Overview
The Grappler is a bike that combines the fun of drop bars with the capability of trail bikes. It’s not a makeshift solution, it’s a deliberate choice for those who want to ride off-road with flair and finesse. It has a smooth and ergonomic geometry that works for any hand position, and a rugged frame that can take fat tires and lots of mounts. The Grappler is your tool for any escapade, short or long, on any surface. It will thrill you, please you, and keep you company. The Grappler is adventurous. Are you?
The Surly Grappler is a bike that encourages you to explore new possibilities with drop bars. It’s not a novelty, it’s a practical choice for those who love to ride off-road with versatility and comfort. It has a stable and ergonomic geometry that works for any hand position, and a robust frame that can fit wide tires and plenty of mounts. Whether you prefer to pack light with bikepacking bags or carry more with bicycle touring bags, the Grappler has enough space and clearance for all your gear. The Grappler is your ally for any trip, on any surface, at any speed.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Surly Grappler’s consistent head tube angle provides predictable steering, for when you’re carrying extra weight in the form of camping gear or supplies. The versatile reach accommodates a wide range of rider heights, ensuring that you can find a comfortable position even on long journeys. The long wheelbase adds to the bike’s stability, a crucial factor when navigating uneven terrains fully loaded. The uniform chainstay length not only allows for ample tire clearance but also ensures that the bike remains agile, making it easier to handle in tight spots or technical trails.
When it comes to the ride feel, the Surly Grappler is designed to offer a balanced experience that leans towards stability and comfort. The stable head tube angle and long wheelbase work together to provide a sense of control and security, especially when the bike is loaded with gear. This makes it easier to tackle gravel roads to forest trails. The uniform chainstay length contributes to the bike’s responsiveness, allowing for quick adjustments in direction or speed, which is particularly useful when navigating through unfamiliar or challenging landscapes.
- Reach Measurements: The Surly Grappler offers a range of reach measurements from 381.0 to 458.0 mm. This is a moderate reach that balances comfort and performance, making it versatile for both long-distance and technical riding.
- Stack Heights: With stack heights ranging from 585.0 to 660.0 mm, the Grappler provides a more upright riding position compared to race-oriented bikes. This is beneficial for long rides and bikepacking, where comfort is key.
- Head Tube Angle: The consistent 69.5° head tube angle across all sizes contributes to the bike’s stable yet agile handling. This is a middle-of-the-road angle that works well for a variety of terrains.
- Head Tube Length: Ranging from 160.0 to 240.0 mm, the head tube length is designed to offer a comfortable handlebar height. This is particularly useful for riders who prefer a more upright position without the need for excessive spacers.
- Seat Tube Length: The seat tube lengths vary from 316.0 to 539.0 mm, accommodating a wide range of rider heights. This is a feature that makes the bike adaptable to different body types.
- BB Drop: A 50.0 mm BB drop is consistent across all sizes, providing a low center of gravity for better stability. This is a common feature in adventure bikes but works well with the Grappler’s overall geometry to enhance ride comfort.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase ranges from 1057.0 to 1162.0 mm, contributing to the bike’s stable ride characteristics. Longer wheelbases are generally more stable, making this bike well-suited for bikepacking and long-distance rides.
- Chainstay Length: A consistent 425.0 mm chainstay length across all sizes offers a good balance between stability and agility. This length is neither too short nor too long, making it versatile for both climbing and descending.
- Effective Top Tube Length: Ranging from 560.0 to 660.0 mm, the effective top tube length is designed for a comfortable reach to the handlebars. This is an important feature for long rides where rider comfort is crucial.
- Seat Tube Angle: A 73.0° seat tube angle is consistent across all sizes, positioning the rider for efficient pedaling. This angle is common in many adventure bikes and works well with the Grappler’s overall design to offer a balanced ride.
- Standover Height: With standover heights ranging from 719.0 to 863.0 mm, the bike accommodates a wide range of rider heights. This is a crucial aspect for riders who may need to dismount quickly on technical terrains.
vs. the All-City Gorilla Monsoon, Apex
The All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex and the Surly Grappler are very different bikes despite being geared towards adventure cycling. The Gorilla Monsoon is built with a 612 Select Chromoly Steel frame and fork, and features a Shimano GRX RX812 rear derailleur with an 11-42t cassette, aiming for a robust and versatile off-road performance. On the other hand, the Surly Grappler is constructed with a 100% Chromoly Steel frame and fork, featuring Natch tubing and a Microshift 11-48t cogset. This setup leans towards stability and adaptability, with a geometry designed to balance agility and stability.
- Fork
- All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex: Features a 4130 Chromoly steel fork designed for a compliant and smooth ride. This fork is excellent at absorbing road vibrations, making it ideal for long-distance travel and varied road conditions.
- Surly Grappler: Comes with a rigid fork that offers direct terrain feedback and is low-maintenance. It’s also compatible with a suspension fork, giving riders the flexibility to adapt the bike for more challenging terrains.
- Groupset
- All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex: Equipped with a SRAM Apex 1×11 drivetrain, offering a wide range of gears. This makes it versatile for both climbing steep hills and maintaining speed on flat terrains.
- Surly Grappler: Features a Shimano GRX 600 groupset, specifically tailored for gravel and adventure riding. This groupset is known for its reliable shifting and long-lasting durability.
- Ride Feel
- All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex: Leans more towards a compliant and comfortable ride feel. The bike is designed to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable riding experience.
- Surly Grappler: Offers a balanced ride feel that focuses on stability and versatility. It’s well-suited for a variety of conditions, from long-distance travel to off-road adventures.
- Geometry
- All-City Gorilla Monsoon Apex: The bike’s geometry is designed for comfort and compliance, making it especially beneficial for long rides and extended touring.
- Surly Grappler: Features a unique geometry with a consistent head tube angle and a notably long wheelbase. These elements contribute to the bike’s stability and predictability across different terrains.
vs. the Kona Sutra LTD
The Kona Sutra LTD and the Surly Grappler cater to different aspects of adventure cycling. The Sutra LTD is known for its more road-oriented geometry, making it agile and quick on paved surfaces, while still being capable off-road. It comes with a higher-end groupset, providing smooth and reliable shifting. The Surly Grappler, on the other hand, focuses on stability and versatility, featuring a unique geometry with a consistent head tube angle and a long wheelbase. Its rigid fork and suspension compatibility make it adaptable for various terrains.
- Groupset
- Kona Sutra LTD: Equipped with Microshift SB-M100A shifters and a Microshift M6205 rear derailleur, along with an 11-48t cogset. This setup offers a wide gear range suitable for various terrains, from steep climbs to fast descents, providing versatility in shifting performance.
- Surly Grappler: Features a Shimano GRX 600 groupset that is specifically designed for gravel and adventure riding. Known for its reliable shifting and long-lasting durability, this groupset is ideal for riders who venture off the beaten path.
- Seatpost
- Kona Sutra LTD: Comes with a TransX YSP15 seatpost with 100mm travel, adding an extra layer of comfort during rides. This feature is particularly beneficial for long-distance rides where rider comfort is crucial.
- Surly Grappler: Features a standard seatpost without the added feature of travel, focusing more on durability and simplicity rather than additional comfort features.
- Ride Feel
- Kona Sutra LTD: Designed for a balanced ride feel, capable of handling both road and off-road conditions. The Chromoly Steel frame and fork contribute to this balanced feel, offering a blend of comfort and performance.
- Surly Grappler: Offers a ride that focuses on stability and versatility. The bike’s unique geometry and rigid fork make it well-suited for a variety of terrains, from long-distance paved roads to challenging off-road trails.
- Geometry
- Kona Sutra LTD: Features a versatile geometry that leans towards a balanced ride, capable of handling both road and off-road conditions. This makes it a good choice for riders who seek versatility in their cycling adventures.
- Surly Grappler: Boasts a unique geometry with a consistent head tube angle and a notably long wheelbase. These elements contribute to the bike’s stability and predictability, making it ideal for riders who prioritize these characteristics in different terrains.
vs. the Bombtrack Hook EXT
The Bombtrack Hook EXT and the Surly Grappler offer contrasting ride experiences. The Hook EXT features a frame made of Columbus Cromoly double-butted tubing and a full carbon fork, contributing to its agility and responsiveness. It’s equipped with SRAM Rival 1 hydraulic components and a wide 11-42T cassette, offering smooth shifting and reliable braking. In contrast, the Surly Grappler is built for stability and adaptability, featuring a unique geometry with a consistent head tube angle and a notably long wheelbase. The Grappler comes with a Shimano GRX 600 groupset, known for its durability and gravel-specific design. Both bikes are similarly priced but cater to different riding styles and terrains.
- Fork
- Bombtrack Hook EXT: The fork is made of full carbon and comes with triple cage mounts and internal hub dynamo cable routing. This design enhances the bike’s versatility and lightness, allowing for various mounting options and improved steering precision.
- Surly Grappler: Features a rigid Chromoly fork that is also compatible with a suspension fork. This dual compatibility offers riders the flexibility to adapt the bike for both rigidity and cushioning.
- Groupset
- Bombtrack Hook EXT: Equipped with a SRAM RIVAL 1 double tap 1 x 11 groupset, this setup is known for its reliability and performance. It offers smooth shifting and efficient power transfer, making it ideal for navigating challenging terrains.
- Surly Grappler: Comes with a 1x drivetrain, which offers simplicity and efficiency. This is particularly beneficial for bikepacking where reliability is key, as it reduces the chances of mechanical issues during long rides.
- Ride Feel
- Bombtrack Hook EXT: Known for its agile and responsive ride, attributed to its full carbon fork and high-performance SRAM Rival groupset. The bike is quick to respond to rider inputs, making it well-suited for technical terrains.
- Surly Grappler: Offers a ride that focuses on stability and agility. The bike is ideal for a variety of terrains, from quick singletrack rides to long-distance bikepacking. Its unique geometry contributes to this balanced ride feel.
- Geometry
- Bombtrack Hook EXT: Features a frame made of Columbus Cromor double butted tubing. This material and design contribute to the bike’s agile and responsive nature, making it adaptable to a variety of riding conditions.
- Surly Grappler: Stands out for its unique geometry that offers a balance between stability and agility. This makes the Grappler a versatile choice for different types of riding, from short, quick jaunts to extended bikepacking adventures.
Features
Rigid Fork: The Surly Grappler comes with a rigid fork, a unique selling point for riders seeking a simpler, more durable option. Unlike suspension forks, a rigid fork offers direct feedback from the terrain and is generally lighter and less maintenance-intensive.
Suspension Fork Compatibility: The Grappler is designed to be compatible with a suspension fork, offering the potential for increased comfort and control on rough terrain. This feature provides riders with the flexibility to customize their ride according to their needs, a rare find in bikes within this price range.
Shimano GRX 600 Groupset: The bike is equipped with a Shimano GRX 600 groupset, setting it apart in its price range. This groupset is specifically designed for gravel and adventure riding, offering reliable performance and durability.
Hydraulic Brakes: The hydraulic disc brakes provide superior stopping power in various conditions. This is a standout feature, as many bikes in the same price range may offer mechanical disc brakes or even rim brakes, which are less effective.
1x Drivetrain: The 1x drivetrain simplifies shifting and reduces the chances of mechanical issues, making it ideal for long adventures where reliability is key. This is a feature that’s becoming more common but is still not a given in bikes of a similar price.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Surly Grappler is well-equipped with a variety of mounting points to cater to all your bikepacking needs:
Front Fork Mounts: There are multiple mounts on both sides of the front fork for water bottles, cargo cages, or front racks.
Rear Rack Mounts: The rear of the bike has mounts for attaching a standard rear rack for panniers or other gear.
Down Tube Mounts: The down tube has mounts for a water bottle cage or for attaching additional gear.
Seat Tube Mounts: The seat tube also has mounts for a water bottle cage.
Under Downtube Mount: There’s a mount under the downtube, which is a common place to carry an extra water bottle or tool keg.
Fender Mounts: The bike has mounts for full coverage fenders, which are essential for wet weather bikepacking.
Surly Grapplers Featured in the Wild!
Surly Ghost Grappler Review on Bikepacking.com
The Surly Ghost Grappler is a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains. The author of the review, Miles Arbour, praises its performance, stating, “The Ghost Grappler is a bike that encourages exploration and rewards curiosity.” He highlights its durability and adaptability, noting that it can handle everything from bikepacking trips to daily commutes. Despite its weight, the Ghost Grappler offers a comfortable ride and is a reliable choice for adventurous cyclists.
Surly Ghost Grappler Video Review on Bikepacking.com
In this in-depth review, Neil Beltchenko explores the frame features, geometry, and ride characteristics of the Surly Ghost Grappler. The bike stands out from the current crop of gravel and drop-bar MTBs, offering unique features that make it a compelling choice for riders. As the author states, “When we got our hands on the new Surly Ghost Grappler for a test, we were hopeful it’d be something that stood out… Fortunately, it didn’t disappoint.” This review provides valuable insights into the capabilities and features of the Surly Ghost Grappler.
Surly Grappler Review on off.road.cc
In this review by Stu Kerton, the Surly Grappler is described as a highly versatile and capable bike that can handle a variety of conditions and trails. Despite its unconventional geometry and looks, the Grappler stands out for its massive tyre clearance and impressive handling, whether you’re speeding down local singletrack or embarking on a fully-loaded adventure. Kerton notes that the Grappler doesn’t conform to the traditional traits of gravel bikes, but it has the attributes to hold its own and even surpass many other drop-bar bikes when the trail gets rough. He quotes, “The Grappler is a lovely bike to ride, and way more fun than I was expecting.” However, he also points out that the Microshift gear/brake levers aren’t the most comfortable to use, and there are significant jumps between the cassette cogs. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Surly Grappler’s frame is praised for its engineering, massive tyre clearances, and brilliant ride quality.
Specs
Build Kit
The Surly Grappler is equipped with a Microshift 11-48t cogset and a Microshift M6205 rear derailleur, offering a wide gear range for various terrains. Braking is handled by Tektro Mira MD-C400 brakes with AdventX Dual Control Levers, ensuring reliable stopping power. The wheelset consists of Novatec hubs and WTB ST i40 TCS rims, wrapped in Teravail Ehline 27.5 x 2.5″ tires, making it well-suited for both smooth and rough surfaces.
Frameset
- Frame: 100% Chromoly Steel frame, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded, E.D. coated
- Fork: 100% Chromoly Steel fork, Natch tubing, double-butted tapered fork blades, TIG welded, E.D. coated
- Seatpost Clamp: Surly Stainless 33.1
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
- Brakes: Tektro Mira MD-C400
- Brake Levers: AdventX Dual Control Levers
- Rotors: Tektro 180/160
- Shifters: Microshift SB-M100A, AdventX Dual Control Levers
- Stem: Promax DA-296, 31.8
- Handlebar: Salsa Cowchipper 31.8
- Grip/Tape: Cork Black
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142
- Seatpost: TransX YSP15, 30.9, 100mm travel
Drivetrain
- Crankset: Samox 2PCS Boost 32t
- Bottom Bracket: Samox BSA 24
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Microshift M6205
- Cog or cogset: Microshift 11-48t
- Chain: KMC X10 Black
Wheels
- Front Hub: Novatec 15x110mm, 32h
- Rear Hub: Novatec 12x148mm, 32h
- Rims: WTB ST i40 TCS
- Tires: Teravail Ehline, 27.5 x 2.5″, 60tpi
Frame Construction
The Surly Grappler is constructed with a 100% Chromoly Steel frame and fork, featuring Natch tubing and a double-butted main triangle. Both the frame and fork are TIG welded. The rear dropout is a horizontal slotted design with an optional vertical dumpout. The bike offers “Gnot-Boost” 145mm rear hub spacing, compatible with 12 x 142mm or 12 x 148mm, and a front hub spacing of 15 x 110mm. It accommodates disc brakes with a 51mm I.S. and a max rotor size of 203mm. The bottom bracket is a 73mm BSA, threaded. The headtube and steerer tube dimensions are Ø34mm and Ø28.6mm, respectively.
Geometry
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame Construction | 100% Surly Chromoly Steel frame, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded, E.D. coated |
| Fork Construction | 100% Surly Chromoly Steel fork, Natch tubing, double-butted tapered fork blades, TIG welded, E.D. coated |
| Rear Dropout Configuration | Horizontal slotted with optional vertical dumpout |
| Rear Hub Spacing | “Gnot-Boost” 145mm; 12 x 142mm or 12 x 148mm (Surly axle included); 10 x 135mm with Surly 10/12 Adapter Washers (not included) |
| Front Hub Spacing | 15 x 110mm (Surly axle included) |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 51mm I.S. (203mm max rotor) |
| Front Brake | Disc – 51mm I.S. (203mm max rotor) |
| Headtube | Ø34mm |
| Steerer Tube | Ø28.6mm |
| Crown Race | Ø30mm (1-1/8″) |
| Stock Headset Upper (S.H.I.S) | EC34 or ZS34 |
| Stock Headset Lower (S.H.I.S) | EC34 |
| Seat Collar | 33.1mm |
| Seatpost | Ø30.9mm |
| Front Derailleur (Clamp) | High direct mount top-pull (Ø34.9mm) 26mm offset adapter (not included) for 142 or 135mm rear hub spacing 29mm offset adapter (not included) for 148mm rear hub spacing |
| Max Chainring (CL) | 1x (mtn): 36T, 2x (mtn): 36/26T, 1x (Boost): 38T, 2x (Boost): 39/32T |
| Bottom Bracket | 73mm BSA, threaded |
| Tire Clearance Frame | 27.5 x 3” (27.5 x 2.8” with fender), 29 x 2.1–2.5” with or without fender (2.1” clearance with wheel all the way forward; 2.5” clearance with wheel all the way back in dropout) |
| Tire Clearance Fork | 27.5 x 2.8” (27.5 x 2.6” with fender), 29 x 2.2” (29 x 2.0” with fender) |
| Rigid Fork Spec | 420 x 50mm |
| Design Suspension Fork Length | N/A |
| Max Suspension Fork Length | 420mm |
| Bottle Mounts Frame | 3-pack mounts on upper and lower downtube; seat tube bottle mounts on frame sizes S–XL |
| Bottle Mounts Fork | 3-pack mounts on each fork blade |
| Rack Mounts Frame | Yes (upper and lower threaded) |
| Rack Mounts Fork | Yes (upper and mid-blade threaded) |
| Fender Mounts Frame | Yes |
| Fender Mounts Fork | Yes |
| Other Features | Internal dropper post routing |
Warranty
Register your purchase at Surly’s Warranty Registration.
LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE SURLY GRAPPLER
This Surly product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for three years from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below. Save your dated receipt for proof of purchase.
This warranty does NOT cover the following:
- Damage due to improper assembly or follow-up maintenance or lack of skill, competence or experience of the user or assembler
- Products that have been modified, neglected, used in competition or for commercial purposes, misused or abused, involved in accidents or anything other than normal use
- Installation of components, parts or accessories not originally intended for or compatible with bicycle as sold
- Damage or deterioration to the paint, surface finish, aesthetics or appearance of the product
- Normal wear and tear
- Labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly
This limited warranty is expressly limited to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at the option of Surly, and is the sole remedy of the warranty. This limited warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Surly product and is not transferrable. This warranty applies only to products purchased through an authorized dealer or distributor. In no event shall Surly be liable for any loss, inconvenience or damage, whether direct, incidental, consequential, or otherwise resulting from breach of any express or implied warranty or condition, of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or otherwise with respect to our products except as set forth herein.
This limited warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights, and those rights and other rights may vary from place to place. This limited warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THESE WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS INCLUDING WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.