leeinmemphis

Hey everyone,

I just signed up for a two day 160 mile ride so I now have to figure out which bike to ride for it. I have a few bikes but I think it comes down to either the cross check or long haul trucker. I was getting ready to sell the long haul trucker but now wondering if I shouldn't at least keep it through until after this ride. I have a cross check with 700x38 with a 3x9 set up and my LHT is 700x32 with a 2x9 set up. It's fully supported so only need to carry consumables and repair items on the bike. Just curious what those with experience in longer rides would choose to ride with all the info presented? The terrain will be rolling hills(hillier than here) and I will be riding solo in the ride(1 of 150 others but by myself). Any info is appreciated.

ThermionicScott 

Hard for us to say. Go ride an 80 miler on one of them this weekend and report back. (I see a high of 56 degrees and no chance of rain this Sunday for Memphis.)

hamster

Is it 100% paved? Then I'd suspect that 700x38 would be a handicap.

leeinmemphis

I'm just now getting back into it and am not ready for 80 miler just yet so that's why I'm asking. This week is my first week back since before October of last year. I had back surgery so I'm going to be putting in base mileage for the next couple of months. Yes it is all paved and fully supported so I'm not too terribly worried about having to be self supported.

unterhausen

sell the LHT

jcmkk3

I would go with the Cross Check. Try to dial in your fitment. Possibly think about going with some slightly smaller (32c) tires that are very supple, though tire size is a personal preference.

ks1g

Whichever bike is more comfortable for 2 back to back days in the saddle; saddle/fit mods if necessary beforehand. Followed by whichever is lighter/has better gearing for climbing if there are a lot of hills. Guessing the x-check is the lighter bike. Consider replacing the 38s with something better-suited to the route especially if it is all or mostly paved. Since ride is supported, you don't need substantial carrying capacity.

leeinmemphis

funny you mention that because I was fitted on the CC just last week. I love the bike so much that it's questioning whether I should keep the LHT. I keep wondering if I'll feel the same way if I get fitted on it as well.......

stevage

Out of curiosity - how did you end up with a CC triple and a LHT double? I've always seen them the other way around (except for one friend who bought a CC and eventually switched to a triple). The idea of a double on a touring bike is particularly odd... (to me)

Since I'm an expert now (one audax!), I'd say take the lightest bike that you'll be comfortable on for that period of time. So probably the CC.

leeinmemphis

I purchased both of them used. I bought the LHT first and the CC shortly after. I believe both bikes were built up out of a mix of parts. If I had bought the CC first I doubt I would have ever bought the LHT. Even with that said the LHT is still a nice ride. I keep waffling back and forth about the LHT. There is alot of cross over between the two bikes I guess that's why it's hard for me to totally let it go.

valygrl

Don't you have a road bike?

Commodus

If you don't have to carry anything, it makes little sense to use a bike designed for carrying things (LHT).

Put some more appropriate tires on the cross check.

pdlamb

Or just try a few rides with the wheels and tires swapped -- put the skinny tires on the CC, and see how it rolls.

leeinmemphis

I've decided to keep the wheels off of the LHT and part the rest of the bike out. I VERY pleased with my CC so much so that I doubt I'll ever really give the LHT the attention it deserves. Plus I really have no true unsupported long distance/touring rides planned.

hairytoes

The most comfortable bike, that puts the least strain on your back. Only you know which one that is.

80 miles per day isn't a race. Speed won't matter. Comfort will, particularly if you are recovering from back problems.