Surly Long Haul Trucker Review – The Ultimate Touring Companion After 10,000+ KM

Updated: August 3, 2025

I’m utterly fascinated by what makes a bike truly legendary, and few machines have earned their stripes quite like the Surly Long Haul Trucker. This isn’t just another touring bike review – this is the story of a machine that has quietly revolutionized bicycle touring for thousands of riders worldwide, including myself. After logging over 10,000 kilometers on my trusty LHT across multiple continents, from the corrugated gravel roads of Australia to the scenic routes of Europe, I can confidently say this bike has exceeded every expectation I had when I first picked it up secondhand from Cash Converters for just $200.

The Surly Long Haul Trucker isn’t trying to be the flashiest bike on the market, and that’s precisely what makes it so remarkable. It’s the reliable friend who shows up every single time, ready for whatever adventure you have in mind. Whether you’re planning your first overnight bikepacking trip or plotting a transcontinental expedition, the LHT has earned its reputation as the go-to choice for serious touring cyclists around the globe.

My Journey with the Long Haul Trucker: From Bargain Find to Trusted Companion

Here’s something that perfectly captures the LHT’s character – I discovered mine in the most unlikely place: a Cash Converters pawn shop. What I found was essentially a quality Surly frame that had been stripped of its decent components and fitted with subpar parts. But I recognized the potential immediately. That bulletproof 4130 CroMoly steel frame was worth every penny of the $200 asking price, even if it meant gradually rebuilding the entire bike to suit my touring ambitions.

Over the past few years, this bike has been my constant companion through countless adventures. From tackling the challenging UK Route 1 National Cycle Network across Europe to exploring the remote gravel roads of Tasmania, the Long Haul Trucker has proven itself time and again. What started as a budget-conscious purchase has evolved into one of the most reliable and versatile machines I’ve ever owned.

But here’s what really sold me on this bike: its incredible adaptability. I’ve transformed it multiple times – from a traditional touring setup with panniers to a bikepacking rig with fat tires for off-road adventures. I’ve swapped handlebars, upgraded drivetrains, experimented with different wheelsets, and each time, the LHT has gracefully accepted these changes while maintaining its inherently stable and comfortable character.

Surly Long Haul Trucker Specs: Built for the Long Haul

The 2025 Surly Long Haul Trucker maintains the proven formula that has made it a touring legend, with some thoughtful refinements that enhance its already impressive capabilities.

Frame and Construction

• Frame: 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded
• Fork: 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed with threaded eyelets
• Weight: Approximately 13.6 kg (30 lbs) complete
• Current Price: $1,899 USD complete bike, $599 USD frameset
• Available Configurations: Both 26″ and 700c wheel options

Drivetrain and Components

• Drivetrain: 3×10 Shimano Deore/XT components
• Shifters: Microshift bar-end shifters (9-speed, friction/index adjustable)
• Crankset: Shimano Sora Triple (50×39×30T)
• Cassette: Shimano HG200-9, 11–36t
• Brakes: Tektro cantilever rim brakes (upgradeable to V-brakes)

Wheels and Tires

• Hubs: Shimano T610 36h quick-release
• Rims: Alex DH19 36-hole
• Tire Options:
  • 26″ wheels: Up to 26×2.1″ with fenders, 26×2.25″ without
  • 700c wheels: Up to 700c×42mm with fenders, 700c×45mm without
• Stock Tires: Surly ExtraTerrestrial (26×46 or 700c×41)

Surly Long Haul Trucker Sizing: Finding Your Perfect Fit

One of the LHT’s greatest strengths is its comprehensive size range, accommodating riders from approximately 5’0″ to 6’8″. The Surly Long Haul Trucker sizing covers nine different frame sizes, ensuring virtually any rider can find their ideal fit.

700c Sizing Options

Size	Rider Height Range	Top Tube Length	Standover Height
56cm	5’7" – 5’10"	570mm	812mm
58cm	5’9" – 6’0"	586mm	830mm
60cm	5’11" – 6’2"	600mm	848mm
62cm	6’1" – 6’4"	610mm	867mm

Surly Long Haul Trucker 26 Wheel Sizing

The Surly Long Haul Trucker 26 inch wheel option offers additional sizing flexibility, particularly beneficial for shorter riders or those preferring the handling characteristics of smaller wheels:

Size	Rider Height Range	Benefits
42cm	4’10" – 5’2"	Improved standover, quicker acceleration
46cm	5’0" – 5’4"	Enhanced maneuverability
50cm	5’3" – 5’7"	Better gear availability in remote areas
52cm	5’5" – 5’9"	Stronger wheel build for heavy loads

The Surly Long Haul Trucker 26 configuration offers several advantages for touring cyclists: increased tire volume for comfort, easier gear replacement worldwide, and enhanced durability under heavy loads.

Where the Long Haul Trucker Truly Excels

Unmatched Versatility

What sets the LHT apart from other touring bikes is its chameleon-like ability to adapt to different riding styles and purposes. During my ownership, I’ve successfully used this single bike for:

• Traditional loaded touring with full panniers across multiple countries
• Bikepacking adventures with modern lightweight gear
• Off-road exploration after fitting chunky 26×2.25″ tires
• Urban commuting and grocery runs around Melbourne
• Weekend group rides with friends on road bikes

This versatility stems from the bike’s fundamentally sound geometry and robust construction. The steel frame absorbs road vibrations beautifully while providing a stable platform for heavy loads, yet it remains responsive enough for spirited riding when unloaded.

Legendary Reliability

The LHT’s reputation for bulletproof reliability isn’t marketing hyperbole – it’s earned through real-world performance. That 4130 CroMoly steel frame can handle loads that would stress other materials, while remaining repairable anywhere in the world where basic welding equipment exists. During my European tour, I watched carbon fiber bikes crack under the stress of rough roads while my LHT just kept rolling mile after mile.

Exceptional Comfort Over Distance

Long-distance comfort is where the LHT’s touring DNA really shines. The relaxed geometry positions you perfectly for all-day riding, while those bar-end shifters become second nature after a few days on the road. The steel frame’s natural vibration dampening means you arrive at your destination feeling fresher, even after covering serious distances over rough surfaces.

Load-Carrying Prowess

With mounting points strategically placed throughout the frame and fork, the LHT can accommodate virtually any gear-carrying setup you can imagine. I’ve successfully loaded this bike with everything from ultralight bikepacking gear to fully-loaded touring setups exceeding 40 kilograms, and the bike’s handling remains predictable and confidence-inspiring.

Real-World Performance: Testing the LHT’s Limits

European Adventures

My most memorable test of the LHT’s capabilities came during a challenging tour through Europe, following the UK Route 1 National Cycle Network. Before this trip, I upgraded to off-road-focused tires, anticipating the diverse terrain I’d encounter. The bike handled everything from smooth tarmac to rocky bridleways with unwavering composure.

What impressed me most wasn’t just the bike’s ability to handle technical terrain, but how it maintained its touring bike character throughout. Even when pushing through challenging off-road sections that would challenge dedicated mountain bikes, the LHT felt stable and predictable. This is the beauty of proper touring geometry – it provides confidence in all conditions.

Off-Road Capabilities

Don’t let the touring bike classification fool you – with the right tires, the LHT becomes a surprisingly capable off-road machine. I’ve successfully tackled singletrack trails and rough fire roads that had no business being ridden on a drop-bar touring bike. The key is understanding the bike’s capabilities and choosing appropriate rubber for your intended terrain.

Urban Utility

Between adventures, my LHT serves as an excellent urban utility bike. Those rack mounts make grocery runs effortless, while the comfortable geometry means I can ride across Melbourne without arriving sweaty or stressed. It’s not the lightest bike for stop-and-go city riding, but the convenience and reliability more than compensate.

Areas for Improvement

Stock Component Limitations

While the LHT’s frame is exceptional, some stock components could use upgrading for serious touring:

• Brakes: The stock cantilever brakes, while adequate, aren’t the strongest performers, especially in wet conditions with a fully loaded bike. I upgraded to V-brakes, which provided significantly better stopping power and modulation.
• Saddle: The stock saddle is functional but not particularly comfortable for long distances. Many touring cyclists immediately upgrade to a Brooks leather saddle or other long-distance-focused option.
• Handlebar Tape: The cork bar tape is acceptable but not exceptional. Upgrading to higher-quality tape improves comfort on those long days in the saddle.

Weight Considerations

At approximately 30 pounds complete, the LHT isn’t light by modern standards. However, this weight comes from robust components and bombproof construction rather than unnecessary bulk. For serious touring, the reliability benefits far outweigh the weight penalty.

Gearing Limitations

While the stock gearing handles most touring situations well, heavily loaded climbing in mountainous terrain might benefit from lower gearing options. This is easily addressed by changing the inner chainring or rear cassette.

Customization and Upgrades: Making It Yours

My Personal Build Evolution

Over the years, I’ve gradually refined my LHT to perfectly suit my riding style:

• Upgraded to V-brakes for improved stopping power
• Fitted Schwalbe Marathon tires for better puncture resistance
• Added butterfly handlebars for multiple hand positions (later switched back to drops)
• Installed a Brooks B17 saddle for long-distance comfort
• Upgraded to wider-range cassette for easier loaded climbing

Popular Upgrade Paths

Based on feedback from the touring community, here are the most beneficial upgrades:

Essential Upgrades:

• V-brakes or cantilever brake pad upgrade (Kool-Stop salmon pads)
• Quality bar tape or ergonomic grips
• Long-distance saddle (Brooks B17 or similar)

Performance Upgrades:

• Lighter wheelset for improved acceleration
• Wider-range cassette for loaded climbing
• Quality touring tires (Schwalbe Marathon, Continental Grand Prix)

Comfort Upgrades:

• Suspension seatpost for rough road comfort
• Ergonomic bar-end shifters
• Quality touring pedals

Long Haul Trucker vs. Disc Trucker: Making the Right Choice

The choice between rim brakes (LHT) and disc brakes (Disc Trucker) often comes down to touring philosophy:

Choose the Long Haul Trucker if:

• You value simplicity and worldwide serviceability
• You prefer traditional touring aesthetics
• Budget is a primary concern
• You’re touring in remote areas where rim brake service is more readily available

Choose the Disc Trucker if:

• You frequently ride in wet conditions
• You often carry very heavy loads
• You want maximum stopping power
• You don’t mind slightly increased complexity

For most touring applications, the rim-brake LHT provides perfectly adequate stopping power while maintaining the simplicity that makes bicycle touring accessible worldwide.

Geometry and Handling Characteristics

The LHT’s geometry strikes an optimal balance between stability and responsiveness. The longer chainstay (460mm) provides excellent stability when loaded while preventing heel strike with panniers. The relaxed head tube angle (72°) ensures stable handling even in crosswinds or on rough surfaces.

This geometry makes the bike feel planted and confidence-inspiring when fully loaded, yet responsive enough for enjoyable riding when unladen. It’s this versatility that allows the LHT to serve so many different roles effectively.

Why the LHT Remains Legendary

After thousands of kilometers across multiple continents, I can confidently say the Surly Long Haul Trucker deserves its reputation as one of the finest touring bikes ever created. It’s not the lightest, the fastest, or the most technologically advanced bike available, but it possesses something more valuable: absolute reliability and incredible versatility.

The LHT succeeds because it prioritizes the characteristics that matter most for real-world bicycle touring: comfort, durability, load-carrying ability, and serviceability. These attributes, combined with Surly’s thoughtful design and quality construction, create a machine that excels at its intended purpose while gracefully adapting to whatever other roles you might ask it to fill.

Who Should Choose the Long Haul Trucker?

Perfect for:

• First-time touring cyclists seeking a reliable, proven platform
• Experienced tourers wanting a versatile bike for multiple trip types
• Riders who value simplicity and worldwide serviceability
• Budget-conscious cyclists seeking maximum value
• Anyone wanting a single bike capable of handling diverse riding styles

Consider alternatives if:

• Weight is your primary concern
• You exclusively ride smooth, paved roads
• You never plan to carry gear or tour loaded
• You prefer the latest technology over proven reliability

The Bike That Defines Bicycle Touring

The Surly Long Haul Trucker isn’t just a bike – it’s a gateway to adventure, a reliable companion for life’s greatest journeys, and proof that sometimes the best solutions are also the simplest ones. Whether you’re planning your first overnight tour or your fiftieth international expedition, the LHT provides the confidence and capability to turn those dreams into reality.

In a cycling world increasingly focused on marginal gains and technological complexity, the Long Haul Trucker stands as a refreshing reminder that thoughtful design, quality materials, and proven geometry never go out of style. It’s the bike I recommend to anyone serious about bicycle touring, and after 10,000+ kilometers together, it’s the bike I trust with my most ambitious adventures.

Ready to join the thousands of cyclists who’ve discovered what “the long haul” really means? The Surly Long Haul Trucker is waiting to show you just how far two wheels can take you.

About The Author