Some of you might have felt a glimmer of hope after SURLY teased the Steamroller on their official Instagram, thinking, "Could it be...!?"
Yes, about three years since its last release in 2023, the Steamroller is finally back! (It has arrived!!)
SURLY, a brand that creates bicycles without being bound by conventions, has designed their fixed-gear bike with a geometry closer to a road bike rather than the "peaky" specs of a typical track bike.
The tire clearance is generous enough for gravel riding, accommodating up to 700c x 38mm tires.
Equipped with fender eyelets, it is a model that feels even more like a true SURLY.
However, given that SURLY designs every model to be free of specific constraints, allowing riders to find their own ways to have fun, why do they make the most simple bicycle of all: a fixed-gear bike?
SURLY's history is intertwined with single-speed.
At first glance, single-speed might seem inconvenient because it lacks gears. There is also less room for customization.
But beyond that, it eliminates the risk of a damaged derailleur, the extra levers on your handlebars, and the cables that connect them, allowing you to focus on the simple act of "just turning the pedals."
Plus, you don't have to worry about the chain dropping, and it carries a toughness that multi-gear bikes can't match. Most importantly, it keeps costs low when starting out, allowing you to focus your budget elsewhere.
This is the simplest and most certain way to embody SURLY's goal: "to help as many people as possible enjoy cycling on a bike that is tough, long-lasting, and fun."
When you look back at the bikes they've created—the 26" single-speed MTB "1x1," the "Karate Monkey" that introduced the world to 29ers,
the synonymous "do-it-all" bike "Cross Check," its disc-brake sibling the "Straggler,"
and even the relatively recent Grappler—more than half of their models are actually single-speed compatible.
Because they truly understand the charm and potential of single-speed, they have offered us this option without interruption from the very beginning, and they have done so once again.
We built a Steamroller for daily use.
We immediately built one up as a shop demo bike.
While there are many ways to build it, we opted for a daily-use configuration, keeping in mind those just starting out with SURLY or those planning to use it for everyday riding.
We used the SIMWORKS SYCIP J.J Bar, which features an exquisite back-sweep that fits perfectly in your hands.
Paired with VITTORIA Randonneur tires that can withstand the daily grind, we installed SIMWORKS by Honjo Tartol 35 fenders. It’s a style that might even make you look forward to rainy days.
Oh, and by the way, a dedicated brake housing stop has been added with this version. While I did like the simple look of the previous design, this is a huge help during assembly, and since it allows for more secure cable fixing, it’s also an improvement in terms of safety.
The size is 53, which is the best fit for someone around 170cm–175cm tall.
You could add a front rack, or if the rainy season ends, remove the fenders to fit even wider tires. Switch to drop bars, and you might even be able to head out on some light touring. It’s highly recommended for your first bike, or for anyone who has grown tired of chasing speeds, complex standards, and shifting gears.
SURLY Steamroller Circles Complete Bike
¥253,000-(tax included)
| Frame Set | SURLY Steamroller 53 Size (Fits height: 170cm–175cm) |
| Head Set | TANGESEIKI TG36J3 |
| Handle Bar | SYCIP x SIMWORKS J.J Bar |
| Stem | SIMWORKS Rhonda Stem 100mm |
| Wheel | GORILLA SPUN Build Wheel [VELOCITY DeepV 700c x VELOCITY Track Hub] |
| Tire | VITTORIA Randonneur 700 x 28C |
| Brake Lever | DIA COMPE DC135 |
| Brake | DIA COMPE BRS101 |
| Fender | SIMWORKS By HONJO Smooth 35 |
In addition to the 53, we have also received the 49 size framesets.
This is a great option for those looking to build from scratch or for those thinking about assembling one using parts they already have on hand. Other sizes will be arriving a little later, so please stay tuned!
The complete bike and framesets are available to view in the shop. We look forward to your visit!
