Brake Compatibility: International Standard disk or Cantilever rim-type
Braze-ons: Removable cantilever bosses, dual water-bottle mounts, Down tube shift cable routing, tube guides for hydraulic hose or solid housing, ICGS Chainguide mount.
Fork Compatibility: Geometry is designed around a 100 or 130mm suspension fork. Using shorter or longer forks will compromise intended ride characteristics, i.e. less BB clearance, faster or slower handling, etc.
Submitted by
bujiatang
a Downhiller
from Minneapolis Date Reviewed: July 18, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
A solid frame that doesn't squirm bouncing down a mountain. The frame is so crisp, when a friend asked if I would join him on the trail of tears triathlon I thought about putting slicks on this bike and riding it.
Weaknesses:
no braze ons for a rear rack
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Kai tai (front suspension), Schwinn Hurricane (no suspension), Miata 2700 Elevation, Peugeot Uo8
Bike Setup:
Instigator straight fork, 2.3 Nokian Gazzalodi core front, 2.3 Specialized rear, rear rack (attached with insulated conduit brackets), Shimano xt deraillures, Phil wood 40 hole front hub (threaded for drum brake), Shimano deore rear hub, avid rim brakes, Brooks B17 saddle.
Bottom Line:
This bike has a solid frame that handles excellently on mountains in Montana. I bought this bike at the beginning of the summer for a trip out to see the inlaws near Butte. We camped at 8700 feet and rode to and from 9700. The bike handled better than any other bike I have ever ridden.
I'm saving for a phil wood rear hub, so I can put a disc brake in the back and a drum brake in the front for those long descents by Devils Tower on 85.
I ride this bike everywhere, some one looking for a solid bike that will not flinch need look no further. It handles bouncing down a mountain nimbly and yet can still keep up with friends on their road bikes riding around the city.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
surlychad
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
Bonney Lake Bike Sho
Strengths:
Great geometry. Chromoly!
Weaknesses:
None!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Big Hit Expert, Rocky Mountain RMX, Ellsworth ID
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi 55, Saint wheels and brakes, Saint Rear deraileur, xt front deraileur, SLX Crankset, King Headset, Thompson post, Selle Anatomica seat
Bottom Line:
To start things off I have not ridden on a hardtail in over 7 years. I have been into freeride and downhill riding. That being said, I've taken this bike out and WOW! Amazing! I rode a local trail and it didn't occur to me that I was even on a hard tail most of the time. I hit everything I did on my full suspension frames and felt maybe even more in control. It was a blast. I can say that I have found the reason that I started mountain biking 15 years ago once again. It is a bit heavier than a regular cross country rig but way lighter than my freeride and downhill rigs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jgmcclain@gmail.com
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrisburg, PA Date Reviewed: March 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Upper CO$K Gobbler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Replacement
Strengths:
Beefy, Strong, Dependable
Weaknesses:
On the heavy side.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher 04 Marlin, Raleigh M80
Bike Setup:
XTR or better all around, BB5/BB7
Bottom Line:
I'm a Clydesdale + rider, after killing two Gary Fisher Frames, both with identical BB frame breaks I was looking for something with a bit more "beef" to it.
The LBS worked out a deal where I could replace my broken replacement frame for the Instigator + a bit of cash for my troubles.
I think Surly puts it best on there product description.
"If you ride big or are simply a big rider and break just about every thing you throw a leg over you’ll appreciate this level of stoutness."
As for the bike being heavy, oh yea, its a truck. But lets face it, if I want to cut five pounds from my bike, I will step away from the donuts and ride my heavy bike more often.
I primary use it for daily commuting, it takes my weight (substantial), full work clothes, and 17" laptop with out any complaints. Th LBS and I even worked out a rear rack for it, being that is the only brase-ons it does not have.
On the weekends striped down, its a hole new creature. It makes curbs, hops and other urban interference a piece of cake.
My only regret it killing two Fishers before getting to this. If you have never ridden steal before, try it out. There is something to be said about the flex, it just feels solid under you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, VA, USA Date Reviewed: May 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Varies
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Burly, stiff, that beautiful steel feel. Nice handling with the fork set to 120mm.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy I guess, I don't really care about that though.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale CAAD 3 MTB.
Bike Setup:
Bomber AM SL1, DT rims and hubs, King NoThreadset, Thomson post and stem, Race Face Diabolus bar, 203mm Juicy 7's, LX elswwhere, Chunder Control 2.2 tires.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is very stable and I have to say, quite confidence inspiring. It kind of guilt trips you into trying things that used to be too gnarly for you. It drags a bit up hill, but I think that that has more to do with me than the bike. In all seriousness, the climbing isn't bad as the big tires give you great traction. It is just more a deliberate process than on some other bikes. Coming back down it is super stable and easy to control.
I love this bike. My concept for it was to build the sort of bike that made me love bikes as a kid - uncomplicated and easy to ride, with the versatility to do urban stuff or take to a ski resort. If you want to go have fun in the woods on a nice steel bike that you can batter, this is it. If you get more of a rush climbing than descending, it isn't perhaps quite the right tool.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HELLBELLY
a Weekend Warrior
from Norfolk, Virginia US of A Date Reviewed: December 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Black Mountain/Cove Creek/Freedom Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Outback Bikes
Strengths:
Same as I said in my review at the one year mark (see below). I have had this bike now for over four years and it still rocks. It is no longer my main rig, but I rebuilt it as a spare bike for friends to ride. However, it is just so much fun I may not let them ride it! It is still a trail destroyer in that its handling is just so spot-on. Steel is real and this beast is super smooth and feels like a full suspension bike going over the rough stuff. It has taken some serious beatings always coming back without so much as a squeak. I said previously that it does not look like anything else out there, but now there are few 29'ers whose frame shape is similar. That said, you could likely run a big front wheel on the 'gator w/o too many geometry issues if yr into that kinda stuff. I will stick with it's bomber 26" wheel manners.
Weaknesses:
I never liked the hydraulic line guides, but was able to modify them to behave like zip guides now. Mine is an '03 and the later models went to this design. Otherwise, no complaints.
Similar Products Used:
SC Heckler & Bullit, Ellsworth (Joke)r, Kona Chute, Spot
Bike Setup:
Medium Black Instigator, '05 Pike U-turn, Mavic XM 321 wheels, Hayes brakes, Descender Post, LX Cranks, 1X9 SRAM X9 drivetrain, Kenda Nevegals, Thomson Stem, Raceface Diabolus bars and BB.
Bottom Line:
All of my earlier statements hold true. Although I now primarily ride an SC Heckler, I cannot deny just how killer a bike the Surly has been and continues to be. I took it for a big ride yesterday and just had a blast! The ballet-dancing pit-bull rocks on. Great value and a great ride!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
edge
a
from northeast Date Reviewed: November 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
holychute
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
esmash
Strengths:
Geo is great for a 6 inch singlecrown fork
Weaknesses:
None. It's perfect
Similar Products Used:
88 giant at740
Bike Setup:
Burlylight with z150, saints, thomson, raceface, e13, Hadleys, Hayes carbon, nuff
Bottom Line:
It's been years since I've been on a hardtail. I had no idea what I'd been missing until riding this thing. It rockets up hills when you slam the fork down to 3 inches. Then it, flies down hill when you bump it back up to 6. It's so lively under power. Just a great design. Don't buy what the surly site says about the fork length. This thing was made for a 6inch fork if you freeride. Trust me, it rocks. http://www.bustedspoke.com/Photos/bs8788.jpg
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CallMeClyde
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: March 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Wherever you go, there you are
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Aarons Bike Repair
Strengths:
It's burly, black, and surly.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:
'00 Kona Blast, '02 K2 Launch, various old school rigid mtbs
Bike Setup:
Currently has '05 Minute 3 fork, FSA Pig DH Pro headset, Thomson post, Ritchie Pro stem, LX cranks and ders, XT/DT/Rhyno Lite wheels, Avid mech disks.
Bottom Line:
I wanted to build a bike for a little bit of everything from trails to banging around the city to hitting the beach for coffee on the weekend. With some decent components and big fat tires, this thing looks brutal and rides super smooth. It ain't winning any races but it gets there every time and gets positive comments wherever I go. I'm a big guy and have broken a lot of stuff over the years. If I break anything on this bike, it certainly isn't going to be the frame. I could have bought a lighter frame, but I doubt I could have found a sturdier frame for the money. If you don't have big bucks but want to put together a sturdy hard-tail with a bit of attitude, this thing rocks. If you're a spandex-clad cross-country racing weight weenie, keep looking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wil
a
from charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: September 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
urbano
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
500
Strengths:
This is the first bike that i have had a problem with not being able to break. Huck anything with the confidance of steel under you. The frame design is super strong and cheap. You can put 3 inch tires on the back. Plus, it looks mean as hell in black. If you plan on riding xc i would put a long stem on it but if not go super short for the ultimate urban experiance. Over all it is the best bike i have ever ridden. light wieght cross countryers may beat me up hills but look out behind on the downhill. It can do just as much as a full suspension downhill bike but can be pedaled uphill with out having a stroke.
Weaknesses:
huh?
Similar Products Used:
Kona stinky D, Santa cruz bullit, speacialized P3
Bike Setup:
Mar. drop off Z1 , chris king headset, michelin DH comp tires, sram x9, e-thirteen bashguard in place of big chain ring. Sun rhino lite rims, shimano xt hubs and hayes hydraulic discs.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. Why have a 45 pound urban assualt machine when you can have an instigator? riddle me that. If you want a great bike that can do anything and are on budget get an instigator. If you want a great bike that can do anything and aren't on a budget get two.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brandon fults NOT
a Cross Country Rider
from bend oregon USA Date Reviewed: October 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
downtown urban
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
super burly. best hardtail for the price. light for a steel frame. junk protector bar. Looks rad.
Weaknesses:
Absolutly none!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2003 surly instigater, race face cranks, avid brakes....Urban machine
Bottom Line:
STEEL IS REAL!!!!!!!!!!! it is different then the konas that everyone has. I have not had a single problem with it. get a surly If you are an urban rider and you are not bill gates. URBAN MACHINE....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Mokena, IL Date Reviewed: September 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Palos Forest Preserve
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
EP
Strengths:
Price, obviously, though this bike has a solid reliable feel to it that I'm yet to find on another.
Weaknesses:
Bottom Bracket shell was paint gunked and the stickers come off rather easily. Vanity stuff, really.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F400 (not really that similar, but...)
Bike Setup:
RockShox Psylo Race Fork, Deore cranks/brakes/levers/shifters, etc. Rhynolite/Deore wheels, Michelin DH Comp 24.1 26x2.5 tires, Kalloy post/SI Flite saddle (for those who care), Cane Creek S-2 Headset, Salsa stem, Surly/Nitto 1x1 Handlebars, Crank Brothers Candy SL Pedals.
Bottom Line:
Updating my previous review, I've upgraded to the soon-to-be-deceased Psylo. Riding it as completely rigid was beastly at times, but the bike went exactly where you wanted on drops and steep turns. The suspension fork lets me do some more things. I can't really describe the feel on this bike (I have plenty of them, too), but this is by far my fave. It's not light (I built it up at 33.5 lbs), but I can still climb on it easily. And the Surly folk are accessible, which always helps. My ratings may be high, but I reach for this bike every time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom L
a Cross Country Rider
from Guisborough, UK Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Home
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bike Scene
Strengths:
Do it all bike that encourages you to be a hooligan. Strength. The first bike to really fit me properly for quite a few years.
Weaknesses:
Price in the UK. Seat tube required reaming. Rear hanger out of alignment. Weight if that sort of thing worries you.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth ID On One Inbred Dialled Bikes Kobe Ti Rocky Mountain Edge
Bike Setup:
02 Shiver SCs M4 Discs Strong build to about 32-34lbs depending on tyres used.
Bottom Line:
The best bike I have ever ridden or owned. It climbs everything, albeit a bit sluggish at times due to the weight but gets there if you plug away. Flys downhill and motors over ever bump, tree root or rock. Predicatable in the air, jumping or dropping. Stable on steep chutes. I'd mark it down for the minor delivery faults noted above but I'm not going to as I love it so much. I may even buy the smaller version in the new yellow sometime as a jump/street bike or to just hang on the wall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deacon
a
from Saint Paul, MN, USA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
wherever I end up
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
QBP openhouse (scratch and dent)
Strengths:
THis frame is sick. The gussets and rear dropouts make this bike a beast. It replaced my Bianchi which weighed pretty much the same, so the weight is not an issue. Great tire clearance, and fits me Perfect
Weaknesses:
A little overspray, but thats the price I pay for this affordable frame
Similar Products Used:
Bianchi
Bike Setup:
16" frame, 1x1 (old) rearhub sun CR-18 3x,Paul Melvin, STX-RC crank, Psylo fork (soon to buy rigid instigator for winter), bontrager stem, ritchey lite bars, old LX front hub Sun CR-18 2x, with other bits here and there...
Bottom Line:
I have this bike setup as a single, and it performs great. I could have gotten a single specific frame, but I found this frame for real cheap and needed a frame that would fit me better than my last one. I've only been riding it for a little bit but this bike is by far my most favorite off road ride. If you cant find or afford anything else definitlely pick this up
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HELLBELLY
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Georgia US of A Date Reviewed: February 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mountain Town Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Outback Bikes L5P
Strengths:
There are tons of strengths possessed by the Instigator. Its geometry is spot-on making it a very nimble bike for its girth. It has plenty'o'standover for yr naughty bits. It has held up to all the silliness I have thrown at it. What else? Great tire clearance, smooth steel ride, wheelies like no tomorrow, it is black, and does not look like anything else out there. Scares small children. Plus, the Surly guys are are great and hilarious too.
Weaknesses:
I did not really dig the cable routing, especially the closed tube rear brake mounts. Supposedly Surly dumped these on the newer models in favor of zip-tie guides. Its heavy, but to me that means stability since I am heavy too.
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, Azonic DS1, Spot, Kona Chute, Heckler, Joker
Bike Setup:
'03 Z1 FR QR20+, XT/XTR drivetrain, Raceface NS cranks, Signature bb, post, & Air alloy bars, Hayes hydros 8/6", D321's /36h /Atomlab hubs/ Tioga meats, AC stem, Rogue Lock-on grips, Titec El Norte seat, 646 pedals, King headset.
Bottom Line:
I know that this will sound cliched, but after putting this bike together I stopped riding my other ones. I had a monster truck of a Bullit which I recently sold. I came to realize that I could do pretty much anything I did on the Bullit, but I could also do more aerobic XC-oriented rides without coughing up a lung. Keep in mind that my Bullit was built up w/ a Monster T and weighed in close to 46 lbs! Riding the Instigator has helped rebuild my fitness. However, the best thing about it is that its a blast to ride. Whether taking phat hucks or cruisin to the java hut, it is just big fun. Ironically, it is the least expensive frame I have purchased in years and I like it better than any of the others. No bling needed. If you are looking for a do-it-all basher of a bike that handles like a pit-bull with ballet lessons look no further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordon McGriff
a Weekend Warrior
from Boone, NC Date Reviewed: January 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Hnadles beautifully.
Weaknesses:
None that I can find...it's supposed to be heavy
Bike Setup:
Dirt Jumper I, 8" discs, Hussefelt 2 ring/bashguard crankset
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike. Mine comes in at about 35 pounds and it is bomber! It doesn't pedal like a 35 pound bike though and is incredible going down hill and in the air. This is my first non-XC bike and I love it. I do everything with it and plan to race it in a local down hill this fall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: December 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bell Isle
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Rowletts
Strengths:
Great priced frame, steel, looks very unique, and strong as they come.
Weaknesses:
Frame prep....bb had overspray. Thats the only problem I have found.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pulse, Giant Sedona
Bike Setup:
xt all around...truvativ hussefelt cranks, rock shox fork, thompson 70mm stem, thompson seatpost, avid mechanicals mavic 317 rims.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. Its the first freeride style bike I have owned and I think its bombproof. Im a large rider and need a nice strong steel frame, the instigator fits the bill perfectly. From looks to performance this bike is exactly what I wanted. Go right now and get yourself one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Doylestown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Middle Run, Delaware
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Guy's Bicycles
Strengths:
Builds up nice. Rides with authority. Can do dirt jumping with it no problem. Had my bike weigh in at just over 30 lbs, not bad considering what it's capable of.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailieur cable routing under chainstay causes the cable to come very close to rear tire. Had to use a zip-tie capturing the cable against the chain-stay to keep it from touching the tire. It's a little stiff for a steel bike, not the best riding steel bike I've ever ridden, but better than aluminum.
Similar Products Used:
Voodoo
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z1 FR SL Fork, Chris King Headset, DeeMax wheels, all XT (shifting, derailieurs, crank, cassette, BB), Easton scandium DH bar, FSA 90mm stem, Lizard Skins Lock-on grips, Avid Mech brakes, Hutchinson UST Octopus tires.
Bottom Line:
No complaints yet, I love the bike. I'll probably be using it for dual slalom and downhill, it's a bit slow for XC. More on the XC, you feel the bumps a bit unless you deflate the rear tire a bit. When the seat is at the proper height, you feel really high up. It's not a bad thing, it actually feels interesting. I'll probably not be using it for that type of riding though, I have a Trek Fuel for that. It feels great on the jumps. Probably a way better ride quality than aluminnum.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kristian
a Downhiller
from allentown, pa Date Reviewed: August 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
why does it matter
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
a place
Strengths:
cheap, strong, cheap, ugly, cheap, big enuff for a 6'6"person cheap, disc tabs, cheap, icg thingy, cheap
Weaknesses:
heavy, rear not boxed, a little washy at speed/load
Similar Products Used:
none, what is similar, think i want a goat bike but there too small
Bike Setup:
454 cranks, xt 9 spd rear, evil chain retension, discs, lots of azonic, fsa, rims tires and some assorted bodily fluids
Bottom Line:
if tou are too big for a bmx cross over type bike or poor, go for it clibs poorly, whatever, run up hill little heavy, so what orange, big deal steel, yeah i said steel, no not steal it, steel,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Mokena, IL Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Inexpensive, strong as hell, and you can beat militant Maoists or day-traders with it if need be (heavy as all get out).
Weaknesses:
Paint is a bit weak, but can't complain considering the price-tag. Was building it up at home, but had to take it to a shop to get the BB faced... paint all over it. Blah. Minor, though. It's heavy, too... a weakness for some, but I like it that way.
Similar Products Used:
I really don't think there's anything like it.
Bike Setup:
Surly Instigator Fork (yee gods... they think I'm nuts for no suspension... mwa ha ha) Cane Creek S2 headset, Salsa S.U.L. stem, Surly/Nitto 1X1 Torsion Bar, Bunch of Deore stuff 'cept an XT BB, Sun/RhynoLite Rims, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 tires, Wellgo LU-953 BMX pedals, and a Selle Italia Flite XP Buttrest.
Bottom Line:
Can be a beast uphill if you're on anything but trail, though I haven't had the wheelie problems. Nothing but compliments from anyone that's seen it/ridden it. Downhill with that much momentum is frightening. And if you need, something the Surly gang is pretty cool. It doesn't really have it's own category... Surly admits that, so it's not for a specific purpose. But it's cheap enough... build it up and see what it can do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonas sterling
a Weekend Warrior
from central pa usa Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
j
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
private seller/internet
Strengths:
Strong frame, able to take 5" forks without messing up geometry, handles like a Surly, cheap,
Weaknesses:
Heavy, rar brake routing, lots of overspray on bb and heattube, long.
Bike Setup:
2002 Marz MXR, Control Tech 80mm DH stem, Azonic risers, 2.3 tires, Avid V's and levers, XC pro thumbies, Ols school sachs rear derailuer, XT crank and ft der, other stuff
Bottom Line:
Handles alot like my 1x1, which is a good thing. After riding this thing off-road, urban, and a few other places I see it is really an overbuilt trail bike, which is cool. It is a bit long in the top tube and rear end to work well for street and dj, and the head angle is a bit steep for real DH stuff. But it works well if you want one bike to work almost anywhere. I'm thinking about throwing a 24" rear wheel on the back and a dual crown fork and seeing how it does for DH, I figure that will slacken things up a bit. I really have no complaints, but I should have found something a bit more BMXish. If you are looking for a strong frame that can take you anywhere, buy away. If you are looking for a skatepark, urban or DH hardtail, I would look elsewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a
from Walpole, MA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bow Ridge or Rye Airfield
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
NBD
Strengths:
Everything, its the balls
Weaknesses:
whats that?
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
14" BLACK frame, DJ3, Mammoth rims, PX cockpit, Avid, blah
Bottom Line:
This frame is the balls. I broke the first one on a weld, but the new generation ones have a gusset on the non drive side chainstay to seat stay neer the dropout. This frame rules. Its strong, its heavy, its awesome. Now available in black for those of you who dont like orange.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom g.
a
from doylestown p.a. Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
high rocks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$229.00
Purchased At:
quality
Strengths:
gussets, chain guide mounts, rear drop outs
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
none im origanially a bmxer
Bike Setup:
marzocchi dj1, king head set, race face diablos stem, easton ea70 bars, lock on grips, hayes brakes, profile cranks, mrp guide, sun double wide rim in rear, tiagoa tires
Bottom Line:
hot bike !!!!!!!!!! like i said i used to be a bmxer but now i huck! its great i love it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ken bennett
a Downhiller
from Peoria,AZ USA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003
The stickers aren't that durable but that makes it easier to take them off if you don't like them.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz chameleon, Cheetah DS
Bike Setup:
QR20 Z1,Avid mech. discs, 24" rear with 2.75 Arrow, Technique cranks, Maxxis mobster up front, 2 rings and a bash guard with custom chainguide.
Bottom Line:
This bike will change how view hardtails. I've done most of the jumps and drops that I do on my DH rig plus I've climbed the same technical trails I normally ride with my Bullit. The weight isn't an issue for me since I'm used to climbing with a 44lb bike anyway (this is approx 38lbs). The bike really handles better than ever imagined a hardtail could,I'm not holding back much on the downhills. As for the couple of broken frames on here, ANYTHING can be broken if you try hard enough. If you check the trials bikes you'll see that only the top pros can get away with trialsin with a rear disc. It puts too much stress on the dropouts unless you're very smooth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
craig henson
a Cross Country Rider
from the colony,tx usa Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
ae bike internet shop
Strengths:
ride is execellent, very stiff and will have you trying things you wouldn't have before
Weaknesses:
stickers started peeling while i was building bike on the stand, paint quality is horrible and while other reviewers dont seem to have a probelm with that cromoly is alot more prone to rust than aluminum so the paint needs to be touched up if you see steel when the paint chips. You can use those paint touch pens from auto parts stores. Good luck matching the color.
I love this bike, it is a little heavy but doesn't feel it. I ride the bike to work every day which is about 7 miles and the extra weight is not nearly as noticeable as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, I ride off road at least 3 times a week and that has been the strength of this frame, it's smooth and can take anything. I would reccomend this to any one looking for a longlasting, strong, and great riding frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Downhiller
from alexandria va usa Date Reviewed: February 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
contruction sites and D.C.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$229.00
Purchased At:
qbp
Strengths:
the color(if you are bold enought) indistrucable! many sizes to choose from. the head tube the rear dropouts the seatpost clamp(6mm hardware)
Weaknesses:
the sizes are center to center so you will need the buy a size smaller than you normally would the chain guide mount striped out on me(need the be carefull when mounting it)
Similar Products Used:
none as tough
Bike Setup:
boxxer race fork(the best) lx,xtr veulta excaliber DH rims(cheat an great!) azonic 454 cranks(better that profiles design) other freeride parts
Bottom Line:
this frame is heavy but it is maybe the strongest hardtail frame that you will find. it has a great ride quaity to it though. this frame rides a lot faster than you think that it will. my bike weights a click over 40 lbs. and no one that rides it bevlieves you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Waterford, CT Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Singletrack of all kinds!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
www.wayfarerbike.com
Strengths:
Extremely affordable (could almost use this as a disposable frame!) Great build for the money
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Specialized, Kona, Rocky Mountain, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
4" double crown fork up front XT components and Hydraulic disc set up.
Bottom Line:
I'm 6'4" and 315 lbs - I tend to crush most mountain bike frames. I bought this frame and use it as a XC toy. It weighs in at 31.75 lbs, but that's a 10:1 rider to bike weight ratio - mots other riders out there can't boast that one!
This bike handles incredibly and the ride quality can be attributed to the steel - this hard tail rides better in most situations than my FS bike. I have been pleasantly suprised at the value and ride quality. Even though it weighs 4 lbs more that my FS bike, I don't notice the extra weight on the ride.
This frame deserves 10 chili's!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Towson, Maryland, USA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything Cement and Vertical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$289.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
The feel of steel! CroMo is always nice. Nice welding for the money. Curved Top-Tube offers increased standover height. Can run 3.0" rear tire (fatties fit fine). Gussets. Very strong.
Weaknesses:
Color. (Only in orange) My spelling. Seatpost size. Forgetting to do daily activities you once found important (i.e. shower, go to the bathroom)
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Marlin (old school one, circa 1997), Bigwheels.
This bike is solid. I would probably not race it, but if you just want to mess some stuff up (and make the kid with a full suspension cry as you drop just as high as he does) than this could be the bike for you. You can abuse this all day long and believe me; you will definitely break before it does. I ride it with a rigid fork (support your local chiropractor) and have yet to have any complaints.
My friend rides an Ellsworth Specialist and when he threw a leg over he had one thing to say, "This bike is tight."
You should buy this frame if: You enjoy jumping off of very high things. You like to jump up on to very high things. You find it fun to embarrass people with more money than you. You want a frame that will not break.
You should not buy this frame if: You like how you currently look. You EVER have ever skipped school (you will do it alot more) You have female genitals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DAVE CUMBACK
a Weekend Warrior
from BUCKEYE, ARIZONA Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ANY TRAIL I AM AT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
SLIPPERY PIG BIKE SHOP
Strengths:
THE RIDE OF STEEL, TIRE CLEARANCE, GOOD STANDOVER CLEARANCE.
Weaknesses:
STEATPOST SIZE.
Similar Products Used:
I ALSO OWN A SURLY 1X1, AND A CROSSCHECK SINGLE SPEED.
Bike Setup:
18INCH FRAME,FOX VANILLA 125R,SALSA GORDO RIMS ON XT DISC HUBS,THOMSON STEM AND POST,DEORE SPINED CRANKS,VERTICAL PRO 2.3 TIRES,AZONIC 2.5 X 28 INCH BARS,XT V-BRAKES,EGG BEATERS OR PLATFORM PEDALS.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE IT. THE WAY I HAVE IT SET UP IT FEELS LIKE AN OVERBUILT CROSSCOUNTRY BIKE. I MAINLY RIDE DESERT SINGLE TRACK AND IT'S TOUGH CRANKING A 30+ POUND BIKE UP HILLS, BUT IT'S ALL FUN GOING BACK DOWN AND BEING IN THE ROUGH. I'M 5'10"/215LBS AND I WANTED TO BUILD A RELIABLE,STABLE BIKE. I HAVE TAKEN SMALL DROPS AND I JUMP EVERY THING I CAN FIND ON THE TRAILS AND IT'S A BLAST. STEEL IS REAL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Downhiller
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Green Mtn, John Krein
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strong, handles well, nice 'n slack w/ 5" fork
Weaknesses:
stickers/paint (who cares), had to get BB faced & tapped
Bike Setup:
Z1 wedge, Magura HS33, Mrp, XT everything
Bottom Line:
way cool for the price! It jumps well and feels very confidence inspiring on the steep and nasty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, ID Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Northwestern Mt Sports
Weaknesses:
Frame prep was pretty week. They didn't chase the b.b. threads or face the head or bb after painting. I work in a shop, so I had the tools and training to do this for myself, but it was still a pain.
Similar Products Used:
'97 Fisher Mamba (for 6 years), every Trek model for the last three years.
Bike Setup:
Sid XL fork (double crown), no front derailer, custom rear cassete, SRAM 9.0 derailer, handbuilt wheels w/ 2.6" tires, LX everything I didn't mention.
Bottom Line:
I love the frame. It works great for the kind of riding I do. It also looks awesome. I wish they had taken the time to tap and face the frame, but maybe I'm just spoiled (I sell Trek for a living and Trek does a very good job of this). Minus one chile for this problem, but its still a great frame for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Miller
a
from Nazareth, PA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Allamuchy
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Curt's Cyclery
Strengths:
sweet lookin beefed up frame
Weaknesses:
whacked seatpost and bb sizes, i had to get diff ones
Similar Products Used:
nothin like this puppy
Bike Setup:
set as a single speed with surly hubs, rhyno lits, magura hydros, marzocchi mxr, and the sweet bell!
Bottom Line:
ALL MUST GET THIS THING!! I love this bike. its set up as a single speed and i love it that way. i ve only had it for about 2 weeks and ive done evrything i used to do on my full suspension bike. This thing feels so sweet on 5 to 6 foot jumps and drops. im workin on building (and finding) some massive drops. its held up to my throwin it around so far..ill update u when the big stuff coms around..in the mean time...GET YOURSELF ONE!! and dont forget abt he sizes for the bb and seatpost
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Walpole Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Bow Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Norwood Bike Depot
Strengths:
Really strong and solid, orange is good during hunting season, ISCG mounts help if you race or are running a single chainring, graphics kick ass, cromoly is strong (i havent broken it yet).
Weaknesses:
orange is kinda weird. the bike had weird cable routing so it can really only fit a Kenda Kolossal DH 2.6. You also have to use solid brake housing which makes rim breaks a little spongy. Simply fixed with discs.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
z.1, Mammoth/XT wheels, XT parts, Planet X bars/stem/seatpost, Azonic Love seat
Bottom Line:
SO fat this bike kicks ass. The ones that said that it bent or broke must have meen a manufactures defect (and lets hope not many have that). Other that the weird cable routing its a really good frame. Take the money you saved and get some Avid mechaincal discs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
"The Canuck of Huck"
a Downhiller
from Kamloops Date Reviewed: August 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rose Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Not telling...
Strengths:
Nice steel feel
Weaknesses:
Doesn't live up to its hyped reputation Frame not as strong as everyone would make it out to be
Similar Products Used:
K2 Flying Monkey
Bike Setup:
Sherman Flick, Alex's wrapped with Maxxis rubber, XTR drivetrain
Bottom Line:
After 3 weeks of having this "pile" I finally bent the damn thing. The rear chainstays severely bent after landing on transition from a 10 ft wide jump. I wanted to really like it but it just doesn't live up to its hyped reputation. They should've went with a boxed rear end or just use larger tubing to strengthen an otherwise bulletproof frame. The color is pretty cool but the "junk saver" top tube is just plain silly, looking like you've already hit a tree. The value would be great if it could hold up as its name suggests. The only thing this frame is going to "instigate" is a trip back to the bike shop. This bike "surly" ain't going to be part of my collection again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evil 1/2
a Cross Country Rider
from Chatham, NY Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Built like the proverbial brick outhouse. Cheap. Good handling at speed, surprisingly flickable for a 30.3 lb bike. Takes big tires. Blinding orange paint--a plus in hunting areas.
Weaknesses:
Maybe a little too heavy and slack for some situations. Limited size range. Oh, and people are always asking to ride it :^}.
Similar Products Used:
Closest thing would be an Azonic DS2 outfitted for trials, but this bike is way more fun. Other bikes: Fat Chance Ti, Jamis Dakota XC, old Marin Bear Valley.
Bike Setup:
18", X-Vert, Mavic 521/XT, Avid Mechanical discs, XT group, Chris King headset, Kujo 2.3 etc.
Bottom Line:
The Surly stands in stark contrast to my other bikes, with its long-travel fork, big tires, discs, and utilitarian nature. No subtlety here. It's stiff, powerful, and rugged.
The handling of the Surly is very "freeride"-oriented--slack and floppy at low speed, but stable at a fast pace. The front end was designed for a 5"+ fork. With the 4" X-Vert, I think it would steer a little faster than normal, but since I haven't tried the bike with a bigger fork I can't be sure. I can say that the handling is stable and predictable. Point the bike downhill and the bike is immediately in its element. Technical obstacles, drops, and jumps can be handled with complete confidence. It loves big air. At 30.3 lbs, climbs aren't total misery, but the front wheel will want to float if you don't lean forward enough. Not a XC bike by any means, but lots of fun in the right conditions.
Handling: 4/5
Lots of tire and fork travel soften out the small-to-medium hits, but the Surly's rear end is stiff--you will feel the occasional whack to the bum if you don't take a smooth line. However, the bike's rock-solid stiffness, weight, and slack angles will inspire you to push the bike hard, so the ride is excellent for its intended purpose. Let 'er rip.
Ride: 5/5
Welds and paint are acceptable but nothing fancy. All criticisms vaporize, however, when the $320 MSRP is taken into account. I love the screaming orange color--it's unique and a real attention-getter. BB and head tube threads are clean, with no overspray.
Craftmanship: 4/5
The Instigator is all about fun. Riding this bike I've cleaned things that would've been impossible with my other bikes. It's tough and affordable. As such, it's the perfect Everyman's freeride/play bike. Not for the racers out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach
a Downhiller
from Seattle Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Immortal, Klein Butte, OR
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
Frame, good. Frame, strong. Frame, steel. Good strong steel. a.k.a. best good strong steel frame ever. And it doesn't cost lots, so I can still buy food.
Weaknesses:
WHAT!?!? Oh, I suppose the paint scratches, but last time I checked that doesn't matter much. C'mon folks, you paid 350 bucks for it, what do you expect. Unless you have to ability to side hop off a six-foot drop, you should be fine.
Similar Products Used:
K2 Zed X, a.k.a. Worst bike ever.
Bike Setup:
'02 Jr. T, Hayes Hydro, Rhyno Lites, LX/XT, cro-mo cranks, the rest is trivial.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is simply that this bike is extreme/hardcore/best ever. It has survived North Shore, Moab, Big drops and such, and has yet to fail me. I would say its a pretty safe way to invest, although once you get it, your personal health could very well be in jeopardy due to the sick and insane hucks you will be attempting. All flaming chilis are awarded. Or you can deduct one on a personal basis if you really enjoy the flaming orange paint job, and would hate to see it scratched.
beefy frame 4130 steel curved tob tube, junk saver, better stand over height i can still pedal it home up hills
Weaknesses:
the paint scratched a bit easy in on tiny spot but that doesn't matter
Similar Products Used:
my 2 year old specialized hardrock, hahaha what a joke of a bike
Bike Setup:
02 Psylo xc, sun ringle suv disc, avid mechanical disc brakes
Bottom Line:
this bike rips. I have enough confidence to drop a 7 foot ledge the first night i had it. It handles great on trails, and with the paint job it looks great when cruising around. If you want a strong freeride hardtail get a surly instigator
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
coggsworth
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Steeps / Urban Trials
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
Cool Orange Color, Cheap, Versatile.
Weaknesses:
Umm, Heavy, and to update you all, I BROKE MY FRAME!! oh, and what the hell with a 29.4 seatpost size? who does that anymore?
Similar Products Used:
Racey AMP B-4, Creaky old Aluminum BRC Banzai setup for Trials who unfortunately met an untimely demise at the bottom of a nasty hill with a tabletop at the bottom.
Bike Setup:
24" x3" Nokian Gazzolodi Rear, 26" Kujo front, Atomlab rims, Avid Mech Discs, XT der's / Suntour XC Pro's thumbies / LX Hollowtech cranks no big ring etc, etc
Bottom Line:
So to update my other review, one day I was trialsing around and sidehoped down a 6 foot wall. I landed pretty lightly, there was no huge catastrophe, but when I moved again, the back tire was all rubbing the chainstays because the chainstays had cracked on the welds by the dropouts on the disc brake side. I was choked, and I hate to put a damper on everybody here saying "this bike can take anything" but its true. I contacted Surly, who were really cool and figured it must have been a manufacturing defect and agreed to warranty my frame. All is good, but I'm not sure if I'm going to be sidehopping big drops when my new frame comes in... Don't ge me wrong, its a great ride, and I love how it downhills. I'd bet if I hadn't have landed sideways the frame wouldn't have cracked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff "Downhill" Dana
a
from Sedona, AZ Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Broken Arrow
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
mtbr.com
Strengths:
Hard to find a hard-tail steel frame. It is strong yet flexy as steel should be. Sails on downhill sections, nothing but confidence on big drops. Pisses off the full suspension "dudes" when you go bigger then the rest.
Weaknesses:
A bit HEAVY for a hard tail, but if you want to go big, ya'gotta' add a little weight. You'll have to build it up with primo parts to keep the overall weight down. Main complaint, it likes to wheely on climbs. Hard to keep the nose down. I've had to change my riding style a bit; however, it's hard to go over the bars. This bike can do it all. XC riding is a little compromised, but I can still pull out a 4+ hour trail ride if needed. For the versitile as the bike is, I shouldn't complain.
Similar Products Used:
I spent 6yrs on a Fischer Hoo-Koo.
Bike Setup:
5" Marzocchi Z3(Great Shock), full XT, Hayes hydro (don't cheap out!), Thompson stem and post, Sun Rhyno front and Alex (Great So Far!) rear rim, Race Face North Shore cranks, wide Easton monkey lite bar and Time pedals. This setup is a dream, wouldn't change a thing.
Bottom Line:
I was looking for the perfect do-it-all steel hard tail. This is the closest thing I've riden or seen out there. The only other bike I need is an XC. I won't miss a full suspension bike until I get old. My bike came built for DH, I made some upgrades and dropped a few pounds. A short stem is Not recomended, I'm riding a 100mm thompson stem and that has helped keep the front end down on the climbs. This bike deserves 5" of travel and hydro brakes. Save $ on the frame and spend it on great components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Spacone
a
from Chicago Illinois Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Eight Ball in Des Plaines
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Arlington Bicycle Co.
Strengths:
STRONG!!! 4130'natch Cro-Moly Hell Yeah!!
Weaknesses:
Not meant for anyone who wants anything light.
It's the real deal---> STEEL!!
Similar Products Used:
DS-2
Bike Setup:
Full XT, with Race Face Prodigy cranks, and Salsa Gordo Rims. I stayed with V-brakes for cost, so I kept my XTR's and still loving them!!! Still waiting for my new Fox Vanilla 125 RL to come in. So still using my '01 Psylo XC
Bottom Line:
This Frame is the best thing that has happened to me since I started to ride. I love the Orange, (My favorite color) and the angles on this thing are killer. The way they set up the top tube for you to have a long travel fork while having the right top tube height. It is also so inexpensive, you can't beat the value. I am so much more confident now than I have ever been. I weigh 195 and don't even think about the frame now when pulling drops. Great for anything you can throw at it.
Bottom Line---> SICK AS HELL!! You must buy it.
For this I give it ten flaming hot cakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Coggsworth
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Ummm, you have to answer people who ask if its a "custom" frame all the time. Oh, for some reason the decals scraped off when I scraped the frame against a concrete ledge during a botched move.
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar, Amp B-4, Old BRC Banzai (aluminum frame circa 92)
Bike Setup:
16" Frame, 24" rear wheel with 3" Gazzolodi's, Atomlab rims, Avid Mech. Discs, SUNTOUR 7 Speed thumbshifters! LX Crank with big ring tossed, no bashring, umm, old yellow double crown Judy XLC fork that I want to replace, but have no good reason to.
Bottom Line:
This is a bike for those people who 1) are cheap 2) like to abuse their bikes 3) only want one bike to do all their riding on. I love my Instigator, and I've trialsed it, I've downhilled with it, I've gone "mountain biking" with it. I've rode it drunk, sober, happy and sad. I bled on it. After riding a F-S bike and replacing pivots, oil and springs, then getting this one and not doing anything, I'm in heaven. It rides sweetly, although in hard corners and sideways landings, the 3" rear tire will rub against the frame, and my wheels are really non-flexy. Cable routing is cool, and I don't think this one is going to die anytime soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach Wert
a Weekend Warrior
from Providence, RI, USA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lincoln Woods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
Stedman's
Strengths:
Solid and dependable. Nice steel frame ride. If you're heavy, you want this frame to build up with solid heavy parts to last a while even under abuse. Price, it's a great second bike for playing on.
Weaknesses:
Nothing substantial. The stickers do chip easily and the paint is a little weak, but these will cease to matter after a few falls.
Great play bike. I weigh 225lbs and have yet to hear the frame complain. kudos too to the Mavics. Light and strong. The best thing about this bike is that you can climb to the top of the hill before riding down the other side (fast). It attracts a lot of attention with the downhill crowd. I've given it up for several short test rides and received nothing but compliments on the ride. Can't wait until the fork goes so I can justify putting a five inch travel setup on the front. I did find a Salsa quick release for the seat post which was one complaint on another review. Built it myself (1st one) from the ground up so its my baby compared to the other store bought bikes. You will not be dissapointed with this ride for everything from down hill to drops (did my first 5 footer the other week with no issues) and even climbing. Hats off to Surly. Plus they're cool to talk to if you have any questions. Go with a short stem and you will be hard pressed to endo over almost anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo
a Cross Country Rider
from Salem, Oregon Date Reviewed: April 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Webcyclery.com
Strengths:
It's steel, orange is cool like the General Lee, my bike doesn't mind if I'm a little heavier in the spring, it's built like a tough mo'fo. All in all, my Surly is set up for every type of riding I do from all day jaunts to drops and jumps and it works like a champ.
Weaknesses:
The frame arrived with a bent the der. hanger, it was easily fixed and ridden. Unfortunately, I bent it again a few weeks later. Since then it's been fine, the der. hanger hasn't been bent to the point where it was unrideable and it has always been easily fixable at the LBS, but I still wonder how long it will be before it's bent beyond repair.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis, GT, Rocky Mtn.
Bike Setup:
'zoke DJ1, full xt drivetrain w/bashring, MRP multi-ring chain guide, Avid mech. discs/levers, King headset, Thompson stem/seatpost, Sella Italia Karve seat (rules!), Salsa flip-off seatpost collar, Answer ProTaper bar, 'zoke frnt. hub/DT Swiss rr. hub w/ Planet X BMF rims, IRC Kujo 2.35 DH tires, so on and so forth....
Bottom Line:
I built my Surly Sept./Oct. of '01, I've been riding it as much as can since then. Originally I had some WTB 2.4 moto's on there, but they got fired in favor of the IRC's (a good choice for me). This bike is set up as a do-everything-but-xc race bike. For it's intended purpose it's great. It weighs in at a feathery 35.5 lbs. which makes it a bear on climbs, but it turns into a true-tracking missile on descents. Everything I've done on this bike made my lighter xc units wobble and cry but the Surly just drinks another beer and charges. Additionally, I'm no fatty, but I weigh 235 and as much as the Surly is heavy; so am I so we're a perfect match. I have so much confidence in this unit that I usually find myself improving my skills on a weekly basis as I am constantly trying jumps and drops that I feared just one year ago. My Surly steers accurately and is stable at speed. The ride of steel is of course as sweet as I've always known it to be, especially with a big fat DH tire in the rear. If you're on the fence about what bike to buy the value of this tough steel frame for under $400.00 is hard to beat. If you think you may want a dually but are unsure, buy the Surly, build it and ride it, if you don't like it then it should be easy to sell the frame and swap your parts over to the dually. If you're like me you'll forget about the dually all-together. I'm going to give it 5 flaming piglets even with the initial der. hanger snafu's!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Urban
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$339.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Built like a Brick Craphouse...tough as nails and nice ride quality...I set it up as slalom / freeride bike and it rules.
Weaknesses:
The finish...scratched it the first day (riding a wheelie off a 6 footer...kinda my fault) and also dropped a wrench on the sticker and it chipped...no compromise in structural integrity though.
Similar Products Used:
Old GT Backwoods set up for Slalom. Worked for a while believe it or not...
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi, Mavic 521 rear and BFR up front, XT disc hubs, Hayes, Azonic 454s, Kore stem, Generic seatpost, XT drivertrain, Primo pedals
Bottom Line:
If you like the Urban / Freeride / Big Drop first one to the emergency room wins thing then you will love this frame. I was a little sketchy at first since it was my first steel freeride but the ride quality is sweet. J-Hops, manuals, j-hops into manuals, stalls, wheelies, drops...it does it all. Buy one and forget the aluminum...it is only good for beer cans.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a
from chicago 'burbs Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all of 'em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Built like a tank! Well thought out geometry. Don't think I will EVER hurt this thing.
Weaknesses:
Finish is a bit weak, but WHO CARES! My ORANGE frame looks cool!
Built the bike for urban assualt. Is GREAT for that! I will use it on some trails too. Frame is a small, and I am 5'9". Fits like a thrash bike should. Very nice balance--I am an old fart, and this thing is a confidence builder. I can see getting myself in trouble this summer! If you want a stout hardtail for urban riding, get one with a 4-5" shock, some fat DH tires, and go have fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zac Tuthill
a Weekend Warrior
from Laramie, WY Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
All Terrain Sports
Strengths:
It is BEEFY, I weigh 280, and I have complete confidence that it can handle anything I can. Plus it has the ride qualities of steel.
Weaknesses:
It's pretty heavy, 6.6lbs for the 18". But it makes up for it by being beefy. What the hell is up with the 29.4 seat tube?
Similar Products Used:
Specialized P3
Bike Setup:
Instigator, Manitou Millenium, North shores, Mr. Dirt, XT Discs, Protaper, etc.
Bottom Line:
this frame is a tank, if you are jumping, dropping, or just fat (like me), buy this frame it will not disapoint.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bennet Gap
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Franklin St Cycles
Strengths:
Unbeatable frame, It is heavy but indestructable. The last thing you want is your frame to fail and this one won't! The bike is strong enough for big drops and big jumps yet is can be ridden cross country. This is a great all around bike for anyone who can't afford three bikes- the jumper, down hill, and cross country.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Pro Flex Beast, Mongoose Rockadile SX, Specialized M-4
Bike Setup:
5" travel Manitou tripple clamp X-Vert R, mavic 521's, race face down hill cranks, shorty azonic stem and riser bars.
Bottom Line:
great bike, simple and effective, the most fun to ride bike around, IT IS NO FUN WHEN YOUR BIKE BREAKS AND THIS ONE WON'T BREAK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JoHnNy (aka Cranked Canuk)
a Weekend Warrior
from Stonewall, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Stonewall Quarry Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$265.00
Purchased At:
Olympia Cycle And Ski
Strengths:
allaround good hunk of cro-moly steel...very solid, nice gussets, utterly bombproof, 130mm shocks can fit on, supah-fat tires can too...
Weaknesses:
16" is too big if your small like me and need some more clearance for jumping and urban assult, a bit on the heavy side...
Similar Products Used:
none whatsoever this is an original bike
Bike Setup:
i have the Instigator frame, marzocchi dirt jump 2 forks, maxxis triple walled rims, some kinda kevlar 2.5's on the front and 2.7's on the back, avid mech disc brakes, shimano cassette, race face cranks...and some good other crap
Bottom Line:
'CAUSE STONE COLD SAID SO!...nah that was lame its a good bike, i like and so should you..GO OUT THERE AND BUY IT if your a crazed dirt jumper and starting a bit of urban assult like me, this is the bike for you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael bennett
a
from tempe, az Date Reviewed: January 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything gnarly
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
bicycle wheelers
Strengths:
Beefy frame...awesome dropouts huge gusset. Alot of standover height and longish toptube. Can fit 3" tires on it. Super original steel.
Weaknesses:
Cannot put a quickrelease seat clamp on it...too fat.
Similar Products Used:
Many hardtail and dual suspension bikes
Bike Setup:
Psylo, Race Face...Easton monkeyliteDH bar, flat pedals, Avid mech discs. I first started off running a 24" rear wheal. It was a little too squirly. I put the 24 on my Giant AC. I like it alot more with 26 inchers. kinda a heavy setup but it is bulletproof.
Bottom Line:
Excellent all around bike. Can be ridden all day in comfort. The steal is very forgiving. Great for technical riding and jumping as well. Very fun in the concrete jungle too. Buy this bike if you are interested in building a sweet custom steal bike that you can ride almost anywhere...Enjoy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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