Surely, that can’t be a Surly?
Oh yes, it is. And I’m positively enjoying my latest acquisition. It all started after my Laos and Vietnam adventure when I knew I had to get something that was designed specifically for touring. I have to admit meeting the 2 Kiwis, Peter and Andrew, when I was in Vang Vieng did sway my decision to look seriously at a Surly LHT. Even my young friend Tzuo Hann, who cycled 29000km from US to Malaysia after he graduated, was a Surly fan. Surely his Surly must have been a great ride.
And so, after some research, I found out that the nearest dealer was in Singapore — a shop called TR Bikes. Well, nothing else to do but take a drive down to kiasu-land. And I did just that. In and out in a day. Together with the frame, I added a pair of fenders, a trekking bar, and a really neat (but heavy) Pletcher stand. I haven’t got round to using that, though. I’d probably need to shorten it a wee bit before I use it.

The initial setup -- trekking bar, XT shifters and derailluers, light plastic fenders, 11-34 9-speed cogset, Ortlieb handlbar bag with a matching pair of Ortlieb Packer Plus panniers, Selle Italia Flite Titanium saddle and cheapo rear rack.

Trekking bars are great but they're not for fast riding. So I decided that for short rides, and for keeping myself in touring shape, I'd use a flat bar with bar-ends instead. I also installed an extra handlebar stem to exclusively hold the Ortlieb handlebar-bag. This would then free up the handlebar for the cyclo-computer and my GPS.

A 'light' fork...something I learned from the Surly owners' group forum -- just attach 2 headset caps together and bolt them into one of the front rack braze-ons
Hi Mike,
As much as you are admiring your Surly and your Brooks, I’m equally admiring your Surly too. The Brooks of-course is a great add-on that I was fortunate to experience earlier.
If you are planning to ride this Sunday 8th Feb, perhaps we can ride together. I didn’t try your Surly the other day. Certainly would like to have a feel.
Hi Michael,
Welcome to the Surly family! Enjoyed reading your blog postings, esp about your Lao trip. I rode LP to Vientiane a month after you with 3 LHTs.
It was great to see all your pics as it brought super memories. Our trip written by my friend Chris is here:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=4521&v=Yn
Keep writing and I’ll surely keep reading!
Al 🙂 – also a B17 fan
Nice and cool combination bike!