Sprocket Monkey

What is the difference btw these two frames, disc brakes? Also are the Long Haul Trucker Frames from 2009-2014 basically the same. I am interested in purchasing a LHT but prefer some of the colors of the older models. Thx

bikemig 

I think simpler is better when it comes to touring so I'd get the long haul trucker over the disc trucker. Insofar as color is concerned, get what you like. A 4130 chromoly frame is a 4130 chromoly frame.

Clem von Jones

You can use rim brakes as measuring callipers to true the wheels. Disk brakes are better for riding in the muck but how often will you do that?

fietsbob

Get it in whatever color they are making them in,now , and get it repainted* if color is so important to you.

*Powder Coat the company has to blast the steel bare and oil free anyhow.

Sprocket Monkey

So the difference in the two models are the braking system.

Tourist in MSN

I do not recall when Surly redesigned their frame to use straight seatstays instead of tapered, the tapered also had two bends. I am sure there were other changes, but those were the changes I noticed when I put my bike next to another new one several years ago.

Also, more recently Surly added a couple extra brazeons on the fork crown, I think for rack mounting, but I am unsure when that was.

My LHT is from first year of production, I stopped trying to keep track of what they did when, sorry I was not much help.

reed523

One minor change with the disk is moving the spare spoke holder onto the seat stay to make room for the brake cable. As far as disks in general, I'm riding a Salsa Fargo and becoming a bigger and bigger fan of disk brakes all the time. Three things stand out....wet braking, no fear of overheating rims on big downhills (especially loaded) and (while Clem makes a valid point), it's not the end of the world if your wheel does get skewed a bit.

Steve0000

I got a disk trucker and don't regret it. Only difference besides brakes is the disk model has a 32 tooth rear while the standard model has a 34 tooth cog. Don't know why they did this. Disk brakes are no more complicated than rim brakes since they are cable pull brakes. Easy to adjust, easy to change pads, and the pads last longer than rim brakes for me. You do need the tool to adjust the inner pad but this is common on most multitools. Just completed 5000km tour on one set of pads. Great braking and no fear of fading or overheating on the big cols.

Chris Pringle

The two major decisions with purchasing a LHT are wheel size (700c Vs. 26") and brake type (V-brake Vs. Disc). If this is your first touring bike, buying used is the way to go which will get you the color you want and save you money. Either one of those brake types has pros and cons, but both WILL definitely stop the bike.

What type of touring are you planning to do? Will you be sticking mostly to paved roads? Or do you foresee lots of off-roading/rural areas, overseas tours? Does it rain a lot where you live?

Sprocket Monkey

Mostly day tours and commute. I want to build up and do a few over night tours while camping or staying in a cabin. Just exercise and enjoy the ride/journey. I am thankful for all the info.

Walter S

My disc Trucker was new November 2012. I don't use a tool to adjust either pad. The inner pad has a big thumbwheel on it. While I can't just slide it with my thumb, I do spin it by applying pressure with both hands.

bradtx

Most important is to buy something that fits you. While important to some, brake type and wheel size aren't deal breakers IMHO and if buying pre owned the selection can be limited anyway.

If purchasing new the Trek 520 and Raleigh Sojourn are excellent options. REI also has a house brand of bicycles and the Novara Randonee has had good reviews on this forum. Budget touring bikes are available from Performance and Bikes Direct have had very good reviews as well. The budget bikes require a little sweat equity in the form of final completion. These often sell out early in the year, in particular the Windsor Tourist so watch their web site for availability.

Brad

Keeppedalin

Just curious but is it even possible to go from rim brakes to disc or is the frame slightly different to fit the discs. I personally own a lht with rim brakes bought it before they came out with the disc trucker. Never had a problem with them while touring. I do like the idea of having disc brakes but wouldnt go out and buy a new one just to get them

Tourist in MSN

The frame needs the fittings to attach the disk brakes, a LHT purchased before the disk truckers were available would not have those fittings.

fietsbob

.. have the Idea, till then,

since you would need a Frame-builder's service to add rear Mounts, and probably buy the LHT disc Fork.