Building a Surly LHT

[Caelum]

From memory i called TBE ossy park a few months back... they had a T2000 in medium in stock, at that stage, that they were willing to sell for $1799 i think.. maybe less now, if they still have it..


The aluminium put me off a bit though..

[Aushiker]

G'day

TBE Osborne Park would be struggling to call themselves a bike shop at the moment ... so little stock.

I got this response from the Cannondale agent:

Thanks Andrew,

I have taken over the role of looking after the Cannondale product about 4 months ago. I realise the representation over here is a little light, as the sales manager for the region used to visit from Melbourne.

Cannondale have made a decision to place a rep here full time (me), and I am working on improving the array of Cannondale bikes available to the consumer through the stores.

I appreciate your interest in the product and look forward to working with you to get a bike sorted out.

If you give me your size, I can give you what is available and some pricing. If that is good, I’m happy to get a bike to a dealer for you to look at, and if your happy with what you see, will be able to purchase.


Kind regards,
Simon Coates

Andrew

[kukamunga]

EDIT: Actually, speak to earl at BV Forums. He manages a Goldcross store in Melbournes outer south-east

Have you tried this option for a Fuji? It shouldn't cost that much to courier over a discounted 2007/2008 model. He always states he'll help out BVForumers....

And just to throw a cat amongst the pigeons....

Allegro

(click pic)

[Caelum]

EDIT: Actually, speak to earl at BV Forums. He manages a Goldcross store in Melbournes outer south-east

Have you tried this option for a Fuji?

What store does he run?


says it'll take up to seven days to approve an account on BV...

[kukamunga]

Goldcross, Cranbourne, I believe

[Caelum]

Goldcross, Cranbourne, I believe

Nope! just called them... had no idea who earl was!

[kukamunga]

I must be mistaken, then - sorry. Best you PM "earl" at the link one or two pages back. Are you a BVForum regular?

[Caelum]

I must be mistaken, then - sorry. Best you PM "earl" at the link one or two pages back. Are you a BVForum regular?

not at all... but one step infront of you there, just signed up today, someone activated my account, and i've sent earl a PM...


waiting for a reply..

[Caelum]

got a reply.. nice and fast...

Reason i couldn't find him at the cranbourne store is that he goes by 'norm' there, not earl


Anyway, will be hearing from him again soon regarding P & A.

[ajh_ausnzcf]

Rohloff SpeedHub's are the finest way to gear up a touring bike. I couldn't afford one. I know this is a starting out touring thread but ...

The Cannondale T serious frames are bomb proof, they are great aluminium touring frames. I prefer steel but ... those Cannondale frames are great.

[Aushiker]

The Cannondale T serious frames are bomb proof, they are great aluminium touring frames. I prefer steel but ... those Cannondale frames are great.

Are they aluminium or is just the Touring 1 aluminium or are they both a steel/aluminium mix?

Also why do you think they are bombproof? That is what characteristics about them gives them this sort of reputation?

Andrew

[ajh_ausnzcf]

The Cannondale T serious frames are bomb proof, they are great aluminium touring frames. I prefer steel but ... those Cannondale frames are great.

Are they aluminium or is just the Touring 1 aluminium or are they both a steel/aluminium mix?

Also why do you think they are bombproof? That is what characteristics about them gives them this sort of reputation?

Andrew

Sorry T - series, Cannondale's touring CAAD3 frames. They are made from aluminium of Cannondale's concoction. The fork is CroMo, has eyelets at the base but does not have brazed threads on both sides in the fork prongs.

Bomb proof as in you could try and blow it up but it would survive. :D

The frame construction is meticulous. Only problem is you get a whole lot of other parts with these frames you may not want.

[Aushiker]

Sorry T - series, Cannondale's touring CAAD3 frames. They are made from aluminium of Cannondale's concoction. The fork is CroMo, has eyelets at the base but does not have brazed threads on both sides in the fork prongs.

Does this mean that a rack will not be able to be bolted on?

Only problem is you get a whole lot of other parts with these frames you may not want.

Such as?

Andrew

[Aushiker]

G'day

Now here is a choice ...



Details at BikeRadar.com

Andrew

[ajh_ausnzcf]

Sorry T - series, Cannondale's touring CAAD3 frames. They are made from aluminium of Cannondale's concoction. The fork is CroMo, has eyelets at the base but does not have brazed threads on both sides in the fork prongs.

Does this mean that a rack will not be able to be bolted on?

Only problem is you get a whole lot of other parts with these frames you may not want.

Such as?

Andrew

Everybody has their own setup preferences. I would not want drop bars on a tour bike, drops for me are best served on a more aggressive riding position and a without loads. Many people may say otherwise but this is my experience. That means a few changes to "correct". On the whole though the bike is spec'd well. I also found that the seat provided was no good.

[ajh_ausnzcf]

Custom frames like Thorn are also "da biz". There are many excellent touring bike specialists in middle Europe, build and spec their own exclusive touring bikes.

Forks without dual threads on each prong means you cannot use a Tubus Duo or the like. These are the most functional and elegant front lowrider racks.

[ajh_ausnzcf]

The bars are at the same height as the seat. Is this a big deal?

As big as deals come.

[il padrone]

Koga Miyata from the Netherlands make some very hot touing/expedition bikes. I believe they are available from an Australian distributor, as they were present at the Bike Australia Expo in Melbourne a couple of years ago. Distributor also handles Vaude gear.

[Caelum]

G'day

Now here is a choice ...

http://mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/20 ... 798-75.jpg

Details at BikeRadar.com

Andrew

Should i even ask how much one of those would set me back?




I'm leaning towards the fuji at the moment... it really does seem to be the best quality/price ratio... at $1199, less any possible discounts, it means i can add on a front rack of my choice, and then still have plenty of change left over for a BOB trailer, and any upgrades/changes to the bike... and still come out under the $2000 for a made-up surly.


the vivente is certainly the best featured bike available, with a nice dyno hub, and possible upgrade to front discs.. but the weight is a little more, and the price is now $1700+

[Aushiker]

I'm leaning towards the fuji at the moment... it really does seem to be the best quality/price ratio... at $1199,

Well if you get a price back from Victoria, let them know there could be two sales in it for them and see what happens.

Andrew

[ajh_ausnzcf]

Ah yes, the Koga Myata. Very popular amongst "tourists" in Europa. I always spotted them by the front rack stand and knew it was a Koga.

[kukamunga]

Rucsac Supplies used to have something to do with Koga Miyata in Australia, but don't appear to any more, nor the Weber Monoporter trailer....
Check out Tilmann Waldthaler and DownTheRoad.org for people that have toured Australia (on KogaMiyatas specifically). Lots of good tips, once you can navigate you way around to them.....

[il padrone]

it means i can add on a front rack of my choice, and then still have plenty of change left over for a BOB trailer, and any upgrades/changes to the bike... and still come out under the $2000 for a made-up surly.

Skip the BOB and put the $700 you save into a better bike. Or better racks and panniers to carry your gear. You could get a full set of Ortlieb panniers, and Tubus tubular cromoly racks front and rear for that money especially if you shop around on-line, overseas. They'll carry more than a BOB and be more stable for your bike's handling.... even on rough off-road tracks.

Just my experience.