Long Haul Trucker

Report on Surly Long Haul Trucker
2009 - 2026

Purchase new in 2009 - broken frame 2026

I wrote about the Surly Long Haul Trucker back on 02/16/2012 when I turned the 7,000 mile mark on the Surly Long Haul Trucker.  It took  2 1/2 years to get there.

Since then it continues to be a great Touring bike. 

Surly Make it your own!

It started as a stock LHT.  Then the additions of:
- Brooks Flyer saddle
         (on my third Brooks Flyer now)
- Planet Bike Fenders
- Axiom rear rack
- Axiom lower rider rack
- Front Rack
- Acorn tool bag
- Acorn front bag
- Stem Captain Temp gauge
- Rear Kick Stand
- Axiom Seymour Panniers
- Ortlieb Classic Panniers
- CatEye computer
- Garmin 530
- Garmin Varia radar

After rebuilding the stock hubs twice:

-New LBS built up two wheels 

black double butted spokes and pewter color skewer

White Industry M15 hubs,

DT Swiss double butted spokes,

Velocity Atlas rims. 36 hole.

          until the White Industry Rear hub broke two sprocket holes. 

  - Compound brakes
  - and other stuff,... pumps, lights



It has carried a lot of gear (and me) and that may account for the fact that I have worn out: (rough guesses)
- 4 sets of Continental Contact Tires 32s
- 2 sets of Marathon Plus 32s
- 4 sets on Continental Touring Tires 37
- 8 chains
- 4 cassettes

A Great Bike for Touring !  (Primary use - Commuting, Errands, and Touring)

Getting older and have experience with a MidDrive E-Bike (5,000 + miles on a FELT ebike), I am converted the Trucker into an E-Bike with a Bafang BBS02 MidDrive.  A fun build.  Surly E-Trucker

Update May 2026:
At about 5,000 miles on it in this configuration, it developed a sporadic power loss issue that hopefully will be resolved by replacing a motor controller.  

In replacing the motor controller a frame break around the bottom bracket was discovered.  It was determined that the frame was no longer safe.  The frame was returned to the bicycle shop from where it was purchased.  The team at the shop admired the length of service and mileage it had giving.  It may find a place on the shop wall. 

 

But the old Surly Long Haul Trucker had been an awesome bike for me.
Lots of miles and smiles. 

... stay tuned looking for a replacement ...