The joy of B-Fit.

　
In the well-known SURLY bike lineup, there is a bike called the Long Haul Trucker.
　
　
As the name, which invokes the image of a long-haul truck driver, suggests, this bike features a long wheelbase designed for touring. It provides a stable ride even when equipped with front and rear racks and panniers, and in fact, it is the best-selling touring bike in the United States.
　
With its 26-inch wheel configuration (some larger sizes also offer 700c) and rim brakes, its relaxed geometry makes it a bike with great versatility, serving as a daily commuter or an all-terrain bike capable of handling local trail touring and even some light dirt riding.
　
Today, I would like to focus on that versatility. When former Surly employee Peter, along with Trevor and other staff, visited Japan, I heard them mention that there is a philosophy for Surly bikes known as A-fit and B-fit.
　
A-fit refers to building a bike exactly according to catalog specifications (as with complete bikes), while B-fit refers to a build that takes advantage of the wide tire clearance common to all Surly bikes, allowing for wheels and tire sizes that differ from catalog specs—what we call "inching up."
　
　
As an example of such a B-fit, I’d like to introduce a great case where a Long Haul Trucker that was previously ridden as a complete bike was reborn through a repaint by Kyutai Paint and a rebuild.
　
　
The first thing that catches your eye is likely these tires. It is fitted with SimWorks by Panaracer / The Homage in 650x43B. The Long Haul Trucker, with its clearance to easily swallow 26x2.3" tires, can also accommodate 650x43B tires.
　
However, while that might be expected on a Disc Trucker with disc brakes, how is it possible to change the wheel diameter on this bike, which uses rim brakes?
　
The answer lies in the brakes.
　
　
The Paul Component Motolite V-brake has been a staple in their lineup for years; the one installed here features a custom color offered specially by SimWorks. The feature that allows for adjusting the position of the brake pads on these brakes lets you overcome the barrier of fixed wheel diameters.
　
This makes it possible to "inch up" the Long Haul Trucker and fit it with the 650B Homage tires.
　
　

　
The brake levers were also updated to the Paul Component / Love Lever to match the brake bodies, and with SimWorks' GetAround Bar and Tomboy Stem, it has been reborn as an all-terrain bike.
　
If we can breathe new life in this way into bikes that have been sleeping in corners of garages or older 26-inch bikes that are still working hard for commutes, we can continue to use them for much longer. Or, it also allows for a good assembly for smaller riders who might find it difficult to ride a 700c frame size.
　
Perhaps your bike could also be a great candidate for a B-fit build. Please feel free to consult with us at Circles.