SURLY WEDNESDAY Review
- Price: $1849
- Frame: Steel
- Tires: Surly Nate 26 x 3.8˝
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: It can accommodate 26 x 4.6-inch tires, perfect for riding on softer terrain.
What we don’t like about it: External cable routing, not very neat and convenient for maintenance.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The SURLY WEDNESDAY is a versatile fat-tire off-road bicycle that can tackle any challenge you want to take on. Its exceptional performance allows you to conquer any terrain, and its rich components make every day full of enthusiasm. Anyone who rides this bike will fall in love with the SURLY WEDNESDAY.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, main features, components, specifications, and other versions of the SURLY WEDNESDAY. In the latter part of this article, we’ve also selected a few bicycles for comparison. If you want to learn more about bicycle reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
I booked a flight and reserved a hotel through IHG to test the SURLY WEDNESDAY on the edge of the American West desert. Here, in the scorching desert, I set off on the SURLY WEDNESDAY. This bike is made for off-roading, equipped with robust fat tires and powerful components, allowing me to easily conquer various terrains in the desert.
As I pedaled, I felt the strong grip of the rigid fat tires, and the bike moved steadily over the desert terrain. Desert roads can be quite complex, but the SURLY WEDNESDAY’s Surly Nate 26 x 3.8″ tires and solid 100% Surly 4130 Chromoly steel frame design allowed me to handle them effortlessly, without any hesitation. With every pedal stroke, whether climbing or descending, I could confidently control the bike’s rhythm, blending speed and excitement across the vast desert.
In the vast desert, I encountered dune terrain. The wide footprint of the rigid fat tires made it easy for me to conquer the dunes. The bike’s versatile gears allowed me to easily adapt to different gear ratios while climbing and descending. I smoothly crossed every dune, enjoying the thrill of off-road cycling.
Off-Roading in the Desert
As I ventured further off-road, I entered a dense desert vegetation area. The excellent handling of the rigid fat tires allowed me to navigate twists and turns in narrow paths. Gripping the handlebars tightly, I adjusted my weight dynamically with the bike, weaving through the desert jungle with stability, and experiencing the tranquility and wildness of nature.
In off-road cycling, brakes are essential for safety. The SURLY WEDNESDAY bike is equipped with the SRAM Avid BB5 Mechanical brake system, allowing me to stop quickly in critical moments, maintaining stability and control. The responsive brakes enabled me to handle various unexpected situations in the desert, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of my off-road ride.
Throughout the entire process of off-road cycling in the desert, every component of the SURLY WEDNESDAY played a crucial role. The outstanding grip of the fat tires, the flexible gears, the reliable brake system, and the sturdy frame design. Together, they constitute a powerful off-road bicycle that allows me to explore the desert’s challenges freely.
Finally, I completed this exhilarating desert off-road journey. The SURLY WEDNESDAY left a deep impression on me. I rode freely in the desert, and that’s the confidence that the SURLY WEDNESDAY brought to me.
Specifications
The SURLY WEDNESDAY is an exceptional rigid fat-tire bicycle with a robust 100% Surly 4130 Chromoly steel frame and a Tapered straight blade 4130 Chromoly fork. The steel frame and fork offer excellent shock absorption, rigidity, and exceptional durability. It features an SRAM SX Eagle rear derailleur and a 1×12 drivetrain that delivers silky-smooth performance and impressive power. Additionally, this bike is equipped with SRAM Avid BB5 Mechanical brakes. While the braking performance may not match hydraulic disc brakes, they are extremely convenient for maintenance and repairs.
This bicycle comes with Surly Nate 26 x 3.8˝ tires featuring a multi-section tread pattern. The tread pattern is circular and supple. The tall and widely spaced knobs have sipe cuts, providing enhanced grip and compliance. The wider knob spacing translates to superior traction.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Capability to accommodate 26 x 4.6-inch tires for riding on softer terrain.
- Categorized under Specialized’s off-road category while still offering various rich features.
- Numerous attachment points for carrying plenty of water bottles or other items.
- Equipped with a complete set of useful braze-ons, including front and rear racks, multiple three-pack mounts, and fender mounts.
What don’t we like about it?
- External cable routing, is not very neat, and not the most maintenance-friendly.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs approximately 35 lbs.
- Can this bike be fitted with a different fork?
It can be fitted with a different fork, such as a 483mm rigid fork with a tapered steerer.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
Please note that these sizes are general guidelines, and the right size may vary from person to person. The best way to find your perfect size 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 |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Surly Wednesday, 100% Surly 4130 Chromoly Steel. 100% Surly Chromoly Steel, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded, E.D. coatedTire Clearance: 4.6″Color: Shangri-La Green |
| Fork | Surly Wednesday, Tapered straight blade 4130 Chromoly. 468mm axle to crown, 47mm offset. 51mm I. S. front standard disc mount, 150mm x 15mm thru-axle dropouts (axle included, 100mm suspension fork compatible). S. front standard disc mount, 150mm x 15mm thru-axle dropouts (axle included), 100mm suspension fork compatible |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB |
| Headset | Cane Creek |
| Stem | Kalloy 31.8 |
| Handlebar | OE 31.8mm |
| Saddle | WTB Volt |
| Seatpost | Kalloy 30.9 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Front Derailleur | n/a |
| Crank | SRAM NX Eagle DUB |
| Shifters | SRAM SX Eagle 12-spd |
| Cassette | SRAM Eagle 11-50t |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle 12-spd |
| Brakes | SRAM Avid BB5 Mechanical, 160mm rotors front & rear |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Avid FR-5 |
Wheels
| Rims | Surly My Other Brother Darryl |
| Front Hub | Novatec 15 x 150mm, 32h, 6-bolt |
| Rear Hub | Novatec 12 x 177mm, 32h, 6-bolt |
| Tires | Surly Nate 26 x 3.8˝, 60tpi, tubeless ready |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Trek Farley 5 | Click View | Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue 27.5×4.50” | 1 x 10 | Aluminum | MicroSHIFT Advent X, FSA |
| Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 | Click View | 45NRTH Dillinger 5, 26 x 4.6″ | 1 x 11 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 20 | Click View | Terrene Cake Eater Fast Rolling Tubeless Studdable 26 x 4.6 | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore, Race Face |
| Giant Yukon 2 | Click View | Maxxis Colossus 27.5×4.5 | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
SURLY WEDNESDAY vs. Trek Farley 5
The Trek Farley 5 features an aluminum frame and a carbon fork, while the SURLY WEDNESDAY comes with a steel frame and steel fork. Aluminum frames are cost-effective, and easy to maintain and repair. However, they tend to have vulnerable weld points that can break easily. On the other hand, steel frames and forks offer high rigidity and excellent shock absorption but are prone to rust and less maintenance-friendly. Carbon forks are lightweight and rigid but can be susceptible to breaking upon impact with sharp objects.
The Trek Farley 5 is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, whereas the SURLY WEDNESDAY has mechanical disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent braking performance but come with added weight and are less maintenance-friendly. Mechanical disc brakes are lighter, easy to maintain, and repair but provide somewhat average braking performance.
Learn More: Is Trek Farley 5 Worth Buying? [Trek Farley 5 Review]
SURLY WEDNESDAY vs. Salsa Mukluk Deore 11
The SURLY WEDNESDAY is equipped with a 1×12 drivetrain, while the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 features a 1×11 drivetrain. The 1×12 drivetrain offers a wider range of gearing and smoother shifting. However, the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 comes with hydraulic disc brakes, which provide excellent braking performance compared to the mechanical disc brakes of the SURLY WEDNESDAY. Still, hydraulic disc brakes can be less convenient for maintenance and repairs.
The Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 has an aluminum frame, which is cost-effective, easy to repair, and relatively sturdy. However, it may have less robust weld points. On the other hand, the SURLY WEDNESDAY features a steel frame, offering excellent shock absorption and more robust construction but is prone to rust.
Learn More: Is Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 A Good Bike? [Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 Review]
SURLY WEDNESDAY vs. Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 20
Both of these bicycles have the same price, priced at $1849. However, the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 20 features an aluminum frame, aluminum fork, and aluminum wheels, whereas the SURLY WEDNESDAY has a steel frame, steel fork, and aluminum wheels. Aluminum is lightweight and robust but not as durable as steel. However, aluminum is easier to maintain, while steel is prone to rust.
Additionally, the SURLY WEDNESDAY has a 1.32 stack/reach ratio, while the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 20 has a 1.3 stack/reach ratio. A larger stack/reach ratio allows the rider to stay upright, keep their head up, and breathe better during long rides. Moreover, the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 20 has a smaller head tube angle. A smaller head tube angle provides a smoother ride for the cyclist.
Learn More: Is Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 A Perfect Selection? – [Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 Review]
SURLY WEDNESDAY vs. Giant Yukon 2
The Giant Yukon 2 features 27.5″ wheels, while the SURLY WEDNESDAY has 26″ wheels. Larger wheels offer better off-road capability, while smaller wheels still provide good performance. Additionally, the Giant Yukon 2 comes with an aluminum frame and a carbon fork, whereas the SURLY WEDNESDAY has a steel frame and fork. Aluminum frames are lightweight but can have vulnerable weld points. Carbon forks are lightweight and robust but may be prone to breakage from side impacts. Steel offers excellent shock absorption but can rust.
Furthermore, the Giant Yukon 2 has a 1.52 stack/reach ratio, while the SURLY WEDNESDAY’s ratio of stack to reach is 1.32. A larger stack/reach ratio provides better riding comfort, making the ride easier. The smaller head tube angle on the Giant Yukon 2 also contributes to a smoother ride.
Learn More: Is Giant Yukon 2 Worth Buying? [Giant Yukon 2 Review]
Summary
This is our review of the SURLY WEDNESDAY. It’s an excellent rigid fat-tire bike that provides strong support on very soft terrain. Based on our assessment, we’ve awarded it a high rating of 4.7. If you’d like to explore more bicycle information, please check out our other reviews.
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