trigs's endless tinkering: Moulton XTB, Raleigh Chopper, and now the return of the Surly LHT

Having realised I'm not going to be able to afford or even source my ideal wheel parts before this weekend, I'm thinking about how I can get this built up on the short term. I have a set of very nice 26 inch wheels off my now deceased Troll kicking around - Andra 40 rims, Deore rear hub and Shimano dynamo front. The 12.5mm reduction in BB height might be a problem but I reckon I can get some cheap 2.4s on to help with that a bit.

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Phwoar, that looks proper from the original photos. I like the Jones bar build a lot more though! From personal experience, the potential for pedal strikes and general trail-unworthiness by running smaller-than-recommended wheels is not worth it. Stick with the 27.5ers I say!

Oh yeah don't worry, this is just a temporary fix until I get my 27.5s built up! The tyres on the 26er (the sadly discontinued Marathon Extremes) are weirdly tall so it's not as terrible as it could be.

In the meantime I'll be tinkering with the fit of things - last night I chucked on a set of On One Mikes I had around to loosely simulate the Bontrager Satellite I'm thinking of fitting (basically a Ritchey Kyote, just less obscenely wide given I've got skinny shoulders).

Immediate thoughts are that I'll need to raise the bars up a ways to get comfy on the thing. Budget option will be one of these 35 degree stems off Spa Cycles, but if anyone knows of any cool swept riser bars lmk

Also saw that Russ of Path Less Pedaled teased this very cool looking dropper on Instagram last night - will keep an eye as this'd be perfect for the Hobo

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I think the Ergotec Moon Cruisers might fit the bill for sweepy high rise bars.
They can sometimes be found in silver as well.
Or Ritchey Buzzard cut down in width.

Hi there :)

Stooge Moto bars maybe?

Howdy folks - long time no updates. A whole bunch of classic Life Stuff has come up, so there’s going to be a bunch of changes in the next 6-12 months. The downside of that is I’ve had to get pretty ruthless with the bike collection, paring it down as far as I can.

The upside is that I’ve now got a very good reason (tbc) to build the LHT back up. Still a work in progress and some bits to follow but here’s a preview…

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Sick! LHTs look great with nobblies. Reminds me of how I had my Saracen at one point, sadly never got to use the studded tyres in anger.

I have some 60x26 GB guards if you want them for a pittance, one used one new, no stays though (Cardiff also).

BTW do you ever go on the Tuesday Traverse gravel rides? Noticed you say on another thread you're from Ponty and I think one of the fellas I met on those is from there?

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Omg triple post trying to get a photo to upload

SICK. This is giving some seriously cruisy 26er energy. Trying to think what else is falling a victim to your downsizing, as your collection has been suuuuper changeable lately...

@Polygon that’s so sick - basically the exact vibe I’m going for. The GB guards would be a godsend too, been debating on mudguards so will drop you a message. And I’ve not heard of those rides so will look em up!

@vthejk it’s getting quite thin now - the Moulton and the Surly are core, the Langster will likely last the winter before it needs proper money spending on it, and otherwise there’s a few frames I’ll hang onto

Don't think there's much of an internet presence, it's just a handful of middle-aged men bimbling around on bridleways. I've not been out with those guys in ages though, need to get back on it.

Guards are on (thanks again other Tom!) and we’re just a seatpost away from the build being complete… once it’s altogether I’ll get a proper photo shoot

For now, please enjoy this photo I dug out from January 2018 of the LHT mid first build - I like that I have a very clear history of the bike from frameset to today, which is one of the many reasons I’ll never let it go!

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