Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of the same questions at the shop.
“I want to start cycling, but I don’t know which bike is right for me.”
“I found a bike I like, but I’m not sure if it’s the right fit.”
“I’ve found a few bikes that look good, but I don’t know what criteria I should use to decide.”
And so on.
If you’re going to buy one, you want a bike that truly resonates with you. But because it’s not an inexpensive purchase, you can’t help but worry: What if it doesn’t feel right once I actually start riding? What if it doesn’t suit the way I want to ride?
I think those feelings are exactly why many people find it difficult to take that first step.
In reality, there are so many variations of manufacturers and build styles for bicycles that there are a lot of things to consider, such as:
“Is this suitable for my riding style?”
“Will it fit my height and physique?”
Even when you find something you like, it’s hard to know if what you want is actually achievable, making the road to purchase feel like a long one.
A bicycle is a partner that grows with you.
To give you the conclusion right away: almost no bicycle is 100% complete the moment you buy it.
To be clear, this isn't because they are “incomplete” or “bad.” It’s because as time passes, you’ll better understand your own preferences, and your riding style will evolve as your lifestyle changes.
Before you buy, you might think:
“I want to load up my bike with gear and go touring!”
“I want to make my commute or daily errands the best part of my day!”
Even if you chose a bike with those thoughts in mind, once you start riding, you might discover the joy of off-roading, or get hooked on group rides after joining a weekend outing.
That is by no means rare.
And bicycles are perfectly equipped with parts and build options to match those changes.
Bicycles offer a wide range of customization, and they are tools designed with plenty of “room for growth.”
The Straggler has a lot of “room to grow.”
I believe the Straggler I chose is a model with more room for growth than almost any other in the SURLY lineup.
- A wide range of sizes (accommodating heights from 152cm to over 185cm)
- Versatile tire size compatibility
- Mounting points located all over the frame
- A design and geometry that suits any style
For reference, here is my Straggler’s size and current specifications.
I’m 171cm tall, and my frame size is 50cm. I could actually ride the 52cm as well, but I intentionally chose the smaller size with the intention of switching to drop handlebars in the future.
While S/M/L labeling is common, having sizes broken down this precisely makes it much easier to match your physique, which I find to be a great feature.
For your reference, here are the recommended heights for each size.
*Please note that these are just guidelines, as individual fit depends on riding style and limb proportions.
You’ll likely find yourself torn between two sizes, so please feel free to ask us if you’re unsure!
| Frame Size | Recommended Height |
| 38cm | 150cm – 160cm |
| 42cm | 152cm – 163cm |
| 46cm | 155cm – 165cm |
| 50cm | 160cm – 170cm |
| 52cm | 165cm – 175cm |
| 54cm | 170cm – 180cm |
If you’re 170cm and only plan to ride with flat bars, I recommend the 52cm; it has a nearly horizontal top tube and excellent visual balance.
I built this one for myself as a commuting bike.
Flat bars and a rack for carrying cargo.
I added a dynamo light so I don’t have to worry about battery levels on the ride home.
Furthermore, I chose an internal gear hub for daily ease of use and low maintenance.
Considering commuting on rainy days and parking in public racks, this setup is incredibly worry-free and, so far, has been perfect.
I’m very satisfied that I was able to pack in everything I wanted, precisely because I chose this frame.
The Straggler can be built like a road bike, or finished as a gravel or touring machine.
My own setup settled into a “casual daily commuter,” but many of the bikes I’ve built for others have been more ride-focused or simple single-speed setups.
Whether you want a simple setup for city cruising,
or you aspire to have drop bars and want to build it like a touring or gravel bike for daily use that can also handle weekend rides.
Depending on the build, the vibe of the bike really changes.
SURLY is a brand that encourages repainting, so you can also use our shop’s painting department, KYUTAI PAINT, to finish it in the color of your choice.
Because it can do anything, start simple.
For a bike that grows alongside you, that “room to do anything” is your greatest ally when you’re buying your first bike and truly don’t know what suits you yet.
If you’re overthinking it and feeling stuck, or if you have a vague preference but don’t know what the right answer is—I really want you to consider the Straggler as your first partner.
I feel that the Straggler is the most perfect embodiment of the SURLY philosophy: “simple, capable, easy to handle, and offers an incredible amount of freedom.”
There are honestly many things I can’t fully convey through text alone.
Since the Straggler I introduced here is the bike I ride every day, you are welcome to take it for a test ride anytime.
Just being “a little curious” is enough. Please come by the shop and see for yourself.
