Surly Long Haul Trucker Upgrades

The first few upgrades have been added to the LHT.
The Surly "Nice Rack" is awesome!! Feels like you could carry ANYTHING on this thing.

Here are the specs:
Pannier support area: 616 cm² (95 in²) per side
Rack width: 160mm (6.3 in.) outside to outside
Weight: 1110 g (2.45 lb.) with all hardware and bolts - SUPER HEAVY!!!!
Height: Adjustable to accomodate 26”, 700c and 29” wheels
Tubing diameter: 10mm
Tubing: 100% 4130 cro-moly tubing, three thicknesses throughout rack
Hardware: all stainless steel bolts, washers, tubing pieces and castings
Load weight limit: 36 kg (80 lbs)
Surface finish: phosphate coated inside and out, powdercoated exterior

I haven't taken it on a long journey yet but I know the rack, bag, gear, tubes and pump add at least 5 pounds to the bike. The LHT is so pimp that you feel the weight, some road drag, but the bike handles exactly the same as if it was in skeleton mode. Amazing design.
I also added PowerGrips to the pedals. I hate my current pedals but they are getting the job done. The PowerGrips are a nice option, but it does add weight in all the hardware that is required to join it to the pedal. I would rather just be in my SpeedPlay Frogs but with my feet in horrible condition and my Sidi;s broken, current options are limited to whats in the bike bin in the garage.

little jack

IMG_7136
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

Surly Long Haul Trucker

New Hayes Brakes

Although I have had these on for all summer I was waiting for a while until I wrote about them, in an attempt to be fair. The reason being is at first I hated them. And for many reasons; I had issues with the install (which a shop I used to work at added them) them felt like crap and the rotor was rubbing if you didn't keep a straight line. After a few months and many rides later, i am happy to report they have broken in and are running really well. I do have a few concerns like there is no micro adjust or any way to fine tune these on the fly but that and the slight increased weight are the only draw backs. The carbon fiber handle and chrome make them look just tits!!

Bliss Woods Ride

Its already late in the season and I really needed a little adventure. With the Batavia Spur of the Prairie Path a wreck with construction of the new off ramps, there were not many options for a medium range uncharted territories ride.

Heading South along the Fox River sits a little gem of a ride. The Virgil Gilman Trail cut thru Aurora, along the Blackberry Creek to Sugar Grove. There is beautiful valley right before Bliss Woods that reminded me of Vermont or Rhode Island.