First Touring Bike Decisions...help!?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Salvo Lutzery on March 25, 2009 at 1:56am

I'm surprised nobody has responded to this yet. I have only ridden a Volpe a few miles, and have ridden my LHT a few thousand miles. So, on that alone, I can only really endorse the LHT. That being said, the Volpe is probably a quicker bike unloaded, but the Surly feels awesome loaded up. In fact, and I don't think many will disagree, it feels much better with a full front and rear load, than unloaded. Also, there are some component issues. The gearing is slightly different, and the shifters are not the same either. That is personal preference stuff. Size is also an issue. I personally like the idea of a touring bike being designed around two different wheel sizes--as the LHT is. It shows that they aren't simply shrinking a frame, but rather spending the time to space things out for different sized riders.
So, anyway, I know a whole lot of us on this site have LHT's, and will probably endorse them, as I have not met a single LHT rider who doesn't like their bike. I will give my vote for the LHT. I don't know what area you live in, but over at Blvd Bikes they usually have mid sized (56-58) examples of both bikes. I really like those guys over there and recommend them for helping you out on this decision.
Also, if you ride a 56cm, or anyone out there, the bike shop in Wheaton has an '07 Fuji touring bike for $600, new. This bike actually looks really cool and has a threaded steerer and okay parts. But shit, for a dedicated touring bike it's a good price. (Midwest Cycles)

Permalink Reply by DonRay A.K.A. Zesty on March 25, 2009 at 1:32pm

alright, well I tried to reply to this and my long explanation didn't post - or maybe it will post later. Thanks for your reply Salvo.
My MAIN concern is that the LHT might be a little too slow for me unloaded, or lightly loaded. Like a small century trip - Do you all ever feel this way with the LHT, that you are fighting, and struggling a bit more than the rest of your group (when you are unloaded)? I have read everything I can find online about these two bikes and this is the only negative I can find (for me) about the LHT.
Boulevard actually has ordered a 60 LHT so I can give it a test ride. I rode the Volpe and really liked it...but to be honest I really wanted to go with Surly. My main problem is my perception is so skewed because now I only own 2 track bikes and a junk cruiser - I feel like the Volpe is bulky! (ha!) I want the LHT, but I also want to keep up my speed when not fully loaded. thanks - DRV~

Salvo Lutzery said:

I'm surprised nobody has responded to this yet. I have only ridden a Volpe a few miles, and have ridden my LHT a few thousand miles. So, on that alone, I can only really endorse the LHT. That being said, the Volpe is probably a quicker bike unloaded, but the Surly feels awesome loaded up. In fact, and I don't think many will disagree, it feels much better with a full front and rear load, than unloaded. Also, there are some component issues. The gearing is slightly different, and the shifters are not the same either. That is personal preference stuff. Size is also an issue. I personally like the idea of a touring bike being designed around two different wheel sizes--as the LHT is. It shows that they aren't simply shrinking a frame, but rather spending the time to space things out for different sized riders.
So, anyway, I know a whole lot of us on this site have LHT's, and will probably endorse them, as I have not met a single LHT rider who doesn't like their bike. I will give my vote for the LHT. I don't know what area you live in, but over at Blvd Bikes they usually have mid sized (56-58) examples of both bikes. I really like those guys over there and recommend them for helping you out on this decision.
Also, if you ride a 56cm, or anyone out there, the bike shop in Wheaton has an '07 Fuji touring bike for $600, new. This bike actually looks really cool and has a threaded steerer and okay parts. But shit, for a dedicated touring bike it's a good price. (Midwest Cycles)

Permalink Reply by payton on March 26, 2009 at 6:02pm

hmm, I've never consciously found myself dragging on the LHT but it's difficult to know what's in your head vs. what's for real in such matters. (it would be impossible to do a fully controlled comparison of the LHT vs. any other frame in that regard, as no two rides are identical.) the weight difference vs. the Cross-Check (for instance) is just four ounces; its reputation as a heavyweight is a bit overblown.

with regards to handling, the LHT does take a little while to build speed and sometimes turns pretty wide. it does seem to maintain speed well once you get going, IMO. I really enjoy riding mine.

Permalink Reply by UV Metal Arts - Powder Coating on March 26, 2009 at 6:18pm

Hello, I'm new to the group. But I have done a lot of touring and would like to add me two cents here regarding your bike choice. If your adding this bike to your fleet as the bike "to do one long tour a year, with small weekend trips spread throughout the year", consider taking weight out of the equation. One long tour sounds to me like fully loaded touring, (if not, it could be one day) so the beefier the better when comparing frames made with good quality tubing(4130 and better). I would be more concerned about the front rack mounts, BB drop, tire clearance, wheel base and head and seat tube angle instead. Personally, I would choose strait gauge tubing and spokes rather then butted.

Permalink Reply by DonRay A.K.A. Zesty on March 26, 2009 at 7:03pm

Thanks for the replys - as I said I really wanna go with the Surly - but I also want something that will be good for light century trips without running sluggish. I guess my main question is, NOT LOADED is the Volpe going to be THAT much faster than the LHT. I'm so indecisive!

Permalink Reply by Salvo Lutzery on March 27, 2009 at 1:17pm

I agree with Payton on "it's difficult to know what's in your head vs. what's for real" when dealing with how a bike feels, handles, accelerates, etc. I remember when I built up my LHT a few years ago it felt really slow because I had been riding a fixed gear for a while before then. Now, however, I am down to the LHT and a city bike, which is really really slow, and I do 100 plus mile rides all the time and don't think of the LHT as slow or dragging or anything. It has a lot to do with perception. If you are wanting to keep up with guys riding 20+ mph club rides, you won't have much fun, or at least I wouldn't, but for any kind of commuting, touring, long riding, brevets, etc, the LHT will do very well.
Also, plus 1 on focusing on rack mounts, bb drop, clearances, etc. That is what pushed me toward the Surly, that and it was one of the only frame and fork only options out there.

It sounds like you want to buy the Surly, so I recommend you do it. The LHT has become the new unofficial American Touring bike (taking over for the 520 of the 80's) and I have meet probably 40 or so people touring and commuting who ride one and not a single person has been disappointed with the choice. Plus, it leaves room to justify getting another bike in the future: "Well, the Surly is great for most things, but I really need a fast road bike..."

Permalink Reply by DonRay A.K.A. Zesty on May 11, 2009 at 2:18pm

SO - I finally went with the surly about a month ago. Thanks a lot for all your input and help - ive already put a century on it and love it -
Im looking to bike to Traverse City MI at the end of the summer, if any of you guys got any tips or maps you wanna share with a newbie - OR IF YOU WANNA COME ALONG!
thanks again
DRV~