IRO and Surly
 

So it seems that most people on this forum recommend IRO over a lot of other fixed gear options. I'm wondering how the Surly Steamroller compares. It costs more than the IRO and usually costs more means better but not always. I'm looking for a decent FG that is comfortable and would be used to supplement my riding a multi-gear bike. Would either of these frames be a good choice? Oh and I have a Dura-Ace road crank and bottom bracket and Dura-Ace brakeset. Can I use these for a fixed gear bike?

I have a surly and love it...very comfortable and definently "bomb proof". I got hit by a Ford Explorer and incurred no damage to my frame.

The Steamroller has pretty relaxed geometry. Depending on which IRO we're talking about, it may be more aggressive. A matter of preference and intended useage.

Someone else can chime in about spacing on the Surly, but you can certainly use your DA components. Depending on what wheels you get and what the frame's spaced at, you might end up wanting a new BB for a straighter chainline.

a quick search yielded this:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ighlight=surly

oh, and forget it. you'll never ride your multi-speed again!

CD what's the new avatar about?

Glad you asked...new threads.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d5...n/IMG_0117.jpg

omg. sorry you lost your arms nat. how do you ride like that?

(nice jersey!)

This is my winter beater torso. I swapped out the arms, legs, and head just so I'd have something to take the track torso around town on.

hey me too! there's a lot of torso-stealing going around so i needed one i could lock up and not worry about.

I believe the Surly has steeper geometry, but the IRO (Angus, etc.) has shorter chainstays and a higher bottom bracket.

IMO the IRO is much better looking than the Surly (I personally don't really like the look of Surlys).

The surly and IRO mark V are made out of pretty comparable steel; both generic 4130 cro-mo steel.

The IRO is much cheaper, and both frames look a little different. You can't go wrong, but the iro looks a little better value.

Your durace brakes and crankset will work fine, provided you get the correct size BB to ensure a straight chainline.

Good thinkin'!!!
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

LMAF. That one made me blow beer out of my nose and all over the cat. She did not appreciate it.

i'm down with surly.
i have a cross check set up as single speed with full fenders. i love it.

I also enjoy my surly.
I think the frame specs are decent- and the flange that covers the drop outs is a nice touch- sometimes gets in the way when you're re-tensioning your rear wheel- but it's asthetically pleasing.

A lot of people swear by IRO's- I think you could pick either and be satisfied.