【BIKE of the WEEK】SURLY / Disc Trucker

An Assembly for the Grand Goal of Long-Distance Touring

Roads no one has ever stepped foot on, majestic scenery.
There are surely many cyclists who dream of such places and want to reach them under their own power.
The Surly Disc Trucker stands out as a highly popular companion for long-distance touring, capable of carrying heavy loads while keeping you stable as it takes you further and further.
The legendary long-distance tourist Ryohei Oguchi also favored the Surly Long Haul Trucker, and the Disc Trucker is simply its disc brake-equipped version.

The bike I’ve assembled here doesn’t have much initial flair, but I’ve come to think that this lack of ostentation is exactly what’s required for touring.
If you can appreciate its good, old-fashioned vibe, I think you’ll notice the depth of this bicycle once you start paying attention to the advantages of these classic components.

Daring to Separate the Brake and Shift Levers

This is why it looks classic.
And the reason this bike is so cool is that I didn’t just choose this setup for looks.

"What’s the benefit of this old-fashioned setup!?"
You ask?
Just imagine your STI levers breaking in a place where no one can help you.
The road ahead is still long—you couldn't fix those delicate parts or complex mechanisms on the spot, right?
But look at these simple brake and shift levers.
Seems like you could figure something out, right?
Even in the worst-case scenario, carrying a few spare parts won't weigh you down.
Most importantly, you don't need to do any delicate work like derailleur indexing, so you can get back on the road quickly.

The Advantage of Disc Brakes

Thanks to these disc brakes, you get reliable stopping power even when carrying a significant amount of weight.
Whether you’ve packed your panniers to the brim, these brakes will let you ride with confidence.
Oh, right—if you’re heading out on a tour, just don’t forget to choose cable-actuated brakes.

The Magic of Fenders

Why is it that bicycles with fenders look so attractive?
Whether they’re necessary for the trip or not, fenders possess a kind of magic that makes everything look right just by being tucked perfectly between the frame and the tires.
Of course, they also offer the practical benefit of keeping you clean on wet roads and preventing loose gear from getting caught in your wheels.

So, how would you build your touring bike?

We are currently sharing a photo archive of bikes built at Circles.
Let's let your imagination for your own custom build run wild.