Zombie Carl

do you at least chain her up?

onetwentyeight 

the steamroller stock build is pretty much like the bianchi pistas. its a good starter bike, and an excellent choice if you want a sturdy frame with a little more versatility (ie you can add a rear brake and fit bigger tires.) the geometry is somewhere between road and track. i like them, though i liked the grey color more than the brown.

What

Only after I ordered my Surly Tuggnut Chain Tensioner! Zing!1

fixedup

I love my steamroller, not a stock build though, but for that price it would definitly be my first choice for a fixed gear road/track bike, heavy on the road. STEAMROLLERS FTW.

HappyHumber

Nah, I think you're right... I was just slapping myself for not reading the OP's dates.

supercub

So can this bike take a rear brake? If yes, how difficult would it be to install? Thanks.

Zombie Carl

Yes it does. Super easy install.

supercub

Thanks. I saw this phrase on the Surly website, "There are no housing stops for a rear brake", and it gave me pause. Sounds like it's nothing to worry about.

bottom-bracket

Wow, I remember starting this thread. Got the frameset because nobody could get the completes. Built with Formula/mavic set, Miche cranks, nitto b123's, no name post, vintage lycette saddle, MKS pedals. I ride her damn near every day and there is little I want to change....

doomkin

i just zip tied them to the top tube. :/ whatcha gonna do, right?

remember, hand tight, then two clicks with the 4th hand!

supercub

I thought it would involve drilling or a half-messure like zip ties.

Why do you call it an easy install Bottom Bracket?

Zombie Carl

Don't drill your frame, dude. Zip ties are more than functional.

doomkin

it was easy to install? i don't know.

bonechilling

https://cgi.ebay.com/Campagnolo-Nuovo...QQcmdZViewItem
https://cgi.ebay.com/Campagnolo-Nuovo...QQcmdZViewItem

supercub

I don't actually own a Steamroller. I'm thinking about getting one. It seems like an awesome bike, but I don't get why it's not drilled for a rear brake. It's got a flip-flop hub, so Surly must anticipate some people riding it singlespeed. The description on the website even talks about ridng it singlespeed.

Talk about form over function.

edw

It is drilled for a brake. There are no cable guides. I don't understand why it does not have eyelets for fenders.

doomkin

nonononono. it is drilled for a brake. it doesnt have CABLE housing to route the brake line.

doomkin

this is in fact kinda annoying. but p-clips work well enough.

Zombie Carl

It is already drilled for a rear brake. I thought your comment on drilling was some misinformed notion about installing cable housing guides. No fuss, no muss. This bike is awesome, and many people run them SS.

supercub

OH! I feel like a dummy. That's totally different. Now I see.

bonechilling

True, but eyelets would allow you to mount a rack. Considering this is billed as a go-anywhere, do-everything bike, everyday-commuter type of bike, it seems like this is a pretty stupid omission.

Zombie Carl

I like that it omits these particular things and opts for a cleaner look. Lot's of ugly SS bikes have eyelets and such. Few can fit larger tires and stay slick looking.

doomkin

rear racks are ugmos. i'm looking at a cetma which mounts to your axle anyway.

Charlesbian

im guessing you ride your surly more than your GF....although bike lube has dual uses

bonechilling

I think the Steamroller is ugmo. The only thing that makes it worthwhile is it's alleged versatility. Otherwise, $400 for a Cro-Mo frame and fork is kinda stupid.