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.
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- 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.
- That’s what LHT stands for.
- Notice anything different now?
- 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
- Thanks to my friend Yin who was on a shopping spree in Hong Kong, I’m now torturing my butt on this lovely honey-coloured Brooks B17 for the next 500kms or so… until it conforms to my butt’s seat-bones.
- I just love that little touch of Surliness on the seat-tube clamp
- It’s not referring to tourers who are generously proportioned — it’s about tyres.
- What a Brooks saddle looks like from the rear … since the last 100 years or so.
- The cockpit…complete with a neat little Zefal rear-view mirror.
How much this LHT?
S$700 from trbikes.com SG
is the price for frameset or complete bike? What frame and tyre size you use?
May i know where you buy that fender and mirror?
Fender is from TR Bikes SG, mirror is a Topeak which you can find at Rodalink. Fenders can also be found there.
i have been dreaming of a toruing bike for the past month and had been looking at Surly, Trek, Giant, Jamis etc…Surly had been my main focus. After reading your story, I do think Surly would be perfect for my needs and my dream of a long haul trucker touring. Thanks for sharing. Simon.
Hi
If i need to choose between Surl LHT and Koga traveller, what would you recommend me ?
KOGA T – http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles/koga/touring/koga-traveller/burwood/nsw/102080161
In regards to Brooks sadle, is the one with the springs is recomended
Thanks
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glamorscene
Your answer shows real inelitlgence.