thestoutdog

Well, after hemming and hawing for the past 5 years or so, I actually ordered a new bike today. I had to have something that could essentially replace all my other bikes and be a comfortable Swiss army knife type for all my needs. I test rode a LHT (disc and not), a Vaya, Fargo, and an Ogre. Fast forward a few weeks and I had it narrowed down to a Fargo or Ogre... the Ogre won. I ordered a 22" complete with PB Cascadia fenders, the rest of the goodies I already have. Thanks to everyone for their patience while I asked question after question. As soon as I pick it up, I will snap some pictures and post them. Did I mention how friggin' excited I am?

Seve

Sounds great, of course pictures will be forthcoming ... ?

Beachgrad05

Congrats and can't wait for pics!

goldfinch

Congratulations! If you have some time it would be nice if you could comment on the bikes that you test rode and why you picked the Ogre.

bdinger

NICE choice! An Ogre is almost definitely my next bike, and likely would have been chosen over my LHT had it been around then. Amazing bikes, frankly, it's just downright cool and rides awesome. I'm definitely interested to see how your experience with it goes - keep us posted!

thestoutdog

Happy to oblige:

Surly LHT (Disc & Non-Disc) - First off, I have to say that this is a smooth riding machine, a very capable bike that hauled my big ole butt without even breaking a sweat. This IS the bike I lusted after ever since they came out, I thought for sure I would have to have one. The only thing that kept me from going the LHT route was, well, it felt very dull, dull in the way that a Cadillac might be. It rode great, smooth and all that, but just not that inspiring. I am, in no way bashing the LHT, it just wasn't all I was hoping for. On the other hand, riding the disc version did sell me on disc brakes and made me see that I wanted something a bit more "off-road" oriented. I really wanted to love the Trucker, I just didn't.

Salsa Vaya - A very similar feel to the LHT (disc brakes and all), maybe a bit "sportier" feel, but still too much of a road-only bike feel for my liking. I felt that the Vaya was much closer to what I was looking for, but missed the mark by just a bit, so, on to the next one.

Salsa Fargo 3 - Oh my goodness, what an awesome feel. Steel frame, disc brakes, more attachment points for water bottles, racks and the kitchen sink than I could ever use, and a suspension corrected fork for the possibility of adding a suspension fork in the future, this bike is what I was looking for... almost. I could not get over the "twitchy" feeling that I felt from the front end. I'm not sure if it was the handle bars or what, but I would definitely not like it for riding single track, or anything more technical than the tow path. I was starting to get frustrated, was there no bike out there that would be "the one"?

Surly Ogre - OD green, flat bar, braze-ons everywhere, IGH/ single speed ready, hmmm. At first impression, I thought I was riding a very capable, mountain bike with touring tendencies. Wait, this is what I was looking for. It rode very similar to the Fargo, without the twitchy feeling in the front end. The Ogre is comfy, thanks to the steel frame and huge 29" tires, but not so much so that it felt sluggish on the road. I have often said that if I could get a fit as comfortable as my Trek, but in a steel frame, I would buy it; this was the one. The only thing about the Ogre I will change is the saddle (going to use my trusted Brooks Flyer), and possibly add trekking bars in the future. Obviously, I won't have it for another week to give it more real-world test, but I am confident that the Ogre is exactly the bike I was looking for. So confident in fact, I am getting ready to fix up/ clean up all my other bikes and sell them.

jethro56 

Your description of the LHT is exactly how I felt about it. Great for it's intended purpose, just not what I intend to use it for.

Peter_C

I feel left out! I would have l loved to go bike shopping with you!! Ah the stuff I miss...

Mr. Beanz

Pictures? Links? Soundslike? Lookslike?

chefisaac

cant wait to see pics.

thestoutdog

Here ya go Beanz!

Links & Pictures:

LHT Sounds like a swift wind.

Disc Trucker Sounds like a swift wind that stops suddenly.

Vaya Sounds like a cool ocean breeze that also stops suddenly.

Fargo - Almost the one. Sounds like a tank.

Ogre - The one!! Sounds like Rolling Thunder mated with a ballerina.

Mr. Beanz

Ah Cool! I like the Ogre

no singlespeed stuff though.

bdinger

You hit the LHT spot on, 100%, on the head. When I bought mine, that's exactly what I was looking for. In fact to this day I honestly can't complain about it, but man you ever described it to a T.

If I had a do-over today, I'd likely have a Fargo - but couldn't say that for sure. As it stands I'll get a Ogre eventually and have the best of both.

Just_Nigel

Congratulations, nothing to pick one's spirits up like a new bike!

thestoutdog

I agree, I'm like a little kid on christmas eve.

thestoutdog

As arrived home from the Ogre store today.




After some sweat and time, he looks like this.




No white garage door, but I don't care . I'm super psyched!!

CraigB

Did they mark it down for you because of the bent seat tube? Clearly the LBS employees took it out for a few spins before they handed it over to you. I'd complain about the damage if I were you.

chefisaac

Love the color and everything about it. Nice tires too. Only thing to note: practice putting the rear tire on. With disc brakes they are tricky for sure and annoying (at least to me).

I wish all bikes had as many brazons as your bike has.

Peter_C

All that, and no kick-stand??

lucienrau

Congrats, always good to see a new bike day. I've been trying things out recently and had exactly the same feeling, a nice bike but heavily built and sort of dead feeling. I had a vaya and could never get over the fact that it's at it's heart a heavy touring bike. I sold the frame and I'm building up a cross check with disc tabs added as my utility bike.

thestoutdog

Not yet, I'm open to suggestions, maybe a two-legged variety?

chefisaac

there is a better kick stand out there that is collapsible and fits on the frame. Really neat looking.

Take a look: https://www.click-stand.com/

thestoutdog

Click stand may be the thing I need. Any real-word reviews from the heard?

chefisaac

I talked with a lot of people on the commuting thread and on the touring thread and all have been wonderful. Takes the load of a touring bike and provide more stability.

thestoutdog

Added Surly Open Bar, Ergon grips, Walky Dog Collar, and DIY chainstay protector.