Surly Announced Disc option for LHT. what do you think? CROSS POST
08-25-11, 09:47 PM
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*Update with Photo*Surly Announced Disc option for LHT. what do you think? CROSS POST
**Update will just go at the top, after looking all day for photos of Interbike I found one of the front fork of the Surly Disc LHT, also surly updated there website with specs for more bikes(no photo on the surly site yet). Just a little bit of leg to show for now. More if I find some, or if anyone else has them.
Cross posted in Touring. HERE
Surly Announced a Disc option for the Long Haul Trucker for 2012.
I would just like to get to know what people think about this option and if they might think about getting it.
I will have to say I love my "Classic LHT" and don't think I would ever care for Disc. I do think its cool that they keep expanding there like.
**Fixed**
https://surlybikes.com/blog/archives/2011/08/
From the Surly Blog.
There is a lot of other cool info about there new lineup in the post as well. Including the Moonlander and Troll Complete
Cross posted in Touring. HERE
Surly Announced a Disc option for the Long Haul Trucker for 2012.
I would just like to get to know what people think about this option and if they might think about getting it.
I will have to say I love my "Classic LHT" and don't think I would ever care for Disc. I do think its cool that they keep expanding there like.
**Fixed**
https://surlybikes.com/blog/archives/2011/08/
From the Surly Blog.
Disc Trucker
(no picture yet - but picture a Long Haul Trucker with disc brakes and you'll be just about there - also, it will be available in Super Dark Green, so picture that too, or black.)
For a very long time people have asked us to offer a disc brake version of the touring standard Long Haul Trucker. This year you'll get your wish. We'll offer both frameset and complete bike in EITHER a disc brake OR a cantilever/v-brake version. Sure, that makes our lives a little more complex and gives you one more decision to make, but we're cool with that. We did not simply slap some disc tabs on the LHT. Instead, we will offer the disc-specific version for those who do and the classic version for those of us who like the classic lines and unencumbered silouette of the current model. Have your cake and also eat it (if you want a second bike). All current sizes and wheel options will be available with disc or without.
Both disc and non-disc LHT models will ALSO NOW BE AVAILABLE IN A SUPER BIG 64cm SIZE for the tall folks (the 64cm will only come in 700c - man, this is confusing). The Trucker DeLuxe (the S&S coupled one) stays canti-only, 26" only, and blue.
Color: Super Dark Green or Black
Complete Bike MSRP:
Due Date: February 2012 give or take
(no picture yet - but picture a Long Haul Trucker with disc brakes and you'll be just about there - also, it will be available in Super Dark Green, so picture that too, or black.)
For a very long time people have asked us to offer a disc brake version of the touring standard Long Haul Trucker. This year you'll get your wish. We'll offer both frameset and complete bike in EITHER a disc brake OR a cantilever/v-brake version. Sure, that makes our lives a little more complex and gives you one more decision to make, but we're cool with that. We did not simply slap some disc tabs on the LHT. Instead, we will offer the disc-specific version for those who do and the classic version for those of us who like the classic lines and unencumbered silouette of the current model. Have your cake and also eat it (if you want a second bike). All current sizes and wheel options will be available with disc or without.
Both disc and non-disc LHT models will ALSO NOW BE AVAILABLE IN A SUPER BIG 64cm SIZE for the tall folks (the 64cm will only come in 700c - man, this is confusing). The Trucker DeLuxe (the S&S coupled one) stays canti-only, 26" only, and blue.
Color: Super Dark Green or Black
Complete Bike MSRP:
Due Date: February 2012 give or take
Last edited by amckimmey; 09-15-11 at 12:32 AM. Reason: Updating photo
08-25-11, 10:36 PM
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08-25-11, 11:04 PM
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Discs on an LHT?! Next stop, communism or the apocalypse! 
I bet it's not a super-popular option, given that quite a few people run LHTs with bar-end shifters and like to keep it retro-functional. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I am madly in love with bar-ends myself and am not a fan of disc brakes. I am just saying that a Venn diagram with "LHT buyers" on one side and "Disc brake users" on the other would have a pretty small convergence.
I bet it's not a super-popular option, given that quite a few people run LHTs with bar-end shifters and like to keep it retro-functional. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I am madly in love with bar-ends myself and am not a fan of disc brakes. I am just saying that a Venn diagram with "LHT buyers" on one side and "Disc brake users" on the other would have a pretty small convergence.
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08-25-11, 11:12 PM
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For some reason, that blog link took me to the July entry. Here's the new one: https://surlybikes.com/blog/archives/2011/08/
I like how all the tires are "tire colored."
I like how all the tires are "tire colored."
08-26-11, 04:11 AM
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@bigbenaugust----do discs only work with brifters?
I think the disc option is a good idea, but discs have a drawback for tourists. I can see discs being a good option for a heavily loaded LHT, or one pulling a BoB trailer. More stopping power is always better, and discs do perform better in the wet.
Downside, of course, is parts availability. I can buy new cantilever pads at a Wal-Mart. The same can't be said for discs, but just how often are new canti pads a dire emergency?
I like the idea of discs on the LHT. Good job, Surly!
I think the disc option is a good idea, but discs have a drawback for tourists. I can see discs being a good option for a heavily loaded LHT, or one pulling a BoB trailer. More stopping power is always better, and discs do perform better in the wet.
Downside, of course, is parts availability. I can buy new cantilever pads at a Wal-Mart. The same can't be said for discs, but just how often are new canti pads a dire emergency?
I like the idea of discs on the LHT. Good job, Surly!
08-26-11, 08:33 AM
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I am a big disc fan. I used to rock centerpulls on my late '70's Ross Proffesional Gran Tour II, IMO, Discs are so much better.
Last edited by xtrajack; 08-26-11 at 08:34 AM. Reason: forgot a word.
08-26-11, 09:14 AM
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I think touring frames should come with mounts for cantilever and disk brakes both. Leave it up to the rider to choose what he wants. Norco does this with their touring frame, as does Thorn.
08-26-11, 11:53 AM
#12
always rides with luggage
My issue with discs is the difficulty in keeping them functional day-in and day-out when they require such narrow tolerances and any warp at all turns them into a noisy nuisance. When I had a disc-equipped bike, I spent far more time fussing with them than I did either cantis or V-brakes on my other bikes.
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2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
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08-26-11, 12:42 PM
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They make road discs that will pull with any road lever.
My issue with discs is the difficulty in keeping them functional day-in and day-out when they require such narrow tolerances and any warp at all turns them into a noisy nuisance. When I had a disc-equipped bike, I spent far more time fussing with them than I did either cantis or V-brakes on my other bikes.
My issue with discs is the difficulty in keeping them functional day-in and day-out when they require such narrow tolerances and any warp at all turns them into a noisy nuisance. When I had a disc-equipped bike, I spent far more time fussing with them than I did either cantis or V-brakes on my other bikes.
I remove my front wheel daily to transport, and change wheelsets frequently, without any adjustment needed. The benefit of disc brakes vastly outweighs the time it takes to learn proper setup and maintenance.
08-26-11, 02:36 PM
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Old. Slow. Happy.
I, personally, love disc brakes. My SOMA Saga had canti's, and even with upgraded pads, levers, and cables/housing, the stopping was nowhere near as powerful as the (road) BB7s on my Salsa Vaya. Sure, it can be a little more complicated selecting racks/fenders with discs, but the additional stopping power/control is worth it in my book.
08-26-11, 03:17 PM
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Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
That's one of the crazy things about discs. It actually takes a little longer to remove wheels through cantis or V-brakes if I include the time it takes to pop them open.
08-26-11, 05:11 PM
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I was kinda miffed, actually, when I read that blog. I would have built my LHT with disks if I'd had the choice. Oh well.
The new tire and rim lineup looks killer, too bad they cost so much.
The new tire and rim lineup looks killer, too bad they cost so much.
08-26-11, 05:41 PM
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I'm surprised more touring bikes don't have them. The pads last way longer,and braking isn't effected by a wheel that's not perfectly true.
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08-26-11, 07:42 PM
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Rocky Mountain told me that they won't be sending any Sherpas (Why? Right after I learn the thing exists I find I can't buy it.) to the U.S. next year, so I'm pretty much down to an LHT or a Fargo.
I have to say that since installing the Kool Stop salmon pads, I'm pretty happy with my ability to stop in the wet with my cantilevers, so disks by themselves would not be that big of a seller for me. But they won't hurt either.
I have to say that since installing the Kool Stop salmon pads, I'm pretty happy with my ability to stop in the wet with my cantilevers, so disks by themselves would not be that big of a seller for me. But they won't hurt either.
08-26-11, 09:16 PM
#21
Senior Member
I can see that some might want the discs. I would not and if I could not get my LHT without all of the ugly add on attachment points for discs, then it is no longer on my love list. Love my Cross Check, don't want no stink'n discs.
LC
LC
08-26-11, 09:51 PM
#22
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I wonder if the fact that Salsa offers a couple of steel bikes with discs forced their hand. I could never figure out why they wouldn't make them available on the CrossCheck or the LHT until recently.
Not too long ago I read a blog post from one the Surly people saying the reason they didn't put disc tabs on the CC is that they'd have to radically alter the design of the fork, - and they liked the fork the way it was.
Not too long ago I read a blog post from one the Surly people saying the reason they didn't put disc tabs on the CC is that they'd have to radically alter the design of the fork, - and they liked the fork the way it was.
08-26-11, 10:29 PM
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I wonder if the fact that Salsa offers a couple of steel bikes with discs forced their hand. I could never figure out why they wouldn't make them available on the CrossCheck or the LHT until recently.
Not too long ago I read a blog post from one the Surly people saying the reason they didn't put disc tabs on the CC is that they'd have to radically alter the design of the fork, - and they liked the fork the way it was.
Not too long ago I read a blog post from one the Surly people saying the reason they didn't put disc tabs on the CC is that they'd have to radically alter the design of the fork, - and they liked the fork the way it was.
They are having to alter the LHT frame. If you want get the LHT disc fork for a Cross Check but they might be getting a Cross Check disc soon anyway. They might just want to hide it for Inter bike. or just having figured it all out.
09-15-11, 12:31 AM
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after looking all day for photos of Interbike I found one of the front fork of the Surly Disc LHT, also surly updated there website with specs for more bikes(no photo on the surly site yet). Just a little bit of leg to show for now. More if I find some, or if anyone else has them.
09-15-11, 09:36 AM
#25
GATC
Interesting how they went for an ... angled I guess is the word fork instead of fat poles for fork arms.
It would have to be the LHT getting discs, not the CC, 'cause how can you do discs w/ those front-facing horizontal dropouts? And it's not a CC w/o those dropouts.
It would have to be the LHT getting discs, not the CC, 'cause how can you do discs w/ those front-facing horizontal dropouts? And it's not a CC w/o those dropouts.