I'm not here to debate 631 vs. 4130, like I said if we want to agree with Surly that steel is steel and going to a better tubeset would amount to paying for a sticker, then we can do that, but tons of people feel otherwise, including people who actually build bikes professionally. However, 631 would be lighter or stiffer, depending on how you spec'd the tubes, and will generally speaking have more consistent and even properties than a non air hardened tube. Again, though, debate for another time and place.

-I never said you can't mount fenders, but I think it's a laugh riot that the surly site crows about how well they fit, and then tells you to use clip-ons (race blades). News flash: race blades fit on anything, they don't go under the brake. They'd fit just as well on a track frame with max clearance for 23's.

-There are a ton of old road frames made from 531 or other nice stuff that were set up for 27" wheels. Put on 700's and you can fit a 35 no problem. Even old crit bikes made for 700's can usually fit up to a 32, my Raleigh Professional will. If you want that bike you can find it in my cold, dead hands. Bring a suitable tool for prying

-Agreed, the cross check is quite versatile, though so is any cross frame unless you want to run truly ginormous tires. Again, I'm not too happy about what they had to do to the chainstays to make that possible, but I guess if I don't like it I can spec my own run of frames from Maxway. It's a shame they didn't use those dropouts on the steamroller, nothing would have been lost and much would have been gained. Also a shame you can't get it in a better tubeset.

-Agreed that a hanger on track ends is the worst design in the known universe.


I actually have nothing against Surly, I mostly like their designs, I just wish you could get them in something other than low-end tubing, which is what I've been saying all along. Otherwise, unless you need all the little special features, it's just overpriced Maxway 4130.