Dear Cyclofiend,

I believe my 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker (56cm) constitutes a "current classic." I've built it up to serve for fully-loaded touring, errands, and fun-rides around where I live in Burlington, Vermont (that's Lake Champlain in the background). It is a very rugged and comfortable bike, which handles everything from riding around the broken-beer-bottle strewn streets of this college town, to long distance rides with sixty pounds of gear, to picking up groceries at the local coop, to day rides on dirt roads -- all of it with ease, stability, and elegance.

I wasn't especially happy with some elements of the Surly stock build, so added Nitto Noodle handlebars, Salsa interrupter brakes, Schwalbe Marathon tires, a Brooks Flyer Special saddle, MKS Grip King pedals, and some parts from Velo Orange (decaleur mount for a Berthoud bag, leather mudflap, VO baguette bag, leather chain stay protector) to give it a slightly old-school look. I'm fully night-capable, with rear brake lights and up front a fork attachment for a Nite Rider light. The racks are Tubus Cargo (rear) and Tubus Duo (front), and a Nitto Mini Front for the Wald basket, which I change out for the Berthoud bag when on tour.

Luis Vivanco
Burlington, Vermont

lsvivanco@uvm.edu