Custom shop vs. Off the assemly line

Dubious

I dont have the time to build myself a touring bike and I'm am wondering about the pro's and con's of getting my touring buke custom built vs. buying something off the assembly line at a bike shop. Any opinions? I am leaning towards a shop that does custom bikes using a surly long haul trucker frame. As I don't know much about the things to watch out for in individual bike compenents for touring. As in which componenents are more suited to a touring bike, if that's even an issue. As well the guys at the bike shop don't tour themselves. I'd assume they would know what components to look for in a touring bike but yeah... just looking for some feedback.

EmmCeeBee

Y'know, I think it boils down to this: If you have the money, go for it.

If I needed a new touring bike right now, I'd go for a Trek 520. Probably used, to keep the cost down. The only components I'd worry about would be the shifters (I'm partial to barcons -- which the 520 has stock, anyway) and good gearing. It's cheap and easy to swap out better gear ratios.

But if I had the money to nurse my dreams, I'd go for what you're thinking of.... I just haven't done the research to pick the best custom shop. I agree that bike shops, however helpful and knowledgeable, don't generally know much about touring bikes, which is less than 2% of the business.

I tour on a 1989 Nishiki Saga. For some reason, they nailed it back then, it was one of the first 'hybrids' -- but designed for road touring on a mountain bike frame instead of vice versa as hybrids are built now. It probably doesn't come close to a custom frame in lightness and beauty, but it's ideal for me. The point is, a stock bike designed for touring will be at least 90% suited for the purpose (maybe more...) If the extra 10% is worth 2x or 3x the cost, then go for it. I could convince myself that it would be worth it for a round-the-world tour, but I'd still miss my Nishiki.

There's lots of good stuff posted about the Surly Long Haul Trucker. So I think you're on the right track. Maybe someone else can help in recommending a shop.

-- Mark

endcat

I have a Surly Long Haul Trucker - it's an excellent bike. But if you have no idea what components you want, you'd be much better off buying a pre-built touring bike. You'd save money that way and wouldn't have to worry about what parts to get. If you do decide to spec your own bike, some of my parts suggestions would be as follows:

Mountain bike drivetrain (Shimano Deore XT derailleurs, cranks)
---the low gearing is essential for climbing big hills fully loaded
---another option is a mountain rear derailleur/cogset with a road crankset and road front derailleur (I'm running an FSA Energy triple crankset with a 52/39/24, the granny gear works fine although it is slightly more prone to throwing chains when downshifting)
Shimano Dura Ace bar end shifters
V-brakes (Avid or Shimano) with Dia-compe 287-V levers

Good luck.