Surly Skid Loader Review
- Price: $4,799
- Frame: Steel
- Tires: Surly ExtraTerrestrial 27.5 x 2.5″
- Gears: 1×10
What we like about it: Ability to run dual batteries for extended range and relatively strong load-carrying capacity.
What we don’t like about it: Singular appearance may not meet the needs of some riders.
Rating: (4.8/5)
With the development of e-bikes, people are no longer satisfied with using them solely for commuting. They now prefer to carry a significant amount of cargo while riding.
That’s why I came across the Surly Skid Loader. In their marketing, it is touted as an exceptional steel-framed, multi-purpose e-bike, and I am very excited to see how it performs.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Surly Skid Loader.
Additionally, in the latter part of this article, we will compare several top bike models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
Convenience
Every weekend, I travel from the suburbs of Chicago to a supermarket in the city center to buy essentials. It’s a fairly long journey, but the 500Wh battery is sufficient for the round trip. Moreover, the Surly ExtraTerrestrial tires allow me to ride without restrictions, regardless of the road conditions.
They are large and perform exceptionally well. The sidewalls feature nylon breakers for cut protection, and the tread has Kevlar caps to prevent punctures. I never worry about getting a flat tire, no matter what type of road surface I’m riding on. It gives me the confidence I need.
Comfort is crucial during long rides, and the WTB Volt saddle designed for speed and comfort fits the bill perfectly. Its waved profile provides pelvic support. I prefer maintaining a certain posture while riding, and this saddle suits me well because its contoured shape is ideal for riders who prefer a locked-in position.
Once I finish shopping at the supermarket, I place all the items I need on the rack of Surly Skid Loader. The M6 hardware is capable of carrying a load of up to 100 pounds, allowing me to transport everything I require.
With a torque of 63Nm, it supports the weight effortlessly, even if the total weight of the bike reaches up to 400 pounds. Within this range, I can ride home with ease.
Is that all?
This bike features a 100% Surly Chromoly Steel frame and fork, providing exceptional durability. That’s why it can handle heavy loads. It is also equipped with a Trans-X Dropper Post, allowing the seat height to be adjusted to accommodate riders of different sizes.
During uphill climbs, I adjust the microSHIFT Advent X 10-speed rear derailleur to the smallest gear ratio, minimizing battery consumption while maintaining a smooth ascent. On downhill sections, I control the Surly Terminal Bar handlebar to keep the bike stable at high speeds.
Accidents can happen during rides, but with my extensive cycling experience and judgment, combined with the Tektro 4-piston M745 Hydraulic Disc brakes, I can handle unexpected situations promptly and accurately, ensuring my safety.
The estimated charging time for this bike is approximately 2-7.5 hours, and the battery is removable, allowing me to take it home for convenient charging.
Additionally, it comes with fenders, a front rack, and a water bottle cage, greatly facilitating rainy-day rides and ensuring timely hydration during long rides.
Specifications
The Surly Skid Loader is an exceptional steel-framed, multi-purpose electric bike. It features a steel frame and steel fork, ensuring great durability.
Equipped with the Bosch 250W 63Nm mid-drive, it delivers powerful performance and can handle substantial weight. Additionally, its 500Wh battery provides a long-lasting range.
Notably, the Surly Skid Loader is equipped with the Bosch Performance Cargo Drive Unit, offering four exhilarating levels of pedal assist. It can also run dual batteries for extended range. It comes with fenders, a front rack, a derailleur shifter, and internally routed lights.
Video
What we like about it:
- Ability to run dual batteries for extended range.
- Enhanced M6 hardware and dedicated rear rack capable of carrying 100 pounds.
- Equipped with the Bosch Performance Cargo Drive Unit, offering four exhilarating levels of pedal assist.
- Stable double-leg kickstand for convenient cargo loading.
What we don’t like about it:
- Singular appearance may not meet the needs of some riders.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Both beginners and experienced riders can ride this bike.
- What is the torque of this bike?
The torque is 63Nm.
- What is the charging time for this bike?
The estimated charging time is 2-7.5 hours.
- How do I choose the right size?
Please refer to the size chart below:
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’11” – 6’2″ | LG |
These sizes are just a general guide, and the truly appropriate size may vary from person to person. The best way to find your size is to try it out.
Specs
Build
| Frame | 100% Surly Chromoly Steel, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded, E.D. coated Color: Bathwater Gray |
| Fork | 100% Surly Chromoly Steel, Natch tubing, double-butted tapered fork blades, TIG welded, E.D. coated |
| Bottom Bracket | N/A |
| Headset | Cane Creek ViscoSet/40 series |
| Stem | Kalloy 4-bolt 31.8 mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Surly Terminal Bar |
| Saddle | WTB Volt |
| Seatpost | Trans-X Dropper Post, 120 mm/400 mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT Advent X 10-speed |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | FSA Mega Arm set for Bosch, with FSA Mega Ring Steel, 38t |
| Shifters | microSHIFT Advent X Pro |
| Cassette | microSHIFT Advent X H-Series 10-speed, 11-48t |
| Chain | TAYA 10-speed |
| Brakes | Tektro 4-piston M745, Tektro 6-bolt 180 mm |
Wheels
| Rims | WTB i35 27.5 HTZ, 36h |
| Spokes | Stainless 14g |
| Front Hub | Novatec thru-axle, 36h, 15 x 110mm |
| Rear Hub | Novatec HG spline cassette hub, sealed bearing, thru-axle, 36h, 12 x 148 mm |
| Tires | Surly ExtraTerrestrial 27.5 x 2.5″, Tubeless Ready, 60tpi |
Electric Components
| Motor | Bosch Performance Cargo Drive Unit (20 mph) |
| Battery | 500 Wh |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click View | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Materials | Groupset |
| Tem GSD S10 | Click View | F: Schwalbe Big Ben Plus, 55-406, R: Tern x Schwalbe Super Moto-X | 1×10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Yuba Spicy Curry V3 | Click View | Schwalbe Super Moto X | 1×10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Bunch Bikes The K9 3.0 | Click View | CST C-1635 | 1×7 | Steel | Shimano Tourney |
| Yuba Mundo Cargo | Click View | Schwalbe Big Ben Plus, 26 x 2.15 | 1×10 | Steel | Shimano Deore |
Surly Skid Loader vs Tem GSD S10
The Tem GSD S10 features an aluminum frame, which makes it lighter in weight. On the other hand, the Surly Skid Loader has a steel frame, which adds more weight and may consume more battery power.
The Tem GSD S10 is equipped with a Bosch 85Nm mid-drive motor, while the Surly Skid Loader comes with a Bosch 63Nm mid-drive motor. With its 85Nm torque, the Tem GSD S10 can carry more cargo.
Additionally, the Tem GSD S10 has a battery capacity of 400Wh, which is smaller than the 500Wh battery of the Surly Skid Loader. In terms of range, the Surly Skid Loader has a slight advantage.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a bike with a stronger range, I would recommend the Surly Skid Loader. If you want to carry more cargo, the Tem GSD S10 would be a better choice for you.
Surly Skid Loader vs Yuba Spicy Curry V3
The Yuba Spicy Curry V3 comes in two wheel sizes: 26″ and 20″, while the Surly Skid Loader has only one size of 650b wheels. The larger wheels provide better traction and handling, while the smaller wheels offer more maneuverability. Therefore, the Yuba Spicy Curry V3 provides riders with more options.
The Surly Skid Loader features a dropper seatpost, which allows riders to adjust the seat height while standing up for acceleration, preventing leg contact with the seat. So, if you’re looking for more size options for the wheel, the Yuba Spicy Curry V3 is perfect for you. If you desire a dropper seatpost, the Surly Skid Loader would be the ideal choice.
Surly Skid Loader vs Bunch Bikes The K9 3.0
The Bunch Bikes The K9 3.0 is equipped with a 500W 45Nm hub-drive motor, while the Surly Skid Loader features a Bosch 250W 63Nm mid-drive motor. Although the Bunch Bikes The K9 3.0 has a higher motor power, its torque is smaller, which means it can carry less weight.
Furthermore, the Surly Skid Loader with its mid-drive motor offers greater stability, higher performance, and better maneuverability. The Bunch Bikes The K9 3.0, on the other hand, uses a hub-drive motor. This type of motor is less complex and more suitable for commuting applications.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a more stable motor, I would recommend the Surly Skid Loader. If you want a high-power, simple motor, the Bunch Bikes The K9 3.0 would be the ideal choice for you.
Surly Skid Loader vs Yuba Mundo Cargo
The Yuba Mundo Cargo is equipped with a Shimano 250W 70Nm mid-drive motor, while the Surly Skid Loader features a Bosch 250W 63Nm mid-drive motor. The Yuba Mundo Cargo has a larger torque, allowing it to carry more weight. It also has a battery capacity of 504Wh, providing a stronger range.
The Yuba Mundo Cargo has a head tube angle of 71°, compared to the Surly Skid Loader’s 69° head tube angle, making the Yuba Mundo Cargo more maneuverable.
So, if you’re looking for a more agile bike and want to carry more weight, the Yuba Mundo Cargo is a great choice. If you prefer a stable ride, the Surly Skid Loader would be a better option.
Summary
That concludes our complete review of the Surly Skid Loader. This exceptional steel-framed, multi-purpose electric bike is capable of carrying a lot of cargo.
Based on our analysis, we give it a high rating of 4.8. If you want to learn more about bikes, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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