Choosing a frame

The first step in building a bike is to choose a frame. I didn't really think too hard about it. My height is unfortunately a limiting factor; many companies don't even make frames in my size. Enter the Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT). This bike has a bit of a cult following. It's known for its reliability, simplicity, and superior performance on long tours. Surly is also one of the few companies that makes bikes small enough for my short legs.

Surly has recently come out with a newer version of this classic frame, called the "Surly Disc Trucker". They've made some updates to the geometry of the frame, and have also adapted it for disc brakes instead of rim brakes. Brakes are mounted onto the bike via special mounts that are welded to the frame. Disc brakes are mounted at the hub (center) of the wheel, and rim brakes are mounted at the rim of the wheel. So, you have to choose between the two styles of brakes before you choose your frame.

Rim brakes (above) are the good ol' classic standard bike brake. They have rubber pads that squeeze the rim of the wheel to stop the bike. They have relatively simple mechanisms, are easy to repair, and have been successfully stopping bikes for decades.

Disc brakes (above) are a shiny new brake style that are used in most new bikes today. They have unparalleled stopping power; these brakes can bring your bike to a screeching halt in seconds. However, they are tricky to adjust and maintain, and have been known to make loud screaming sounds when they're out of adjustment.

Because of the difficult maintenance and adjustment for disc brakes, I decided I wanted to go with the classic standard rim brakes. I'd like to take this bike on long tours, likely far from a bike shop, and I don't want to be stuck with screaming brakes in the middle of nowhere.

However, Surly no longer manufactures the Long Haul Trucker (the version with rim brake mounts). They only make their new disc brake version. Fortunately, I found a new frame and fork set on Ebay, sold by a bike shop in Michigan that had it in stock but never put it together.

My new frame arrived safe and sound a couple week ago. Next step is my favorite: choosing a custom paint color. You didn't really think I'd be satisfied with a plain black bike, did you?