Surly Preamble Flat Bar Review
- Price: $899
- Frame: Steel
- Tires: Kenda Kwik Tendril 700c x 35mm
- Gear: 1×8
What we love about it: There is currently a discount, and it’s priced at only $719, offering excellent value for the money.
What we don’t like about it: The external cable routing is not clean and makes maintenance and cleaning inconvenient.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The general road bikes have become increasingly popular in people’s lives. You can see people using them for commuting or leisurely rides every day, and I hope more people get to experience this type of bike. To that end, I found the Surly Preamble Flat Bar, and I’m excited to see how it performs in everyday life.
Now, let’s analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Surly Preamble Flat Bar. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
Commute Riding
I have to admit that as a commuting tool, the general road bike has brought me convenience and efficiency. Every morning, I hop on the bike and navigate through busy city streets. Whether facing uphill or flat roads, I adjust the microSHIFT RD-M5185M derailleur to find the right gear ratio. On different roads, I adapt my speed according to the traffic flow.
When going downhill, I’m ready to apply the brakes as needed, and the handling and stability of this bike allow me to confidently control my speed. I pay attention to the traffic conditions and maintain a safe distance. Even in emergencies, I can stop the bike promptly. This is the confidence that the Surly Preamble Flat Bar gives me.
Turning and maneuvering are common in commuting rides. By adjusting my body weight, I can easily navigate turns. The Kalloy handlebar offers flexibility and agility, allowing me to handle various cornering situations. I remain mindful of the road conditions and smoothly execute turns. This agility and good handling characteristics enable me to handle unexpected situations on city streets and ensure my safety.
Leisure Riding
During leisure rides, I pedal along peaceful country roads, adjusting the microSHIFT RD-M5185M derailleur to adapt to different gradients and terrains. The Kenda Kwik Tendril tires provide excellent traction and adaptability. The road conditions vary from urban to suburban areas, but the Kenda Kwik Tendril tires handle them well and offer decent support.
Furthermore, this bike is equipped with a Selle Italia X-Base saddle. It provides excellent support, and the soft fabric prevents discomfort in my sit bones. Its carbon fiber shell, constructed using 3D printing technology, ensures lightness and durability. I feel very comfortable during my rides.
Specifications
The Surly Preamble Flat Bar is a very comfortable general road bike. It features the Surly Preamble frame and Surly Preamble fork, both made of steel. While it may not have a weight advantage, it is incredibly sturdy. Additionally, it has a microSHIFT RD-M5185M rear derailleur, providing excellent shifting performance with smooth gear changes.
Furthermore, this bike is equipped with Avid BB5 Mechanical brakes. The braking performance is decent, and they are convenient to maintain and repair. The Kenda Kwik Tendril tires on this bike combine durability, efficiency, and control, offering excellent traction and braking power. These features greatly meet the daily needs of riders.
Currently, there is a discount on this bike, priced at only $719, offering excellent value for the money.
Video
Other Versions
After undergoing several tests, our understanding of this bike has deepened. It is an excellent hardtail mountain bike. However, many riders have specific requirements for its performance or components, so we have found similar bikes for further investigation.
Surly Preamble Drop Bar
The Surly Preamble Drop Bar features the same Surly Preamble frame and Surly Preamble fork as the Surly Preamble Flat Bar. Their bottom bracket, headset, stem, saddle, and seatpost are all the same. However, the Surly Preamble Drop Bar has a 1×9 microSHIFT RD-M46S drivetrain. Compared to the 1×8 microSHIFT RD-M5185M drivetrain on the Surly Preamble Flat Bar, the 1×9 drivetrain offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting.
Furthermore, the Preamble Drop Bar is equipped with Avid BB7 Mechanical disc brakes, while the Preamble Flat Bar comes with Avid BB5 Mechanical. The Avid BB7 Mechanical disc brakes have larger pads. Once the brake pads on the Avid BB5 Mechanical wear out, they cannot be adjusted to provide optimal braking power.
In summary, if you prioritize a superior braking system, I would recommend the Surly Preamble Drop Bar. If you prefer the blue color, the Surly Preamble Flat Bar would be a great choice for you.
What do we like about it?
- There is currently a discount, priced at only $719, offering excellent value for the money.
- Two bottle cage mounts allow riders to stay hydrated.
- The Preamble’s double-butted main triangle provides a smooth and efficient ride.
- Impressive uphill capabilities.
What don’t we like about it?
- The external cable routing is not clean and makes maintenance and cleaning inconvenient.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
It is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the size of the disk rotor on this bike?
The disk rotor size is 160mm.
- How many bottle cage mounts does this bike have?
It has two bottle cage mounts.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are only general guidelines and the true fit may vary from person to person. The easiest way to find your size the best way is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’6″ | XS |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | SM |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | MD |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | LG |
| 6’0″ – 6’5″ | XL |
Surly Preamble Flat Bar Specs
Build
| Frame | Surly Preamble, 100% Chromoly steel tubing, E.D. coated Colors: Skyrim Blue; Thorfrost White; Black |
| Fork | Surly Preamble, 100% Chromoly steel fork, Disc Only |
| Bottom Bracket | JIS 68 x 124.5mm |
| Headset | VP 1-1/8″ Threadless |
| Stem | Kalloy 31.8 |
| Handlebar | Kalloy, 35mm rise, 9-degree backsweep |
| Saddle | Selle Italia X-Base |
| Seatpost | Kalloy 27.2 x 300mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT RD-M5185M |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | Samox, 3-piece, 40t |
| Shifters | microSHIFT Acolyte Xpress |
| Cassette | microSHIFT 12-42t, 8-speed |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3 |
| Brakes | Avid BB5 Mechanical |
| Brake Levers | Avid FR-5 |
Wheels
| Rims | 21mm, 32h, Tubeless Compatible |
| Front Hub | Novatec, 6-bolt disc, 32h, QR |
| Rear Hub | Novatec, 6-bolt disc, 32h, QR |
| Tires | Kenda Kwik Tendril 700c x 35mm (MD/LG/XL) & Kenda Standard 650b x 1.35 (XS/SM) |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM 160mm F/R |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Kross VENTO 2.0 | Click View | mitas syrinx v80 700×25 | 2×8 | Aluminum | Shimano Claris |
| CUBE AIM ALLROAD | Click View | CUBE IMPAC Smartpac | 2×8 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney |
| Planet X London Road SRAM Apex 1 Disc | Click View | Panaracer Tour 700c | 1 x 11 | Aluminum | SRAM Apex |
Surly Preamble Flat Bar vs Kross VENTO 2.0
The Kross VENTO 2.0 is equipped with a 2×8 drivetrain, while the Surly Preamble Flat Bar comes with a 1×8 drivetrain. The 1×8 drivetrain’s single front chainring design effectively prevents chain drops and unexpected incidents.
On the other hand, Kross VENTO 2.0 features TEKTRO R315 rim brakes, which offer braking performance that is not as good as the Avid BB5 Mechanical disc brakes on the Surly Preamble Flat Bar. However, rim brakes are lighter in weight compared to hydraulic disc brakes.
Furthermore, Kross VENTO 2.0 has a carbon fork, but it is more prone to breaking when subjected to side impacts. The steel fork on the Surly Preamble Flat Bar is less likely to break. So, if you prefer the single front chainring design, the Surly Preamble Flat Bar will suit you well. If you desire a stronger carbon fork, the Kross VENTO 2.0 would be a better choice for you.
Surly Preamble Flat Bar vs CUBE AIM ALLROAD
The Surly Preamble Flat Bar is equipped with a Surly Preamble steel frame, while the CUBE AIM ALLROAD features an aluminum frame.
Moreover, the hydraulic disc brakes on the CUBE AIM ALLROAD offer slightly stronger braking performance compared to the mechanical disc brakes on the Surly Preamble Flat Bar. However, in terms of maintainability and repairability, mechanical disc brakes are more convenient.
Additionally, the Surly Preamble Flat Bar has a 1×8 drivetrain. The single front chainring design effectively prevents chain drops, unlike the 2×8 drivetrain on the CUBE AIM ALLROAD. The CUBE AIM ALLROAD also offers two wheel size options: 27.5″ and 29″.
Therefore, if you desire more size options for wheels, the CUBE AIM ALLROAD is a great choice for you. If you prefer the single front chainring design, the Surly Preamble Flat Bar will meet your needs.
Surly Preamble Flat Bar vs Planet X London Road SRAM Apex 1 Disc
The Planet X London Road SRAM Apex 1 Disc is equipped with a carbon fork and an aluminum frame. However, the carbon fork is more prone to breaking when subjected to side impacts. It also features a 1×11 drivetrain, which offers smoother shifting and a wider gear range compared to the 1×8 drivetrain on the Surly Preamble Flat Bar.
Additionally, the stack/reach ratio of the Surly Preamble Flat Bar is 1.4, while the Planet X London Road SRAM Apex 1 Disc has a slightly larger stack/reach ratio of 1.45. This means it provides better stretchability, allowing riders to have a more comfortable riding experience.
So, if you prioritize comfort, I would recommend the Planet X London Road SRAM Apex 1 Disc. If you prefer a steel fork that can withstand impacts, the Surly Preamble Flat Bar would be your ideal choice.
Summary
Above is our review of the Surly Preamble Flat Bar. This exceptional all-road bike delivers impressive performance on the road. Based on our evaluation, we give it a high rating of 4.7. If you want to explore more bike information, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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