Revisit this page in the future to learn more about the gear I am using and some reviews.
Bike – Surly Long Haul Trucker
Before I go into the bike just want to give a thanks to my LBS, Freedom Bikes, in Brighton, UK. They have been really helpful getting my bike for me, setting it up, and answering my questions.
My bike was bought off the peg and I didn’t make too many changes to it. Funny thing is that when I ordered the bike it was meant to be the ‘Truckaccino’ color as the olive green was discontinued and sold out – I was ok with that but really had hoped for the olive green. However, when the bike showed up – Olive Green it was! The Freedom Bikes called me to tell me about the ‘mistake’ (I think they might have thought that I was not going to be happy about it), but from my point of view it was perfect. Brilliant! Good stroke of luck.
First thing I swapped out was the saddle. Got rid of WTB SST and put a Brooks B17 on there which I am currently breaking in.
Next were the tyres – traded out the WTB Allterrainasaurus and put on some Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres.
I also added some Tortec Expedition front and rear pannier racks.
Kind of boring and pedantic, but here is the full break down of the stock bike with a few changes. Things that I added are in bold.
- Frame: Surly Long Haul Trucker 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. Main triangle double butted
- Fork: Surly Long Haul Trucker 100% CroMoly, lugged and brazed 1 1/8″ threadless steerer tube
- Headset: Ritchey Logic Comp 1 1/8″ threadless with 40mm spacers, black
- Stem: Kalloy 1 1/8″ threadless, forged 26.0mm clamp (silver)
- Handlebar: PMT alumimum, silver
- Handlebar: Tape C0-Union cork mix, black
- Brake Levers: Tektro R200A standard levers
- Brakes: Tektro Oryx cantilever 992, silver
- Cable Hanger (F) Tektro 1271a with noodle, silver
- Shift Levers: Shimano bar end SLBS77 9 speed
- Front Mech: Shimano Tiagra FD4403 triple
- Rear Mech: Shimano XT RDM761 SGS long cage
- Chainset: Andel forged arms, silver with aluminum rings, 110mm BCD, 48/36/26T
- Pedals
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN53 – 68 x 110mm
- Seatpost: Kalloy SP342, 27.2mm x 300mm silver
- Seatpost Clamp: Surly stainless natural silver
- Saddle: Brooks B17
- Cassette: Shimano Deore CS-HG53 9 speed, 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34T
- Chain: SRAM PC971 9 speed
- Hubs: Shimano XT M770, 36 hole silver
- Spokes: DT Swiss 14g stainless steel
- Rims: Alex Adventure 36 hole, black with eyelets
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Plus 26 x 1.35
- Mudguards: Bontrager
- Racks: Tortec Expedition front and Rear Racks
Once I’ve put some solid miles on this baby I’ll be back with a thorough review of the bike.
Panniers -
- Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Panniers
- Ortlieb Front Roller Classic Panniers
Handle Bar Bag -
- Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Classic
Tent -
- Vango Spirit 200+
Sleeping Mat -
- Exped Downmat 7
Camera -
- Canon G10 – Just bought this camera for my tour and getting used to using it…if anyone out there is familiar with this camera and has some tips get in touch…would love to hear from you.
