Overview
Meet the Surly Ogre, a chameleon of steel that adapts to your cycling needs as effortlessly as the seasons change. This ready rider, attuned to your daily hustle, switches gears over the weekend to become your ticket to escape, taking you where the wild calls. Agile on tarmac, steady on gravel, and spirited on trails, the Ogre’s versatility defines it as an unrivaled multi-purpose utility vehicle.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re cocooned by whispering trees or dwarfed by looming sand dunes; the Ogre travels boldly in every terrain. It invites you to unplug from your routine and carry your camping gear wherever your imagination beckons. As both the vehicle and the destination, the Ogre doesn’t just transport you; it guides you, inspiring novices and seasoned bikepackers alike to explore beyond borders, be they spiritual, societal or international.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Surly Ogre features a geometry designed for versatility, making it well-suited for bikepacking adventures. With a relatively slack head tube angle of 72.0° in most sizes, it offers stable handling, especially when carrying a load. The longer wheelbase and chainstay length further contribute to stability, allowing for better control on uneven terrains.
When it comes to ride feel, the Surly Ogre provides a balanced experience that leans towards comfort and stability, essential attributes for bikepacking. The chromoly steel frame offers a forgiving ride, effectively absorbing vibrations from rough trails or gravel roads. This makes for less fatigue over long distances. The bike’s geometry and frame material work in harmony to offer a ride that is both responsive and reassuring, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.
- Head Tube Angle: The Surly Ogre has a head tube angle of 72.0° for most sizes, which is relatively slack compared to typical road bikes. This angle offers stable handling, especially useful for off-road and mixed-terrain riding.
- Wheelbase: With a wheelbase ranging from 1049.4mm to 1110mm depending on the size, the Ogre has a longer wheelbase than many traditional touring bikes. This contributes to better stability and control.
- Chainstay Length: The chainstay length is 440mm across all sizes. This is longer than what you’d find on most performance road bikes, further enhancing the bike’s stability.
- Bottom Bracket Drop: The Ogre has a BB drop of 68mm, which is moderate compared to other bikes. This provides a balanced center of gravity, aiding in both stability and maneuverability.
- Top Tube Length, Effective: Ranging from 575mm to 640mm depending on the size, the effective top tube length is designed for a more relaxed riding position compared to racing bikes.
- Seat Tube Angle: With a consistent seat tube angle of 73.0° across all sizes, the Ogre positions the rider in a way that is efficient for pedaling but still comfortable for long rides.
- Reach and Stack: The reach and stack measurements vary with size but are designed to offer a comfortable yet efficient riding position, differing from bikes that prioritize aerodynamics.
- Seat Tube Length: Ranging from 406.4mm to 558mm, the seat tube length offers a range of options for riders of different heights, unlike some bikes that offer less variability.
- Head Tube Length: The head tube length varies from 110mm to 150mm depending on the size, allowing for a more upright riding position, which is less common in performance-oriented bikes.
vs. the Karate Monkey Rigid
The Surly Karate Monkey Rigid and the Surly Ogre offer distinct ride experiences. The Karate Monkey, with its 29er wheel size and more aggressive geometry, is tailored for off-road adventures, providing a more agile and responsive ride. It’s designed to tackle technical trails and offers a sportier, more nimble feel. On the other hand, the Ogre leans towards stability and versatility, making it well-suited for long-distance touring and bikepacking. Its geometry prioritizes comfort and control, especially when carrying a load. While both bikes are versatile, the Karate Monkey is generally more performance-oriented, whereas the Ogre is geared towards utility and comfort.
- Groupsets:
- Surly Karate Monkey: Equipped with a Shimano Deore 12-speed groupset for performance-oriented riding.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with a Microshift 10-speed setup, focusing on utility and versatility.
- Brakes:
- Surly Karate Monkey: Features SRAM Avid BB5 Mechanical brakes for enhanced stopping power.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with Avid BB5 brakes designed for reliable stopping in various conditions.
- Tires:
- Surly Karate Monkey: Equipped with Surly Dirt Wizard 27.5 x 3″ tires for off-road grip and performance.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with Surly ExtraTerrestrial 29×2.5″ tires, suited for mixed terrains.
- Tire Clearance:
- Surly Ogre: Offers generous tire clearance, accommodating up to 29 x 2.6″ tires.
- Surly Karate Monkey: Features clearance for 27.5 x 3″ tires, optimized for off-road conditions.
- Ride Feel:
- Surly Karate Monkey: Offers a sportier, more nimble ride ideal for technical trails.
- Surly Ogre: Provides a stable and comfortable ride, well-suited for long-distance touring and bikepacking.
vs. the Surly Bridge Club 27.5″
The Surly Bridge Club 27.5″ and the Surly Ogre offer distinct ride experiences, each catering to specific needs. The Bridge Club is designed for versatility, providing a comfortable and adaptable ride that performs well both on-road and off-road. Its Shimano Deore 11-speed groupset and Tektro Hydro brakes make it a balanced choice for varied terrains. In contrast, the Ogre is engineered for long-distance touring and bikepacking, with a focus on stability and comfort. Its Microshift 10-speed setup and Avid BB5 brakes are geared more towards utility, making it a go-to for extended adventures.
- Groupsets:
- Surly Bridge Club 27.5″: Equipped with a Shimano Deore 11-speed groupset for a balance of performance and reliability.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with a Microshift 10-speed setup, focusing on utility and versatility.
- Brakes:
- Surly Bridge Club 27.5″: Features Tektro Hydro HD-M275/276 brakes for reliable stopping power.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with Avid BB5 brakes designed for consistent braking in various conditions.
- Tires:
- Surly Bridge Club 27.5″: Equipped with WTB Trail Boss 27.5 x 2.4″ tires, offering good grip and control on varied terrains.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with Surly ExtraTerrestrial 29×2.5″ tires, suited for mixed terrains and long-distance comfort.
- Ride Feel:
- Surly Bridge Club 27.5″: Offers a comfortable and versatile ride, suitable for both on-road and off-road conditions.
- Surly Ogre: Provides a stable and comfortable ride, well-suited for long-distance touring and bikepacking.
- Geometry:
- Surly Bridge Club 27.5″: Designed with a geometry that balances comfort and performance, making it versatile for different types of riding.
- Surly Ogre: Engineered with a geometry that prioritizes stability and comfort, especially when carrying loads.
vs. the Bombtrack Beyond+
The Bombtrack Beyond+ is designed for rugged off-road expeditions, featuring a more aggressive geometry that excels in technical terrains. Its frame accommodates larger tire sizes for better traction and comes with a higher-end groupset, making it a performance-oriented choice for challenging adventures. In contrast, the Surly Ogre is engineered for versatility and comfort, ideal for long-distance touring and bikepacking. Its geometry is more relaxed, prioritizing stability, especially when carrying loads. While both are capable adventure bikes, the Beyond+ leans more towards high-performance off-roading, whereas the Ogre is more versatile and comfort-focused.
- Brakes:
- Bombtrack Beyond+: Equipped with SRAM LEVEL hydraulic disc brakes, featuring 180 mm front and 160 mm rear rotors, providing strong and reliable stopping power.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with Avid BB5 brakes that are designed for consistent and reliable stopping in various conditions, from city streets to off-road trails.
- Groupset:
- Bombtrack Beyond+: Features a SRAM SX-EAGLE 12-speed groupset, offering a wide range of gears for tackling steep climbs and fast descents.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with a Microshift 10-speed setup, focusing on utility and versatility, making it well-suited for both commuting and touring.
- Tires:
- Bombtrack Beyond+: The bike is equipped with WTB RANGER TCS TOUGH / FAST ROLLING 27.5” x 2.8” tires that are tubeless ready, offering excellent grip and durability on rough terrains.
- Surly Ogre: Comes with Surly ExtraTerrestrial 29×2.5″ tubeless-ready tires, designed for long-distance comfort and capable of handling mixed terrains.
- Ride Feel:
- Bombtrack Beyond+: The bike is designed for rugged off-road use, with a focus on control and durability. The geometry and components work together to offer a balanced and responsive ride.
- Surly Ogre: Provides a stable and comfortable ride, well-suited for long-distance touring and bikepacking. The geometry is engineered to offer stability, especially when carrying loads.
- Geometry:
- Bombtrack Beyond+: The geometry is optimized for off-road performance, capable of handling a variety of terrains from steep climbs to technical descents.
- Surly Ogre: The bike is engineered with a geometry that prioritizes stability and comfort, making it an excellent choice for long tours, especially when carrying additional gear.
Features
Flat Bar Design: The Surly Ogre features a flat bar setup which allows for a more upright and relaxed riding position, offering better control and comfort, especially over uneven terrains. This design choice sets the Ogre apart from many similarly priced bikes that often come with drop bars, making it unique in its focus on comfort and control.
Utility-Focused Groupset: The Microshift 10-speed setup is uncommon in its focus on utility rather than just speed, offering a wide range of gearing options for various terrains and conditions.
Stable Geometry: The Ogre’s geometry is specifically engineered for stability when carrying loads, a feature that sets it apart from other bikes in the same price range that may prioritize speed or agility.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Surly Ogre is well-equipped with a variety of mounting points to cater to all your bikepacking needs:
Front and Rear Rack Mounts: These allow you to attach racks for carrying additional gear or luggage, useful for long-distance touring or commuting.
Down Tube Mount: This is the most common location to attach a standard water bottle cage. You can use this mount to hold a water bottle for easy access during your ride.
Seat Tube Mount: This is another common location for a standard water bottle cage. Like the down tube mount, it’s used to hold a water bottle within easy reach.
Under the Down Tube Mount: This mount can be used for an additional water bottle cage, especially useful for long rides. Alternatively, it can be used to attach a small tool or gear box.
Top Tube Mount: This mount is often used for a “bento box” style bag, which provides easy access to snacks, a phone, or other small items while riding. However, some riders may choose to mount a small water bottle cage here.
Fork Leg Mounts: These mounts can be used to attach additional water bottles or gear, such as small bags or cargo cages for carrying camping equipment or other items on bikepacking trips.
Fender Mounts: These are used to attach fenders, which protect you and your bike from water and mud splashes, especially useful in wet conditions.
Mudguard Mounts: Similar to fender mounts, these are used to attach mudguards that protect your bike from debris and water kicked up from the trail.
Mounts for Panniers: These points allow you to attach pannier bags, which are great for carrying gear on longer bikepacking or touring trips.
Mounts for a Bikepacking Frame Bag: These are used to attach a frame bag, which is a convenient way to carry gear and supplies directly on the frame of your bike.
Surly Ogres Featured in the Wild
Surly Ogre Review: A Versatile Workhorse for Adventurous Bikepacking
In an in-depth review by Miles Arbour on Bikepacking.com, the Surly Ogre proves itself as a versatile workhorse for adventurous bikepacking endeavors. The author delves into the bike’s capabilities, construction, and components. They highlight the Ogre’s ability to handle varied terrain with ease and its load-carrying prowess, stating, “The Surly Ogre proved itself as a reliable companion for long-haul adventures… it swallowed up gear and tackled rough tracks without complaint.” With its sturdy steel frame, ample tire clearance, and multiple mounting options, the Surly Ogre is lauded as a reliable and versatile choice for bikepackers seeking a rugged and dependable companion on their journeys.
Surly Ogre Review: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to a Trail-Ready Beast
In an insightful review and buyer’s guide by Adam at Cycle Travel Overload, the Surly Ogre receives high praise for its off-road capabilities and versatility. The author thoroughly examines the bike’s features, components, and performance, providing valuable insights for potential buyers. Adam emphasizes the Ogre’s ability to handle rugged trails, stating, “The Surly Ogre is a trail-ready beast, ready to conquer rough terrains with confidence and stability.” With its sturdy steel frame, generous tire clearance, and multiple mounting options, the Surly Ogre is hailed as a reliable and adaptable choice for adventurers seeking a reliable companion on their off-road excursions.
Surly Ogre Review: Unleashing Adventure with Reliability and Versatility
In a comprehensive review by Cass Gilbert on Bikepacking.com, the Surly Ogre proves itself as a reliable and versatile bike for adventurous journeys. The author explores the bike’s features, design, and performance. Highlighting its reliability, Cruz states, “The Surly Ogre is a stalwart trail touring bike… it inspires confidence when the going gets tough.” The review dives into the Ogre’s ability to handle rough terrain, carry heavy loads, and accommodate different setups, making it suitable for long-distance bikepacking expeditions. With its durable steel frame and a host of practical features, the Surly Ogre emerges as a trusty companion for those seeking unforgettable adventures on two wheels.
Specs
Build Kit
The Surly Ogre is equipped with Avid BB5 brakes and Tektro FR5 levers for reliable stopping power. The Microshift 10-speed drivetrain, including an RD-M6205 rear derailleur with clutch, offers a wide gear range for various terrains. Comfort is also a focus, with a WTB Volt saddle and Salsa Bend flat handlebar. The wheelset features Novatec hubs and WTB i29 rims, wrapped in Surly ExtraTerrestrial 29×2.5″ tubeless-ready tires.
Frameset
- Frame: 100% Surly Chromoly Steel, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle
- Fork: 100% Surly Chromoly Steel, Natch tubing, double-butted tapered fork blades
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Microshift RD-M6205 with Clutch
- Cassette: OE 10-spd 11-48t
- Chain: KMC X10
- Crankset: SRAM NX 32t
- Shifter: Microshift SL-M9605 Trail Pro
- Brakes: Avid BB5 Mechanical
- Rotors: 160F/160R
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek
- Stem: Kalloy 31.8
- Handlebar: Salsa Bend
- Grips / Bar Tape: Velo Black
- Seatpost: ProMax 27.2×300
- Saddle: WTB Volt
- Seatclamp: Surly Stainless 30.0
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Novatec 9×100 QR, 6-bolt disc, WTB ST i25 29″ rim
- Rear Wheel:Novatec 12×142 QR, 6-bolt disc, WTB ST i25 29″ rim
- Tires: Surly ExtraTerrestrial 29×2.5″ 60tpi, Tubeless Ready
Frame Construction
The Surly Ogre frame is constructed from 4130 Chromoly steel, featuring Natch tubing and a double-butted main triangle. This tubing is TIG welded, a precise and high-quality welding method known for creating strong and clean joints. The fork is also made from 4130 Chromoly and is TIG welded with double-butted tapered fork blades. The rear dropout configuration is horizontal slotted with an optional vertical dumpout, offering versatility in wheel and drivetrain setups. The rear hub spacing is “Gnot-Boost” 145mm, compatible with multiple axle sizes, while the front hub spacing is 10 x 100mm. The frame accommodates various brake setups, including disc and rim brakes. The bottom bracket is a 73mm threaded design, and the frame offers generous tire clearance, accommodating up to 29 x 2.6″ tires.
Geometry
| SIZE | SM | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 395.5 | 410.5 | 427.6 | 447 |
| Stack | 592 | 603.4 | 613 | 632 |
| Head Tube Angle | 71.5° | 72.0° | 72.0° | 72.0° |
| Head Tube Length | 110 | 120 | 130 | 150 |
| Seat Tube Length | 406.4 | 457.2 | 508 | 558 |
| BB Drop | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 |
| Wheelbase | 1049.4 | 1064.5 | 1084.6 | 1110 |
| Chainstay Length | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 |
| Top Tube Length, Actual | 545.6 | 560.7 | 580.2 | 607 |
| Top Tube Length, Effective | 575 | 595 | 615 | 640 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.0° | 73.0° | 73.0° | 73.0° |
| Standover Height | 763.5 | 795.7 | 824.5 | 857.85 |
| Stem Length | 70 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
| Stem Angle | 7° | 7° | 7° | 7° |
| Handlebar Width | 700 | 740 | 740 | 740 |
| Crank Length | 170 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Fork Length | 447 | 447 | 447 | 447 |
| Fork Rake | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
Warranty
Register your purchase at Surly’s Warranty Registration.
LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE SURLY OGRE FRAME
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.
