Spa touring vs surly long haul trucker

[LimeBurn]

My darling gorgeous wife has kindly offered to buy me a new frame for my Birthday (see why she's gorgeous!) and I've been looking at either the spa or surly both are similar specs but the spa is slightly cheaper and is Reynolds 725.

I realise that fit is the most important thing but Spa carry both so think I'll be going to them so will hopefully have the chance to sit on both, but does anyone have any comments or experience they want to share.

 

[MacB]

No experience of Spa frames but have had handbuilt wheels from them amongst other bits and the quality and service have always been excellent. I've also had 4 Surly frames, 2 x Xcheck and 2 x Karate Monkey and they've all been spot on as well, easy to build up and well thought out for eventualities.

Basically I would rate either and, as you have the chance to try both, then go purely on feel/aesthetics. The only thing I'd add is that as a 'larger chap' then Surly have always instilled a sense of confidence in the strength of their frames....maybe that's catering to a US gravel road audience.

 

[LimeBurn]

I am a larger chap

 

[Brains]

All things being equal I'd go the Spa, on the basis it's not mass produced, its English, so built with us not US in mind, and I've got Spa wheels on my Thorn, 10,000 miles and only one broken spoke.

 

[LimeBurn]

Thanks brains

 

[Gravity Aided]

Long Haul Trucker is 4130 Cro-Moly, pretty basic welded bike for the money. But do Spa offer a steel tourer in your size? Biggest I see on the US site is 57cm, whereas the Surly goes to 62 in 26" configuration and 64cm in 700c. But the Surly only comes in Grey and Black.

 

[Soltydog]

The LHT was my bike of choice a few years ago, until delivery kept getting put back. Ordered in June & delivery got put back to january, but with no guarantees, so I ended up going for the Ridgeback Panorama (for the same money) but still wonder if I'd have liked the LHT more I'm 6'5" so thought the larger frame size may have suited me better. It took a while but I've got the Panorama spot on now though

 

[Blue Hills]

No real opinion on the frames but +1 for Spa's wheels (I have their Rigida Sputnik's - feel bomb proof) which you could of course use on either frame (he says stating the bleeding obvious).

Any chance the wife will throw in the wheels as well?

You know you're worth it.

 

[JackE]

Why don't you push the boat out a wee bit further and try one of Spa's Ti frames. I've had a Ti tourer for 7 years and compared with my previous 631 steel one, it's a huge improvement all round.

 

[totallyfixed]

Lots of pics of my Spa steel tourer in my Netherlands travelogue. Cannot fault it, utterly silent and the wheels really roll well. Recommended, this is one of my favourite bikes, and we have a lot of bikes.

 

[LimeBurn]

My friend has the panorama and is a lovely bike but wouldn't want to ride the same bike.

The LHT was my bike of choice a few years ago, until delivery kept getting put back. Ordered in June & delivery got put back to january, but with no guarantees, so I ended up going for the Ridgeback Panorama (for the same money) but still wonder if I'd have liked the LHT more I'm 6'5" so thought the larger frame size may have suited me better. It took a while but I've got the Panorama spot on now though

 

[LimeBurn]

I know I am but I don't think she does

No real opinion on the frames but +1 for Spa's wheels (I have their Rigida Sputnik's - feel bomb proof) which you could of course use on either frame (he says stating the bleeding obvious).

Any chance the wife will throw in the wheels as well?

You know you're worth it.

 

[LimeBurn]

I'm sure it is but I don't want to push the budget, I do have to stay married.

Why don't you push the boat out a wee bit further and try one of Spa's Ti frames. I've had a Ti tourer for 7 years and compared with my previous 631 steel one, it's a huge improvement all round.

 

[LimeBurn]

I ride a 56 or 58 normally depending on geometry so the 57 should be Ok but I've yet to sit on one.

Long Haul Trucker is 4130 Cro-Moly, pretty basic welded bike for the money. But do Spa offer a steel tourer in your size? Biggest I see on the US site is 57cm, whereas the Surly goes to 62 in 26" configuration and 64cm in 700c. But the Surly only comes in Grey and Black.

 

[LimeBurn]

Do you have a link for your travelogue. Would be interested in having a read.

Lots of pics of my Spa steel tourer in my Netherlands travelogue. Cannot fault it, utterly silent and the wheels really roll well. Recommended, this is one of my favourite bikes, and we have a lot of bikes.