Surly Long Haul Trucker - One Month(ish) review

So I've had my super sexy and awesome Long Haul Trucker for about a month now, and in that time I've put something near 500 miles on the thing. I say "something near" because I'm not really sure because I don't track mileage so closely anymore. Anyway, what's the overall verdict? Awesome. Let me say that if the bike was put together this way by accident, it's the best accident ever (like my Hardrock Sport). If it was on purpose, which I'm sure it is, Surly really did their homework on this one.

Frame: To sum it up, this thing rides so smooth, you'll never want to get off it. I ride some pretty rough side roads daily, and it just soaks them up. Seriously, this thing rides smoother than my Hardrock does with the Nimbus tires on it - and that's saying a lot, as the Hardrock is pretty dang smooth in it's own right. Comparing it to my Trek FX, there's no comparison. None. Steel is where it's at for road bikes, I'll still ride a aluminum MTB as the big tires also take off the edge, but I'm sold on steel for pavement.

Speaking of being well thought out, the frame has braze ons for... everything. Two spare spokes, three water bottles, fenders, racks, you name it and it has it. No disc mounts, but that's OK. The long wheelbase, for bigger guys like me, really makes the difference. Handling is precise and very accurate, without being "twitchy" like my FX or other road bikes I tried. I really dig that. Climbing hills it doesn't seem as crazy responsive as the Trek was, or other road bikes I've tried are, but it's still fine. You can still have a nice fast hammerfest up a hill, but it's no Madone - which you will thank it for if you decide to go on a century, or on some gravel.

Components: Here is where they really did their homework, and where I really appreciate their choices. The drivetrain is downright bulletproof: Shimano Dura-Ace barends, Tiagra front Der, Shimano XT rear der, and Sugino XD-2 crankset. Surly/QBP could have spec'd lower end components, say a LX rear der (a la Trek 520), or Ultegra barends instead of Dura-Ace, or even a cheaper crankset. Instead they really put on some great stuff that should last forever.

The wheelset, also, is well thought out. Going with XT hubs instead of LX or even Deore was a great idea, when you think of it. I wondered a bit about the pairing of a high-end hub with a rather mediocre (but apparently still very good) rim, then I realized it was brilliant. If one wanted to rebuild the wheel with a different/better rim (Mavic or Velocity, say) they could still use the hubs, forever probably. I'm guessing, though, most will be happy with the build as-is. Again, going 36h instead of cheaper 32h options was bueno, and part of what really sold me on the bike.

Odds and ends, when looking, you find were great choices. The tires, for example, I had previously thought I'd ditch right away. Turns out they are great, ride very comfortably, and really roll fast. The tread is great on gravel, taking the edge off situtations where I'd previously be cringing on my slicks. Bar tape is cork tape, which is great stuff that everyone loves. Seems to wear really well, and is great in the rain. I'm guessing they didn't go too crazy on it as many, they knew, would use something different from the get-go.

Stuff I changed: I didn't even leave the LBS with the stock saddle on, to be honest. I did a couple test rides, and on my longer one my butt was already aching - and by longer, I mean maybe 5 miles. As such it walked out the door with my year-old, but amazingly comfortable Brooks B-17 on it. I'll never ride another saddle on a road bike, MTB's are different, but not a roadie. Brooks for me, baby.

EDIT: Previously I had, well, nothing nice to say about the stock seatpost clamp due to misinformation from a shop and personal conclusion drawingness.. After an email from Surly and some 'net research, seems I was mistaken. Here's the deal, the stock seatpost clamp is great and has a cool Surly logo on it (looks GREAT on a Blue LHT Complete, fyi), and if you are a normal to even decently chubby sized, it'll hold you just fine. If not, Surly has another great product - the Constrictor - that totally rocks. Even if you don't have a Surly, but have seatpost slipping issues - get one. Your seatpost will never budge. Trust me, I mean, seriously here is a stock to fat dude constrictor model:


That's it, that's all I changed. Now, I did ADD some stuff. First was the Planet Bike full fenders, they're the more expensive of the two that PB offers and work great - I just have no idea what their exact name is. "Badass and work great", there ya go. I added a Planet Bike Superflash taillight, which should be standard equipment. Seriously. Buy one NOW. Finally I added some BMX pedals, which being a platform dork are the best I can do - until Scott sends me the platforms he hates.

On order I have a rear rack, as I'm finally sick of having a backpack on my back. Beyond that, though, I don't foresee changing anything else. I'll replace stuff when it wears out, like bar tape, chains, and tires. Beyond that, though, this is it. This is THE bike for me, I swear. I still adore my Specialized Hardrock, in fact I have some plans in store for it very soon, and eventually I'd like to get a 29er MTB (Rockhopper 29er, anyone? Specialized? Please?). The rat race for road bikes, however, has ended.

The victor, in this war, is very clear. Kudos Surly, I dig this thing.