I’ve been writing about SURLY for about a month now, and I’m grateful to have received many inquiries and requests for consultation on builds.
While I provide consultations based on each person's individual riding style, preferences, and lifestyle, the phrase I hear from customers almost every time is:
"There are so many models, I don't know which one is right for me."
That is what they say.
When I first started learning about SURLY, I myself would compare each model looking for differences as if I were playing a "spot the difference" game, and I gradually learned them one by one.
But the more you learn, the more you realize that those subtle differences aren't just about appearance—they are the result of a focus on utility and the rider’s needs.
Before I knew it, I started to feel that they are a brand slightly different from any other bike brand in the world.
Let’s take a look at the sharp edge within the ambiguity.
In a previous post, I spoke about how these bikes are "tools that you can keep using, rather than a finished product."
For SURLY to be that kind of tool, it needs a certain amount of "margin" (room for customization).
Commuting only, touring only, gravel only.
They are designed not to be bound by such specific uses, but to change according to the rider's lifestyle and how they like to play.
Because of this, there are many cases where the roles of the models appear to overlap, which easily leads to the question, "Which one should I actually choose?" but in reality, every model certainly has a unique personality that no other has.
And I believe that this personality is the deciding factor in choosing a model.
So, this time, I’ve created a chart to help organize the characteristics of each model.
It is based entirely on my own personal perspective, but I hope it serves as a helpful reference for choosing your SURLY.
So, let me tell you about the features of each model!
Preamble
The Preamble has the most simple construction among all SURLY bikes. It is a well-balanced model that can be enjoyed for a wide range of uses, from your very first bike to commuting and gravel riding.
The fact that it covers a wide range of heights, from about 152cm to 180cm, is also typical of SURLY's philosophy of being accessible to any rider.
If you want to start playing around with bikes and want to try riding a SURLY, you can't go wrong with the Preamble.
Straggler
A bike that can be built like a gravel bike or a fixed-gear bike, it encapsulates the fun of SURLY and is a model you can stay with for a long time.
I chose the Straggler because I wanted a bike for the long haul that would primarily be used for city riding.
Disc Trucker
A model designed primarily for loading up gear and riding long distances.
However, the toughness inherited from a touring bike and the stability when carrying a load actually make it a perfect match for daily use as well.
For those who want to head out on a long tour.
Or for those who want to carry plenty of luggage in their daily life.
The Disc Trucker is the bike that answers both of these extreme needs.
Grappler
Its high level of freedom is no less than the Straggler.
Because it fits wider tires, the Grappler can also satisfy those greedy requests to enjoy more gravel or trail riding.
It can handle trail riding, it can be set up as a cruiser for city use, and if you put drop bars on it, it becomes a gravel bike—personally, this is the most exciting model for me.
Karate Monkey
The model in the SURLY lineup best suited for trail riding.
It lets you enjoy off-road riding even more than the Grappler, yet it is also comfortable for city riding, so it is highly recommended for those who want to try trail riding, or for those who want a city bike with the robust look and ride feel of an MTB.
Lowside
The successor to the "1x1," the first model SURLY ever produced.
Based on the philosophy of enjoying the simple manipulation of a 26-inch MTB, it has evolved over many years to include modern tire sizes, the choice between gears and single-speed, and a design that accommodates suspension for enjoying trails.
Because it has a tough frame inherited from MTBs, it is recommended for those who want to commute and ride around town without a care in the world, but the Lowside is truly perfect for those who have been captivated by the pure joy of handling a bike, or those who are curious about it.
If you thought, "Maybe this is the one," please come in for a consultation!
As I mentioned at the beginning, honestly, the roles of each model do overlap slightly.
That is precisely why I cannot say,
"This is definitely the correct answer."
However, every model has a personality that is unique, and those differences are often things that are hard to see just by looking at numbers or specs.
It could be the sensation when riding through the city, the reliability when carrying a load, or even just, more simply, the look of the bike.
Let's work together to choose the perfect bike for you, by combining your intuition with our experience and knowledge.
Also, we have original complete builds of models like the Preamble, Disc Trucker, and Grappler available at the shop. I hope you will take the opportunity to see, touch, and ride them to choose beyond just the looks and specs.
You can also get consultations at Circles Tokyo!
If you live in the Kanto area, please feel free to send a DM to our Tokyo shop's Instagram.