I've had in the past. With flat pedals I get a lot less foot numbness, because I can move my feet around. Same logic as with hands and butt.  And I don't have to use special shoes.  As far as efficiency in pedaling, opinions vary.   I will learn in time to keep my feet forward.