surly straggler 650b thoughts?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 105
Bikes: 1974 Raleigh International, 1982 Trek 730, 2006 Co-Motion Americano, 2013 Surly Troll
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
surly straggler 650b thoughts?
Surly is introducing a new bike model for 2014 called the "Straggler". It is mostly a disc-brake version of the Cross Check.
For some reason I have been thinking about it as a possibility for a 650b build, mounting Hetres, and using it for distance rides and randonneuring.
As it's a Surly, tire clearances are already more than generous for a 42mm tire. And as it is set up for disc brakes, no rim mismatch issues for braking in a 650b conversion. The rear dropouts are set for a 135mm axle, so wheel options are good from the current and growing "27 1/2" enthusiasm in the mountain biking world. The bottom bracket height of the Straggler would also seem to be favorable.
The frame and fork are loaded with mounting braze-ons. Setting it up with whatever fenders, racks, and lighting should be a piece of cake.
It comes in a glittery purple finish. Some folks have said this model should be named "Sparkle Pony". I like that idea, too.
Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone else has any thoughts about such a project, both pro and con. Is there anything I'm missing?
For some reason I have been thinking about it as a possibility for a 650b build, mounting Hetres, and using it for distance rides and randonneuring.
As it's a Surly, tire clearances are already more than generous for a 42mm tire. And as it is set up for disc brakes, no rim mismatch issues for braking in a 650b conversion. The rear dropouts are set for a 135mm axle, so wheel options are good from the current and growing "27 1/2" enthusiasm in the mountain biking world. The bottom bracket height of the Straggler would also seem to be favorable.
The frame and fork are loaded with mounting braze-ons. Setting it up with whatever fenders, racks, and lighting should be a piece of cake.
It comes in a glittery purple finish. Some folks have said this model should be named "Sparkle Pony". I like that idea, too.
Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone else has any thoughts about such a project, both pro and con. Is there anything I'm missing?
#2
we be rollin'
Yes, you're missing an entire groupset.
EDIT: For those who aren't aware, there's the Velo Orange Polyvalent...
https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...lent-mkii.html
it's 650b. Although I wonder what distance cyclists think of the 700c Pake C'Mute.
EDIT: For those who aren't aware, there's the Velo Orange Polyvalent...
https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...lent-mkii.html
it's 650b. Although I wonder what distance cyclists think of the 700c Pake C'Mute.
Last edited by hybridbkrdr; 09-20-13 at 11:11 AM.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,411
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 55 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 32 Times
in
18 Posts
Going from memory based on specs I read last night, the straggler has a lower bottom bracket than the CC (72 vs 66). I've read that 70mm BB drop is a danger zone as far as pedal clearance for 650b conversions.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 649
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 81 Post(s)
Liked 221 Times
in
65 Posts
Sounds like it should work well for a 650b conversion as long as the BB isn't too low.
That said, I used a Cross Check as my brevet bike for a couple of years and eventually got rid of it. I haven't missed it a bit. Cross Checks are good versatile, no-nonsense bikes, but for randonneuring I prefer something lighter and more comfortable riding. Riding a Cross Check for long distance is a bit like doing a cross country road trip in a monster truck. It works, but there are many other rides that will be more comfortable and a lot more efficient.
If you really have your heart set on a 650b bike with GB Hetres, then I understand the appeal of the Straggler as there aren't many (any?) alternatives at that price point. Still, for not too much more money you can get something that should offer much better performance and comfort. Consider the Boulder All-road, Ocean Air Rambler, Rawland Stag, Soma Grand Randonneur (when it ships). I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting.
That said, I used a Cross Check as my brevet bike for a couple of years and eventually got rid of it. I haven't missed it a bit. Cross Checks are good versatile, no-nonsense bikes, but for randonneuring I prefer something lighter and more comfortable riding. Riding a Cross Check for long distance is a bit like doing a cross country road trip in a monster truck. It works, but there are many other rides that will be more comfortable and a lot more efficient.
If you really have your heart set on a 650b bike with GB Hetres, then I understand the appeal of the Straggler as there aren't many (any?) alternatives at that price point. Still, for not too much more money you can get something that should offer much better performance and comfort. Consider the Boulder All-road, Ocean Air Rambler, Rawland Stag, Soma Grand Randonneur (when it ships). I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 105
Bikes: 1974 Raleigh International, 1982 Trek 730, 2006 Co-Motion Americano, 2013 Surly Troll
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That said, I used a Cross Check as my brevet bike for a couple of years and eventually got rid of it. I haven't missed it a bit. Cross Checks are good versatile, no-nonsense bikes, but for randonneuring I prefer something lighter and more comfortable riding. Riding a Cross Check for long distance is a bit like doing a cross country road trip in a monster truck. It works, but there are many other rides that will be more comfortable and a lot more efficient.onneur (when it ships). I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting.
I guess I was wrong!
The last thing I want is a dull, dead-feeling ride. Guess I will keep looking...
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 649
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 81 Post(s)
Liked 221 Times
in
65 Posts
Yeah, you wouldn't think there would be a huge difference. The Trek 614 I ride on brevets now is maybe a pound lighter than my Cross Check was, so not much difference, but the ride quality is night and day.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Conroe, TX
Posts: 1,631
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 47 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 29 Times
in
14 Posts
I've never owned a Surly, but I have a Civia Bryant that I'm setting up with Hetres. I still need to run brake cables and fix a headset issue, but other than that it's ready to go. It's similar to the Straggler in that it's a disc bike and has tons of braze-ons...I'm hoping for good things from it.
#8
2k miles from the midwest
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,990
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 525 Post(s)
Liked 931 Times
in
446 Posts
While I haven't done it yet with my Double Cross, the Soma has a higher BB than the Surly. Google 650b conversions for it and you'll find several.
#9
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,392
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
I would also consider the Double Cross. It performs well as a long distance bike.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
steve-in-kville
Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational)
21
10-06-16 08:53 AM
Saburo
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
3
02-08-16 07:17 PM