Orpington & Trucker

Sales of the Orpington have been brisk.  Along with the sales we’ve had questions from customers pertaining to mounting the Orpington, which is a rando style bag.  So, in anticipation of future questions and those that have questions but never asked, we want to say that we highly recommend a rack and decaleur.  Also, before you order take care to ensure the Orpington will be a proper fit for your bicycle.  If you ride a small or tall frame take special note of the dimensions.  

Orpington Stats
·   Stainless steel D-rings  
·   100% cotton canvas - 18.5 oz. 
·   Water-resistant finish
·   Heavy-duty side-release buckles
·   677 cu in/11 liters (W: 25cm/9.85",  D: 20cm/7.9", H: 22cm.8.7")
·   Four colors: gray, black, olive and blue
·   Price $105
·   Made in Iowa, USA

Speaking of tall frames, most everyone in touch with cycling is familiar with the Surly brand of bikes/frames.  As an old tourer, I have been a fan of the Surly LHT since I first discovered it many years ago.  Alas, for most of its existence it was not available in a frame size that would fit me.  Then last year I became aware that Surly was making the Long Haul Trucker frame in a 64cm size.   So I snapped one up.

I built it up with sturdy yeoman class parts like the Deore rear derailleur and 8 speed barends.  There’s also a fairly eclectic assortment of stuff I like, some vintage.  For instance, I used a Huret Challenger front derailleur and a set of 180mm Sugino AT triple cranks.  For brakes I used a set of polished Tektro CR720 cantilevers and some no-frills Dia-Compe areo levers.  Topped it all off with a VO headset and rando bars, aged Brooks Flyer, and MKS touring pedals.  The wheels are Shimano hubs with Sun CR18 rims made complete with a pair of 35m Panaracers Paselas.  All in all, nothing too special but decent stuff.

As it turns out the geometry is pretty close to my custom made Mercian tourer.  I remember coming upon the LHT when I was looking for a loaded touring bike in 2003.  I opted for the Mercian, but may have gone with the LHT had it come in a little bigger size. 

I am pleased by how comfortable this bike is.  It has all the braze-ons I want and it's a real pack mule.  It would also be worthy for commuting or social rides.  I almost put Nitto North Road bars on mine and still may at some point.  There are a lot of ways to go with a frame like this and all of them are good.