My New Bike :)

[doog]

edit. The USA version looks more normal

 

[doog]

It might be right as far as Surly is concerned, and indeed it might be right for that bike and it may be incredibly comfy, but the stem/bar set up just looks very odd IMHO.

Nice bike, just a peculiar looking set up on the front end. Looks a bit like an MTB with drops on it.

You think that looks odd. Look at the 26" version of the same bike.

 

[gaz]

How easy is it to break in the drops? Because to me it looks like it's going to be uncomfortable, hence my explanation as to how hoods are normally set up.

 

[doog]

How easy is it to break in the drops? Because to me it looks like it's going to be uncomfortable, hence my explanation as to how hoods are normally set up.

sorry i edited my post (didnt want to start an argument) what do you mean by break in the drops? My position is similar to the Surly as I have a bad back.

I will post it again

 

[2Loose]

Totally with you Gaz, the brakes look like they should be firther down ont he drops, with the drops themselves swivelled down a bit.

IIRC, the top of the bar should blend in with the angle of the brake hoods for max comfort\braking power.

 

[YahudaMoon]

+ 1 they are to high.

 

[YahudaMoon]

edit. The USA version looks more normal

Correct

 

[YahudaMoon]

You think that looks odd. Look at the 26" version of the same bike.

Incorrect

 

[gaz]

sorry i edited my post (didnt want to start an argument) what do you mean by break in the drops? My position is similar to the Surly as I have a bad back.

I will post it again

To brake in the drops your wrists will have to be twisted upwards, that can't be comfortable?
And how comfortable is it braking whilst on the hoods?

I had my road bike set up like that after it was serviced

and i could barely brake. Very frighting experience and straight away i stopped and luckily for me it only involved rotating my bars.

 

[doog]

ah, you spelt brake as break- that got me. Many tourers ride in a similar poition to me with bars flipped as on the whole we like to look at our suroundings as we plod along. On the hoods I can reach the brakes without a problem.I descended 29000 feet in 10 days on that tour without an issue. My guess is that Surly have done some research and have tried to compromise for those who want drops but prefer a more upright position as provided by the hoods being further up. Im just presuming this is the case as I cant believe they would make such a cock up. A racing bike position/ set up shouldnt be compared to a tourer- but there again its down to personal taste.

 

[Banjo]

The LHT is regarded by many people as the ultimate touring bike .A mate has an older one that I drool over .

 

[gaz]

ah, you spelt brake as break- that got me. Many tourers ride in a similar poition to me with bars flipped as on the whole we like to look at our suroundings as we plod along. On the hoods I can reach the brakes without a problem.I descended 29000 feet in 10 days on that tour without an issue. My guess is that Surly have done some research and have tried to compromise for those who want drops but prefer a more upright position as provided by the hoods being further up. Im just presuming this is the case as I cant believe they would make such a cock up. A racing bike position/ set up shouldnt be compared to a tourer- but there again its down to personal taste.

I appreciate that a touring position is going to be different.
To me the position ofthe brake leavers look like they are going to be hard/uncomfortable to reach from the drops, is that the case or do my eyes fool me?

Sorry about my mispelling, I'm dyslexic so it looks fine to me

 

[del]

well compared to standard straight handlebars where the brakes are within reach of a finger extension, it is awkward to grab them.
Its do'able and probably wont pose much of an issue, but perhaps i should see if i can adjust the height/angle of them and see which one works best for me.

Appreciate the concerns though! very happy with the bike, been toying around with it, to get used to any repairs that i might need to do, and i have no idea why, but the left gear shifter (for the big cogs at the front) no longer clicks when its in the middle setting/gear... but it does for the other 2, and im pretty sure the lever should click when its in second also... or am i being a fool?

 

[YahudaMoon]

Hi I have no idea about your gears sorry.

Its a lovely bike you have, I would'nt mind a Long Haul Trucker myself though I think a Bromptom folder is next for me maybe ?

Good luck with your tour. I think you made a good choice bike wise, just make sure you get the correct fit on the bike and train for as long as possible without changing your fit between now and the end of your tour. Getting the correct fit on a bike prior (months before for training) are crucial

John

 

[Durian]

All the best with the tour. What route are you taking and what sights are you looking forward to on the journey?