Surly Bikes. The name whispers strength and adventure to those who know steel bikes. This American brand, famed for its chromoly frames, isn’t about flashy trends. It’s about legendary durability, hauling capacity, and conquering any terrain. City streets, rugged trails, or global expeditions – Surly has your back. Ready to discover why Surly steel stands apart?
What is Surly Bikes? | Discover the Unique Charm of Steel Bikes
Surly Bikes: Popular Model Overview
Surly stands apart with its dedication to comfortable steel frames and vintage charm. For riders seeking something unique with personality, Surly is worth a closer look.
Let’s explore some of their most popular models. Intrigued? Dreaming of a cycling tour around Taiwan?
Visit MathewBike and take a Surly for a test ride!
|
Models |
Cross Check |
Disc Trucker |
Ogre |
straggler |
Midnight Special |
|
Weight |
12kg |
13.5kg |
14.1 kg |
11.9 kg |
12.25 kg |
|
Derailleurs |
10 gears Shimano Deore 30S／Tiagra 30S |
9 gears Shimano Alivio |
10 gears Microshift Advent X |
11 gears SunRace CSMS7 |
12 gears Shimano R7101 |
|
Chainrings |
48-36-29T |
48-36-26T |
32T |
42T |
50-34T |
|
Cassette |
11-34T |
11-34T |
11-48T |
11-42T |
11-34T |
|
Wheels |
26 inches, 700c |
26 inches, 700c |
29 inches |
29 inches, 700c |
700c、650b |
Surly Cross Check
The Surly Cross-Check is a classic, renowned for its durable and versatile 4130 chromoly steel frame. With rim brakes and a 30-speed Tiagra drivetrain, it seamlessly transitions from road riding to touring, commuting, and even light off-road adventures. Numerous mounting points allow for customization, making the Cross-Check truly adaptable to any rider’s needs.
You can even customize the tires, fitting anything from 23c to 40c, a flexibility rare among bike brands. Though equipped with 28-inch wheels, the Cross-Check comfortably fits riders under 180cm, making it ideal for Asian builds. Its design is simple and straightforward, without unnecessary flourishes, yet perfectly suited for both touring and daily use. This practicality and reliability explain the Cross-Check’s enduring popularity.
- Price: NT$78,000 up
- Weight: 12kg
- Derailleurs: Shimano Deore 30S／Tiagra 30S 10 gears
- Chainrings: 48-36-29T
- Cassette: ：11-34T
- Wheel: ：26 inches, 700c
Surly Disc Trucker
The Disc Trucker, another Surly classic, features drop handlebars and excels in carrying capacity and comfort. Sharing touring DNA with the Long Haul Trucker, its components are chosen to withstand demanding conditions, making it ideal for long-distance riding and touring. Mathew Bike recommends this model for riders over 180cm. Equipped with disc brakes and a 30-speed Tiagra drivetrain, it conquers varied terrain with ease. The long wheelbase and robust steel frame ensure stable handling even when heavily loaded, while maintaining a comfortable riding position. Truly a king of touring.
- Price: NT$80,500 up
- Weight: 13.5kg
- Derailleurs: Shimano Alivio 9 gears
- Chainrings: 48-36-26T
- Cassette: 11-34T
- Wheels: 26 inches, 700c
Surly Ogre
The Ogre is a versatile bike blurring the lines between mountain and touring, much like the Cross-Check. If you crave diverse terrain, long journeys, and all-weather capability, the Surly Ogre is for you. Its 100% 4130 chromoly steel frame is incredibly durable and supports 29-inch wheels. Wide tires, an aluminum drivetrain, and disc brakes provide exceptional stability and stopping power, letting you confidently conquer any challenge.
- Price: NT$75,500 up
- Weight: 14.1 kg
- Derailleurs: Microshift Advent X 10 gears
- Chainrings: 32T
- Cassette: 11-48T
- Wheels: 29 inches
Surly straggler
The Straggler is a commuter road bike with light touring capabilities, blending in the characteristics of a gravel bike. This makes it adept at handling both city streets and unpaved paths, gravel, or even muddy conditions. It’s a particularly good fit for Taiwan’s varied terrain and wet weather.
The Straggler features unique colors like “Dream Blue” and “Salmon Candy Red,” and a distinctive horizontal top tube. This modern touch makes it a popular choice for riders who want to customize and express their style.
- Price: NT$80,500 up
- Weight: ：11.9 kg
- Derailleurs: SunRace CSMS7 11 gears
- Derailleurs: 42T
- Cassette: 11-42T
- Wheels：29 inches, 700c
Midnight Special
The Surly Midnight Special is a road bike designed for comfort. It absorbs road vibrations while providing smooth, stable handling, making speed and long-distance riding enjoyable.
The bike supports both 650b and 700c wheels and boasts features like thru-axles, typically found on high-end models, for reduced frame twist and increased stability.
Matthew loves the unique paint job, which embodies Surly’s non-mainstream style. If you value speed and a bike with personality, the Midnight Special is for you!
- Price: NT$78,800 Up
- Weight: 12.25 kg
- Derailleurs: Shimano R7101 12 gears
- Chainrings:50-34T
- Cassette: 11-34T
- Wheels: 700c、650b
Surly Bikes: 5 Key Features That Make Them All-Terrain Conquerors
1. Materials: Made in Taiwan
While Surly is an American brand, their frames are made in Taiwan, renowned for its bicycle manufacturing expertise. This means Surly bikes combine American design with Taiwanese manufacturing, resulting in high-quality and durable bicycles.
2. The Top Choice for Global Bike Tours
Surly is a top choice for cyclists embarking on global adventures. Their bikes, known for high carrying capacity and comfortable riding geometry, are built to withstand diverse climates and terrains. Though the popular Long Haul Trucker model is sadly discontinued, Surly remains a favorite among cyclists worldwide. Many riders, particularly in Europe and North America, choose Surly for cross-continental journeys and extended tours, trusting these bikes to be reliable companions on their epic adventures.
3. Versatility: Not Limited to a Single Purpose
Surly bikes are designed for flexibility. You can adjust tires, frames, and other components to suit your needs, transforming it into a touring bike, road bike, commuter, or even an off-road machine. Combined with their affordability, versatility, and functionality, Surly bikes offer a low barrier to entry for new cyclists. These advantages contribute to Surly’s exceptional overall value.
4. Built to Last: The Classic Appeal of Chromoly Steel
Chromoly steel is an alloy combining iron, chromium, molybdenum, and carbon. It’s known for its high strength, toughness, and durability. It also absorbs vibrations and withstands impacts. Surly uses 4130 chromoly steel for its frames, providing comfort for long rides. Chromoly is also easy to weld, makin
5. A Design Philosophy that Emphasizes "Practicality"
A key difference between Surly and other brands is the abundance of mounting points. This allows easy installation of racks, fenders, and more. Wide tire compatibility is another core feature, supporting sizes from narrow road to wide off-road. This allows rider customization based on terrain and need.
MathewBike: Surly Bikes Rental & Purchase
Interested in a Surly bike but not sure which model to choose? We offer test rides for the Surly Cross Check and Surly Disc Trucker, allowing you to experience them on the road. We also sell a variety of Surly bikes. Feel free to contact MathewBike for more information!
