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Ritchey Logic

Surly Bikes 101 - the Who, What, And Why?

Who?

Surly Bikes are manufactured by a Bloomington, Minnesota based company that goes by the same name (Surly). The company was established in 1998 and first started producing diverse bike parts such as the dingle cog, Surly Singleator chain tensioner, and others, in addition to frames, forks, and complete bikes. Surly is also credited for playing a hand in establishing the Single Speed World Champions.

What?

Currently, Surly manufactures a number of models. Those models include the following:

STEAMROLLER
This Surly bike is designed as a single speed road bike and available as a complete bike from Surly. The frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. Handlebars are made of aluminum. The bottom bracket is Sugino. The cog and hubs are Surly. This is the one the fixies tend to gravitate to. And for obvious reasons.

CROSS CHECK
This was the original complete bike offered by Surly. It's a versatile bike that's not just intended for fixed gear fanatics. Both the frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. The stem is Kalloy and handlebars are Salsa Moto Ace Bell-Lap. For more details, check out the Surly website at surlybikes.com.

LONG HAUL TRUCKER
This bike is designed for what you'd think it would be designed for - long haul riding. It can handle long rides with significant weight. Both the frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. The headset is Ritchey Logic Comp, the stem Kalloy, and the handlebars Co-Union Cork Mix. A very versatile bike.

KARATE MONKEY
The Karate Monkey is a new mountain bike from Surly. A very versatile bike, you can handle multi-gear or single speed set ups, as well as disc brakes or rim brakes. Both the frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. The handlebars are Surly Torsion bars, stem Kalloy, and headset Ritchey Logic Comp.

BIG DUMMY
Probably the most unique bike Surly has made to date, the Big Dummy is designed as a pure transport vehicle. It was designed in conjunction with Xtracycle. You can carry up to 400 lbs of cargo. Included are Xtracycle V rack bags and snapdeck. Both the frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. The handlebars are Surly Torsion bars, stem Kalloy, and headset Ritchey Logic Comp.

Why?

Surly bikes are very durable, versatile, and offer a number of bike variations guaranteed to satisfy various types of bikers, fixies, and mountain goats. Crafted to last a lifetime, there's no doubt a Surly will be the only bike you'll ever need to buy. That is unless you want to diversify your bike riding activities.

Surly sells their bikes as complete bikes or parts. So if you want a Surly frame and want to Frankenstein the rest together, go right ahead.

If you want a serious bike, don't bother with craigslist or the swap meet. Go straight to the source. Surly bikes will cost you a decent coin but you'll poop easier knowing you have a bike that will outlast your bowel control.

About the Author

Surly bikes
are the best. For more information, videos, articles, and details, go to
http://www.thefixedgeargallery.com/surlybikes.php

Tom Ritchey of Ritchey Logic on Box Solutions