hokiefyd 

That really looks nice. Once you get the bar style you like, you could try to trade it out for a polished bar if you like the polished look. You can also sometimes find tan/brown comfort saddles -- to keep a color motif going. Ergon make a "biocork" grip similar to what you have now, but it's brown instead of black and grey. Just some other ideas if you want to get back to the blue-and-tan look.

You're right -- ultimately, if the bike isn't comfortable, it's really not of much use to you!

Cyclist759

Thanks, Col. Sanders! Interesting is the right word! And yeah, I did try...those pix were taken before my LBS corrected my ill attempt at moving the saddle forward. My current saddle is much more forgiving. I wish I knew why so many folks find B17's so comfortable and yet others of us don't get it at all. Someone told me at my weight (112), it'd take decades to break it in. I don't have that long (or the patience to wait)!

As for the look, I'm not thrilled with 70mm of spacers, but maybe if I got black ones and a black stem, it might look better. My Velo Orange stem definitely goes with my previous arrangement. Just hoping she evolves into a bike I love to look at as well as ride. One out of two won't cut it anymore!

Cyclist759

Hi, and thanks, hokiefyd! I appreciate your ideas. My stock bike had black bar tape, a black saddle, and black tires. I'll post a pic. I kinda liked the blue/black/silver combo, but then fell in love with the tan/honey once I saw it. It's been harder to find a tan or brown gel saddle, but I haven't done a thorough search. And I almost bought that silver Mary bar, but wanted to wait till I tried out the Space Bar. By the time I got home, it had sold.

What a difference to feel in control of the bars again...they're wider and I feel much more stable. And the shifters are so smooth. That part is great!

Clyde1820

The standard (stiff) B17 isn't the only one in the line-up. If the essential shape fits you perfectly but you find it a bit stiff, you might consider one of the "aged" models, or the newer Cambium:

• Brooks B17 Aged -- 275mm length, 175mm width, color=aged/natural, 520g
  
• Brooks Cambium C19 -- 271mm length, 184mm width, color=natural, 495g
  
• Brooks Cambium C17 -- 283mm length, 162mm width, color=natural, 415g

There are also several narrower and shorter options, both in the Cambium and the "B" family of saddles.

Cyclist759

Thank you for this info, Clyde1820...these are some beautiful saddles. Spendy, too...but the quality is superb. I'll keep these in mind if I ever feel ready to try leather again.

Cyclist759

So I switched out the O8 Space Bar with the O8 Citi Classic, which I think is a North Road type bar (I got numb fingers with the Space Bar after only 2 miles and still felt too hunched over), and what a difference. Much more upright and comfortable, and no numbness. I took two rides today and it felt the best it ever has. May need a wider saddle and V-brakes, since the canti's are horrible.

So my tally is up to $2000 on this bike over the years. I now have her as comfortable as she can be. Maybe not as comfortable as a $500 hybrid...but that was the risk I took with the conversion, and the jury's still out on whether it was worth it!

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to my process...we'll see how it goes!!

ColonelSanders

Looking good.


I can't wait till I get the chance to build up my own Surly LHT frame later on this year.

Cyclist759

Thanks so much, Colonel! I'll be keeping an eye out for your new LHT...what a fun project that will be, and the chance to do it yourself is awesome!

corwin1968

That's a great looking bike! I don't think what you've done has resulted in a bike that is any less comfortable than a $500 hybrid. I would guess your bike is more comfortable due to the longer wheelbase and fatter tires.

Cyclist759

Thanks so much for the kind words, corwin1968! Perfect timing, too...I just spent a couple hours switching out a few similar North Road type bars, with slightly different sweeps and rises, both silver and black. So I'm almost there; just cosmetic and fit tweaks now. A couple days' time has settled me down, and I think I've decided to stick with my new and improved Surly. I'll post a pic (or five!) when she's all dialed in!

ragesincemdxvi

Hello there, good looking LHT. I have one question, did you have to use a fork/stem extender or just spacers?

best regards

Gibbygoo

Sorry for the late reply. I did not have my steer tube cut, so it is pretty high. I have since changed bars to the Jones H-bar and am feeling more comfortable. I was just considering an all arounder bike and doing research. My disc trucker is working out fine for my short fitness rides. Losing a bunch of weight has sorted out my other comfort issues.

YankeeRider

These Velo Orange "Tourist" bars are a close cousin to the Nitto "North Road" style handlebar. Classic looking and comfortable, swept back and with 70mm of rise.
https://velo-orange.com/collections/...lebar-22-2-dia

zeppinger

Here are some ideas: https://www.clevercycles.com/blogs/n...mp-your-surly/

Korina

(Psssst, this is a zombie thread, three years old.)