Surly Long Haul Trucker. Know what you need to!
You fall under either of the categories: someone who loves to ride bikes or someone who travels a long distance along with loving. This article is meant for the latter category.
So let’s get down to it. It’s an obvious fact that if you travel longer distances, you carry your things with you. Sometimes they become too heavy as well. Now how can you ensure a comfortable journey along with it? Well, that’s exactly when Surly Long haul Trucker or complete bike comes into the picture. The Surly Disc Trucker touring bike has been a solid performer for over a decade.
Talking about specifics, it’s designed for bicycle tours where you can expect a lot of loads to be involved. Components involve a low bottom bracket that ensures a stable ride, a chain with a long size, rear racks, bottle cages, and many other things. You might be doubtful about its durability but it should be a common fact that its durability is one of the key factors which makes it ideal for a long journey with loads.
It often becomes difficult to choose the right bike for your journey so knowing the specifics from a bike shop about them only ensures more clarity. I’m quite sure that Surly Long Haul Trucker will fit under various criteria you might have.
Let’s Look At The Great Things About The Surly Long Haul Trucker.
1. Structure
Now first and foremost before buying any bike you intend to use for a long time, you need to analyze its structure with due care. So Surly Long Trucker is built in a way which will last and the vibe it generates is that of a heavy fighter bike. It’s quite sturdy and very hard. The Trucker’s geometry is relaxed, which allows the frame to handle panniers comfortably.
The wheelbase is quite long which adds to the comfortable journey. Don’t use it if you’re a racer but for carrying some big loads from one place to another. That’ll be quite a role Surly Long distance Trucker will play. The heaviness you might expect after loading some heavy things will not be present and your preconceived notions will be heavily challenged. An ideal touring bike if I must say!
Speed isn’t something you should expect much from this bike but when it comes to a comfortable journey, it wins big time. It is like the bike is all about some heavy transportation with ease. Speed might be low but stability and comfort are something you must look at and consider.
So what will happen if there’s a slope you need to ride up? Nothing. Just as easy as with other bikes. How? Well, that’s how the structure is! It’s designed for the heavy stuff. So why should it be problematic when it just plays its role? No doubt you will feel its heaviness. But uncomfortable? Not happening. Let’s go to the numbers now.
2. Cost
The cost ranges from $500 (frameset) to $1350 (full bike). Sounds reasonable? Yes, it is! Why? Just go to the above points and see for yourself. You’ll get it. What with bulletproof 4130 steel, shock absorbing frame which can be very well used on roads which are not even properly developed.
The drop bars will ensure that you get a choice to position yourself for the ride. You get to decide.
The rim and disc brakes as well as the gears perform their best when it comes to slopes as well. Look at the tire. They’re wide. Your “off-road” experiences will surely be quite good.
3. Size
Coming to the sizes, Surly Trucker provides a variety of it and one must choose very carefully the size they want and are compatible with. Try to go for a smaller size than your usual fit for ensuring a perfect command while riding with a heavy load. But then again if you’re confident, choose at your convenience. Build up your bike as per your choices and specifications and see the wonders then.
4. Things to know
There are water bottle storage frames, two in the centre and one under.
Its design and structure are considered quite cool amongst bike enthusiasts.
Easy controls and awesome gears.
However, just like this grey world, certain aspects are not too cool. Like you need a bit of practice with the bar-end shifters and initially, it might a bit difficult; with the brakes. Yes, the brakes. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like they’re the best, especially the stock rim brakes. You might notice it when the weather condition is harsh and there’s a steep slope to cycle on. You may need certain upgrades there. However, it entirely depends on the individual perception of other components like the handlebar, stem, and other things. Some say they’re average while some just love the factory settings. Ultimately you need to try it yourself to know.
The more creative you provide to your bike to give it a touch, designed for yourself, I can bet that you’ll end up loving it. Build it with lighter parts and you can even get speed! Overall a bike you must have.
Let’s talk about the technical specifications of Surly Long Haul Trucker.
Frameset
| Sizes | 26″ wheel 42–62cm; 700c wheel 56–62cm |
| Frame | Surly Long Haul Trucker, 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. |
| Fork | Surly Long Haul Trucker, 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed. |
| Seatpost Clamp | Surly Stainless, 30.0mm (Surly stainless included) |
Components
| Headset | Cane Creek 40, 1-1/8˝ |
| Brakes | Tektro M730, silver |
| Brake Levers | Tektro RL520 |
| Shifters | Microshift BS-T09, 9-speed shifter, friction/index adjustable; Black |
| Stem | Promax 31.8 4 bolt |
| Handlebar | Salsa Cowbell |
| Grip/Tape | Black Cork |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Sport |
| Seatpost | Promax 27.2 300L non-offset [42–50cm] offset [52–62cm] |
| Extras | Kickstand Plate |
Drivetrain
| Crankset | Shimano Sora Triple 50x39x30T 9 speed |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BSA |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Sora R3030 9 speed |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore M592 9 speed SGS |
| Cog or Cassette | Shimano HG200-9, 11–36t |
| Chain | KMC X9 EPT |
Wheels
| Front Hub | Shimano T610 36h QR |
| Rear Hub | Shimano T610 36h QR |
| Rims (26″) | Alex DH19 36h |
| Rims (700c) | Alex DH19 36h |
| Tires (26″) 42–62cm | Surly ExtraTerrestrial 26×46 |
| Tires (700c) | Surly ExtraTerrestrial 700×41 |
FAQ’S
1. Is Surly Long Haul Trucker durable enough for long tours?
It is designed for long tours with surly 4130 CroMoly steel frameworks which not only adds to the durability but also acts as an absorber of shocks so that you get the maximum comfort possible. The Trucker’s long chainstays make the bike feel stable and increase the heel clearance from your pannier bags.
2. Isn’t it too costly?
It is, but then the benefits it offer you is surely something to know of.
3. Can I get speed here?
Technically, They are designed to be sturdy and withstand heavy loads which add to a stable journey when you’re out for your tour. You can build it with lighter parts for gaining speed as well.
Conclusion
So these are specifications you must look out for before buying the surly bike and I’m pretty sure this is going to be the right choice. The main difference between these two bikes is that the Surly LHT is made of steel and the Koga Traveller (unless you make a special order for the steel frame) is made of aluminum. Always remember that you can design it as per your choice however the comfort this bike shall provide is something worth taking note of. You can also check out more cycle-related product reviews by clicking here.