Hello from the Heartland
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Hello from the Heartland
A quick introduction before I drive people crazy with questions.
I have been a fairly avid rider for about 7 years (some commuting, some touring, some just for exercise) but never really was very knowledgeable regarding the components and mechanics of the whole thing. I have a Surly Long Haul Trucker that was modified by a friend into more of a sport touring bike, but I find myself looking at the components and wondering if I need to start over in some areas as I think they may not have been the best choices for my situation. I need people with more smarts than I have on the subject, so here I am.
I have been a fairly avid rider for about 7 years (some commuting, some touring, some just for exercise) but never really was very knowledgeable regarding the components and mechanics of the whole thing. I have a Surly Long Haul Trucker that was modified by a friend into more of a sport touring bike, but I find myself looking at the components and wondering if I need to start over in some areas as I think they may not have been the best choices for my situation. I need people with more smarts than I have on the subject, so here I am.
#2
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
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Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
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Welcome to these forums. A whole lot of knowledge available here, of which, I have often been the benefactor of. Once you get in your 10 initial posts, FYI, pictures with questions can be a big help for those trying to help you.
#3
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
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A quick introduction before I drive people crazy with questions.
I have been a fairly avid rider for about 7 years (some commuting, some touring, some just for exercise) but never really was very knowledgeable regarding the components and mechanics of the whole thing. I have a Surly Long Haul Trucker that was modified by a friend into more of a sport touring bike, but I find myself looking at the components and wondering if I need to start over in some areas as I think they may not have been the best choices for my situation. I need people with more smarts than I have on the subject, so here I am.
I have been a fairly avid rider for about 7 years (some commuting, some touring, some just for exercise) but never really was very knowledgeable regarding the components and mechanics of the whole thing. I have a Surly Long Haul Trucker that was modified by a friend into more of a sport touring bike, but I find myself looking at the components and wondering if I need to start over in some areas as I think they may not have been the best choices for my situation. I need people with more smarts than I have on the subject, so here I am.
So what is "your situation" as you put it? What are your requirements, expectations, etc?
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Basically, I ran into a shifting issue which got me thinking about upgrading some parts and then to maybe just replacing the bike.
Sounds sort of drastic for a simple shifting issue, but the bike is getting older and things have changed to where I wonder if I would better served with doing more than just attacking the shifting issue? It seems to be way cheaper to buy a newer bike than to do major upgrades, so I need to decide what gains there would be? Is my bike really outdated in components quality / function or not? Would a better gear set be a good idea, maybe switch to a double chainring set-up?
Here is a quick breakdown of the specs:
= Surly LHT frame
= Mavic CXP 33 wheels with Continental Contact 700c x 35 tires
= 9 Speed Casette (11-34t)
= Gossamer Triple (52-42-30) crankset
= Deore LX rear Deraillieur / Sora front
= Shimano Ultegra hubs
= Shimano 105 and Tiagra shifters
= Brooks B17 Saddle
Sounds sort of drastic for a simple shifting issue, but the bike is getting older and things have changed to where I wonder if I would better served with doing more than just attacking the shifting issue? It seems to be way cheaper to buy a newer bike than to do major upgrades, so I need to decide what gains there would be? Is my bike really outdated in components quality / function or not? Would a better gear set be a good idea, maybe switch to a double chainring set-up?
Here is a quick breakdown of the specs:
= Surly LHT frame
= Mavic CXP 33 wheels with Continental Contact 700c x 35 tires
= 9 Speed Casette (11-34t)
= Gossamer Triple (52-42-30) crankset
= Deore LX rear Deraillieur / Sora front
= Shimano Ultegra hubs
= Shimano 105 and Tiagra shifters
= Brooks B17 Saddle