We setup a Surly Long Haul Trucker for Colin in preparation for a round-Australia bicycle tour late last year. This email just came through from Colin with an update about how it’s been going.

>Hi Bill & Lewis & Moz & Joel & Val & Teagan & whoever else I've forgotten
> who worked on my Surly Long Haul Trucker
> 
> Just thought I'd drop you a line to say thanks for all your help in getting
> set up for my Round Australia trip.
> 
> I'm writing this in Gladstone (about 100 km south of Rockhampton), so far
> I've done about 3200 of the trip and about 5000 on the bike. It's going
> well. I've jut had to replace the chain and also the Randonneur Back tyre
> was well worn. Just realised I will need to replace the rear cluster as well.
> 
> The Deuter back and front panniers are fantastic as is the Topeak back bag
> and tool bag however the Deuter handle bar bag sags quite badly even when
> lightly loaded and even after I did major reinforcing surgery on it.  Love
> the Brookes saddle
> 
> Hope all goes well at Human Powered - my web site at
> www.kahuconsulting.com.au will be up in a few days.
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Colin

And a second update…

I am now in Mackay with 3736 km under my belt.

Since I put a new rear cluster XT 11-34 (which I think is a good range for
touring) the gears have been running beautifully. I also replaced the
Randonneur rear tyre with a Schwalb Dureme tyre which seems fine so far. 

Still no punctures.

Cheers

Colin

Man! what I’d give for a trip that long with no punctures!!

Interesting hearing Colin’s feedback about the gear he’s been running. The Deuter handlebar bag isn’t up to the job – we should have advised more strongly towards an Ortlieb. The Vittoria Randonneur rear tyre running thin after 3,500 loaded kilometres is not too bad especially with no punctures. Colin’s comment about his Brooks B17 Imperial saddle is exactly what we’ve found after sitting on a worn in Brooks for a long ride ourselves.

Thanks for the updates, Colin! Wishing you all the best for the rest of your trip.

Check Colin’s site www.kahuconsulting.com.au for the full details of his trip and a comprehensive gallery of photos along the way.