2 pictures should tell the story - a before and after. The first shows my old faithful Argos (Racing Cycles of Bristol, not catalogue retailer of High St) looking slightly concerned about its impending fate. The burly Surly Long Haul Trucker stands in the foreground in anticipation of a life in the Perrott stable.
Why another bike I hear (some of) you ask? Well it's a tale of different steel tubing, and a riveting one. (Riveting. Steel. See what I've done there?) Whippy Reynolds 531 vs industrial grade Cromoly 4130 in the Long Haul Trucker. For fully laden west coast coastin a sturdy tank is required, so a frame basically made of scaff poles (albeit pretty ones) is the equine breed of choice.
Picture 2 shows the 'after'. The Argos is stripped back, to make a glorious Audax comeback one day, and the Trucker is born, ready to be saddled up, laden and ridden into the sunset.
I loved the process of building the Trucker. I do a fair bit of fiddling with my bikes, friends' bikes and Bristol Bike Project bikes now, but there's nothing quite like starting with a bare frame and creating your own ride. Out on Lime Road for the first time she is as steady and predictable as a mature shire horse. Giddeeup!
I must say a big thank you to Mike and the boys at Strada Cycles in Bristol. The Trucker was a bit of a last minute decision - I only had 2 months to plan this trip! Strada had the frame at the shop for me within a couple of days, no qualms, dramas, worries.
On the day of the build, I think I broke the record for the number of trips to a bike shop. Good thing it's just up the road. Mike and the Strada boys sorted me out with hangers, noodles, outers, inners, and a quick re-dish thrown in for good measure! Support your Local Bike Shop if you can.
Before the guy sitting next to me wakes up to regale me of more tales of LA excess, a quick thank you to my mum. She generously gave my house a good spring clean yesterday, before approaching super-mum status by driving me to the airport. I think she appreciated the new hoover (£33 from Currys, a thoroughly recommended bargain) more than the Trucker however.
James
