New at the shop

The Surly Long Haul Trucker has been popular with my customers the last couple of years, and it is easy to see why. It's a solid, dependable, well spec'd bike with very good riding manners. For 2010 there is a new color. Surly calls it blue velvet.

While I have not been crazy about every color Surly has used for the LHT, I think this is a winner.

In previous years, bikes 56cm and larger only came with 700c wheels, and the smaller sizes had 26" wheels. This year every size will be available with 26" wheels. Since this is a bike that can be taken out of the box, assembled and then ridden around the world, 26" wheels and tires may be easier to find if a replacement is needed in, say, Croatia. A smaller rim will result in shorter spokes with a wider bracing angle and may be more durable for the rough stuff rider as well. 

Also new to HPCS, and very exciting to yours truly is the Ostrich Handlebar Bag from Velo Orange

In real life it is a great army green color. There is a separate pocket in front and two small pockets which face the rider as well as flap pocket on either side. Andrew will be using one of these on the upcoming Texas Buckaroos tour in February, so we will be able to give a review then. Sorry, I don't stock the Ebisu. Maybe I should?