The "do everything" tank - Surly LHT

Got ya! Fully understood.

Cheers for the helpful response. :)

just thinking out loud here, but could a crosscheck be a straight swap for the LHT frameset in terms of spacing, mudguards etc? seems so, with the Gnot-rite spacing (132.5mm) etc

You might need new stays for the mudguards but that's about it.

You might need to go a size smaller for similar fit too (unless you need a longer reach).

A 62cm Cross Check is a little over 10mm longer so you'll need a shorter stem, and about 5cm worth of spacers ro obtain a similar fit to your original LHT.

You might need a couple of dozen headset spacers too.

A 62cm Cross Check is a little over 10mm longer

The extra reach on Surly's geometry chart is due to the shorter head tube. By the time you've spacered up to the same bar height, the reach will be close to identical.

yep, a fair amount to consider. as I said, just a thought.. I'm still super happy with the LHT. However, I'm really tempted by making the Sram s500s work with the v brakes... the hoods are the only thing that I dislike about this build.

I'm really tempted by making the Sram s500s work with the v brakes.

Compressionless housing should give you a bit more room to adjust.

You got a front rack and bag, Rawland maybe?

good shout +edscoble,

I still haven't even fiddled with the gears on this... it just goes and goes.. nothing dramatic to report except its super reliable.