Surly Disc Trucker Review
- Price: $1999
- Frame: Steel
- Tires: Surly ExtraTerrestrial 26 x 46
- Gear: 3 x 9
What we like about it: Increased stack height that allows for a more upright and comfortable riding position during long trips.
What we don’t like about it: External cable routing that can get dirty during travel and is not easy to clean and maintain.
Rating: (4.7/5)
Riding a bicycle for travel not only helps protect the environment but also allows riders to directly engage with nature. For this reason, I found the Surly Disc Trucker. Surly has updated this model with a new fork and increased tire clearance, making me believe it has even more potential! I am eagerly looking forward to its performance.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, main features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Surly Disc Trucker. Additionally, we will compare it with several other top bicycle models in the latter half of this article. If you’re interested in learning more about bicycle reviews, feel free to follow us.
Travel
I recently had a travel plan and decided to incorporate the Surly Disc Trucker into my journey. I must admit that I experienced a sense of boundless freedom, enabling me to explore more profoundly.
When riding on unfamiliar terrain, the Surly ExtraTerrestrial tires provided excellent adaptability. Coupled with a comfortable saddle, I could ride for long periods without feeling fatigued. This transformed long-distance travel into an enjoyable experience, allowing me to focus on admiring the scenery and immersing myself in new cultures.
The Shimano Alivio M4000 SGS rear derailleur and Shimano Sora R3030 front derailleur that compose the drivetrain system played a significant role during the journey. Whether climbing steep hills or cruising on flat roads, I could effortlessly adjust gears based on the terrain and personal preferences. This allowed me to maintain an appropriate speed and comfortable pedaling cadence across different terrains while optimizing my energy distribution during long rides.
Moreover, the TRP Spyre C Mechanical Disc brakes provided a reliable safety net. Whenever I needed to decelerate or come to a stop, the brakes responded promptly and reliably. Whether traveling at high speeds or encountering complex road conditions, I could easily control my speed, ensuring a safe ride.
Is that all?
The design of the Surly Truckstop Bar handlebar is impeccable. I appreciate its ergonomic shape, which offers multiple hand positions and combines the advantages of a riser bar and a flat bar. This allows me to maintain a comfortable posture, reducing strain on my arms and shoulders during long rides. I can adjust the height and angle of the handlebar to find the optimal position for myself.
Additionally, this steel-framed touring bicycle has an exceptional carrying capacity. Equipped with sturdy racks and fenders, I can easily transport luggage and gear. Whether embarking on long journeys or commuting daily, I can conveniently load the necessary items onto the bicycle, making my ride more practical and efficient. Furthermore, it has provisions for two water bottle cages, allowing me to stay hydrated during long-distance trips.
Specifications
The Surly Disc Trucker is an exceptional steel-framed touring bicycle. It features the Surly Long Haul Trucker frame and the Surly Long Haul Trucker fork. The steel construction provides excellent strength and resistance to metal fatigue. Additionally, it is equipped with TRP Spyre C Mechanical Disc brakes, ensuring the rider’s safety.
Furthermore, this bicycle comes with both 26″ and 700c Aluminum wheels, offering two size options of wheel to accommodate a wider range of riders. The WTB Volt Sport saddle provides outstanding comfort, with moderate padding that offers ample support for a comfortable ride.
The Surly Disc Trucker is equipped with Surly ExtraTerrestrial 26 x 46 tires. These are touring tires that combine excellent rolling resistance with puncture-resistant properties specifically designed for travel.
The bicycle also features provisions for two water bottle cages to ensure hydration on the go. It is also compatible with accessories such as fenders and racks, making it suitable for various weather conditions and capable of carrying substantial cargo.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Increased stack height that allows for a more upright and comfortable riding position during long trips.
- Shortened seat tube and slightly sloping top tube to improve standover clearance.
- Tubeless ExtraTerrestrial tires provide excellent traction and braking performance.
- Excellent climbing and descending capabilities.
What don’t we like about it?
- External cable routing that can get dirty during travel and is not easy to clean and maintain.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- How many water bottle cages does it have?
It has provisions for two water bottle cages.
- Can this bike accommodate fenders?
With 26”x 2.1” tires, it can accommodate fenders, while 700c x 47mm tires cannot.
- How do I choose a wheel size for the Surly Disc Trucker?
For frame sizes ranging from 42–56 cm, 26-inch diameter wheels are available. For frame sizes ranging from 56–64 cm, 700c diameter wheels are available.
Specs
Build
| Frame | Surly Long Haul Trucker, 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. Surly Long Haul Trucker, 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. main triangle double-butted. tig-welded BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Colors: Pea Lime Soup; Hi-Viz Black |
| Fork | Surly Long Haul Trucker, 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed. Proprietary sloping crown with threaded eyelets, tapered and butted curved blades with mid-blade rack eyelets, dual dropout eyelets |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB-RS500, 2.5mm spacers, 2 spacers on the non-drive side. |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40, 1-1/8″ |
| Stem | Promax 31.8 4 bolt |
| Handlebar | Surly Truckstop Bar |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Sport |
| Seatpost | ProMax 27.2 350L non-offset (42-50), offset (52-64) |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Alivio M4000 SGS |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Sora R3030 |
| Crank | Shimano Alivio 48x36x26t |
| Shifters | Shimano Sora 3×9 |
| Cassette | Shimano Alivio, 11-34t, 9 speed |
| Chain | KMC X9 |
| Brakes | TRP Spyre C, 160mm rotors |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Sora |
Wheels
| Rims | Alex Adventurer 2 |
| Front Hub | Novatec 12×100, 6 bolt, 36H |
| Rear Hub | Novatec 12×142, 6 bolt, 36H |
| Tires | Surly ExtraTerrestrial 26 x 46 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Kona Rove | Click View | Maxxis Rambler EXO 650x47c | 2 x 9 | Steel | Shimano Sora |
| Trek 520 | Click View | Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c | 3×9 | Steel | Shimano Alivio, Sora |
| Masi Giramondo 700c | Click View | Kenda Quick Drumli | 3 x 10 | Steel | microSHIFT |
| All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex | Click View | WTB Riddler, 27.5 x 2.4″ | 1 x 11 | Steel | Shimano Apex, FSA |
Surly Disc Trucker vs Kona Rove
The Surly Disc Trucker offers two wheel options, 26″ and 700c. The larger wheels provide better traction and stability, while the smaller wheels offer increased agility. Additionally, the Surly Disc Trucker can reach speeds of 38mph, slightly faster than the Kona Rove’s 37mph.
Furthermore, the Surly Disc Trucker has a stack/reach ratio of 1.57, which is larger than the Kona Rove’s 1.52. A higher stack/reach ratio provides a more comfortable riding position. The Surly Disc Trucker also has a seat tube angle of 73°, slightly smaller than the Kona Rove’s 73.5°, making it slightly more relaxed and stable for riding.
In conclusion, if you prioritize comfort, I would recommend the Surly Disc Trucker. If you prefer a more aggressive geometry, the Kona Rove would be a suitable choice.
Learn More: Is Kona Rove Worth Buying? – [Kona Rove Review]
Surly Disc Trucker vs Trek 520
The Trek 520 features an aluminum fork, while the Surly Disc Trucker comes with a steel fork. Additionally, the Surly Disc Trucker offers two options of wheel, 26″ and 700c, providing riders with more choices. However, both bikes have the same riding speed and can reach up to 38mph.
Furthermore, the Surly Disc Trucker has a stack/reach ratio of 1.57, which is larger than the Trek 520’s 1.49. They have the same head tube angle, but their seat tube angles differ. The Trek 520 has a larger seat tube angle, giving the bike a more aggressive geometry. On the other hand, the slightly smaller head tube angle of the Surly Disc Trucker creates a more relaxed overall ride.
Therefore, if you prioritize comfort, the Surly Disc Trucker would be suitable for your needs. If you have a more generous budget, the Trek 520 might be a better choice for you.
Learn More: What Makes The Trek 520 Such A Powerful Gravel Road Bike
Surly Disc Trucker vs Masi Giramondo 700c
The Masi Giramondo 700c is equipped with a 3×10 drivetrain. Compared to the Surly Disc Trucker’s 3×9 drivetrain, the 3×10 drivetrain offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting. However, the Surly Disc Trucker provides two size options for the wheel, offering riders more choices.
Furthermore, the Surly Disc Trucker can reach a speed of 38mph, which is faster than the Masi Giramondo 700c’s 35mph. The Masi Giramondo 700c has a slightly larger head tube angle, resulting in a more aggressive riding style.
In summary, if you prioritize faster riding speed, I would recommend the Surly Disc Trucker. If you prefer a drivetrain with a wider gear range and smoother shifting, the Masi Giramondo 700c would be the better choice for you.
Surly Disc Trucker vs All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex
The All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex has a 42c tire clearance and can be converted to accommodate 42c tires. Wider tires provide better support and excel in soft sand or snowy terrain. However, the Surly Disc Trucker offers two size options for the wheel, catering to a wider range of riders.
Additionally, the All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex is equipped with a 1×11 drivetrain. Compared to the Surly Disc Trucker’s 3×9 drivetrain, the 1×11 drivetrain offers smoother shifting and a wider gear range. The single front chainring design effectively prevents chain drops.
Therefore, if you prioritize smoother shifting, I would recommend the All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex. If you prefer more size options, the Surly Disc Trucker would be your best choice.
Summary
Above is our review of the Surly Disc Trucker. This excellent steel-frame touring bike offers an exceptional travel experience. Based on our evaluation, we give it a high rating of 4.7. If you’d like to explore more bicycle information, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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