3.31.2014

Surly Disc Trucker

I realize it's been a while since I've posted anything here. There's no other reason outside of the fact that work has been insanely busy and most of my computer time (at work and home) is going to there instead of here. Having said that, there has been some big fun on two wheels.
Most of the fun centers around the Disc Trucker. On a ride a couple weeks back I blew a tube. But beyond the tube I completely shredded the bead on my Schwable Big Apples. No complaints from me, though. I bought those things used and put a couple thousand miles on them. They've certainly paid their dues. So what to do? Go gumwall, of course. 
I went with the Schwalbe Road Cruisers this time around. I learned that gumwalls are more of 700c and 650b thang. It wasn't easy finding one for the 26" wheeled Disc Trucker. But I'm very pleased. These are 1.75" wide and are pretty gull durn close to the tread pattern and puncture resistance of the Big Apples. Pretty fair trade, I think.

And I love the look. What do you think?
And just last week I swung by the bike shop to pick up my Surly Front Rack. After a TON of shopping and reading, I realized I couldn't run panniers and have a platform for my basket without dropping some serious cashola. And much of the pricey options offered less functionality than Surly's rack. So there it is in the photo above. Every bit of my birthday moneys went to this thing. But I can already tell it's worth it. There's some slight adjustments to make and fender tweaking to be done. But outside of that, this bike is finished.

This was the way I intended it to be from Day One. So it's nice to have it the way I've always wanted it for sure. I'll try to keep the blog a priority. But, let's be honest, in the grand scheme of life, this blog is no priority at all. 

Get out there. 

14 comments:

  1. Tires look good!
    I've been on the lookout for a bag that will fit on the platform of my rack with no luck. Maybe a basket is the way to go.

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    Replies
    1. I can't recommend the basket enough. There's an aesthetic to it that some people get hung up on. But there is NO more practical option out there.

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    2. I have been looking for a rack for my Surly Nice front rack but am struggling to find any on the web.

      What is the rack which is pictured? Do you have the dimension if not the brand and model?

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks, Allen! Now for a camping trip, eh?!

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  3. Sharp looking ride!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! Maybe we should commute out of Nicholasville together some day!

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  4. Ooo. I like those tires and I see they're not that expensive. I'm glad the gumwalls are coming back in style. I'll need to replace whitewalls on my Ross this year.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, I was very pleased by the cost. Honestly, there were very few 26" gumwalls that I could make work. So I was nervous that I would have to pay top dollar. These were great, though!

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  5. The gumwalls look great on the Disc Trucker.

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  6. Could you share which basket you've got attached to the rack? I really love it and want to do the same thing.

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  7. Did anyone find out the name/model of the basket?

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  8. Nice bikes !! We have a Cross Check here in little old England xx Stay Safe xx

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