Anyone switch from a Surly to classic or vintage steel bike?
12-07-15, 09:11 PM
#51
I'm one of the freaks.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Lake Superior country, Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Periodically leaves/returns to Alaska for good.
Posts: 122
Bikes: Woodrup: '85 Giro Touring & '16 custom touring. Stanforth: '17 Kibo & '19 Skyelander. '93 Longstaff trike. Trek: '84 830 & '89 420. '83 cannondale ST-500. Stumpjumpers: '82 tig'd, '82 lug'd, '84. '83 Univega Gran Turismo. etc.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I bought an LHT frame in 2005, mainly as a sort of compromise from a possible custom frame as the geometry seemed perfect. Built up with mostly 1970s-early 80s parts or contemporary versions of same [ about and photos: Robert's heavy-duty touring bike of 2005! ].
I've ridden it on a few ~1000-mile loaded tours (recent Sept-Oct 2015) and oddly on the first 3 I always had a shimmy coasting at >27mph, but this last tour - same bags, luggage, etc. - no shimmy.
Anyway, the geometry's still right, and it served me well (est latest tour), but I'm having a custom Woodrup built up to serve as my new heavy tourer. (I've also previously had older bikes and vastly prefer them, so not a switch from a 'never had' experience).
Main points on the new frame for me: 1" steerer and quill stem, Made in England, lugged, Reynolds tubes, a few minor tweaks, etc.
The LHT'll find some future use as a frankenbike, commuter or whatever...
I've ridden it on a few ~1000-mile loaded tours (recent Sept-Oct 2015) and oddly on the first 3 I always had a shimmy coasting at >27mph, but this last tour - same bags, luggage, etc. - no shimmy.
Anyway, the geometry's still right, and it served me well (est latest tour), but I'm having a custom Woodrup built up to serve as my new heavy tourer. (I've also previously had older bikes and vastly prefer them, so not a switch from a 'never had' experience).
Main points on the new frame for me: 1" steerer and quill stem, Made in England, lugged, Reynolds tubes, a few minor tweaks, etc.
The LHT'll find some future use as a frankenbike, commuter or whatever...
12-07-15, 09:16 PM
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
13 Posts
I strongly encourage anyone who has ever been sucked into the Surly LHT cult to find and source a Cannondale ST vintage bike. Lighter, stronger, stiffer, more efficient than any vintage racing steel bike, but relaxed geometry for randonneur or touring, and the bike was designed for loaded touring. With the racks off it will sprint and climb well enough for your "A" group fast group ride, but it will also carry you for unsupported touring fully loaded with racks, panniers, and smiles.
It was in 1983 what Rivendell and the LHT have been trying to do since. Only as a veritable rocket bike, if a rocket bike had comfortable touring non-racing geometry. Probably the best sprinting, climbing, fastest bike most cyclist will ever own. Which is funny considering the dog the LHT is. So consider abandoning the "steel is real" cult and try a vintage Cannondale ST. You'll be shocked by the Country bike that is an absolute rolling joy to ride. As a bonus, as a commuter it doesn't RUST, so vintage ones are easy to find.
It was in 1983 what Rivendell and the LHT have been trying to do since. Only as a veritable rocket bike, if a rocket bike had comfortable touring non-racing geometry. Probably the best sprinting, climbing, fastest bike most cyclist will ever own. Which is funny considering the dog the LHT is. So consider abandoning the "steel is real" cult and try a vintage Cannondale ST. You'll be shocked by the Country bike that is an absolute rolling joy to ride. As a bonus, as a commuter it doesn't RUST, so vintage ones are easy to find.
12-07-15, 09:20 PM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
13 Posts
I will add that I have ridden many C&V road racing bikes. All fun. I have a Surly CC set up single speed and like it very much. It is not a road racing bike. It is an A10 Warthog. It is my street to MUP to gravel bike.
12-07-15, 09:51 PM
#54
I'm one of the freaks.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Lake Superior country, Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Periodically leaves/returns to Alaska for good.
Posts: 122
Bikes: Woodrup: '85 Giro Touring & '16 custom touring. Stanforth: '17 Kibo & '19 Skyelander. '93 Longstaff trike. Trek: '84 830 & '89 420. '83 cannondale ST-500. Stumpjumpers: '82 tig'd, '82 lug'd, '84. '83 Univega Gran Turismo. etc.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I had/have one of those too the original ST500 - I believe it was the second Cannondale in my state at the time. I toured some with it, also did a lot of 'rough stuff' forest road riding in the Keweenaw (20+ years before it apparently became a mecca, before the fancy trails!). It toured loaded great, esp. on a month-long ride around Lake Superior... course I was like 21 years old... even the sidepull brakes stopped me and my load on those big Laurentian hills no problem (I carried on that trip, amongst other things, a 1-mantle Coleman white gas lantern, a hatchet, a full-size SLR, etc.)
Poor thing hasn't gotten much use in last 15 years as in storage 3000 miles away. I have a NOS Superbe Tech derailleur in storage there for an eventual refurb...
Poor thing hasn't gotten much use in last 15 years as in storage 3000 miles away. I have a NOS Superbe Tech derailleur in storage there for an eventual refurb...
