Overview
The Surly Straggler 650b is a model of versatility, constructed from durable steel to handle a wide range of riding conditions. This bike breaks free from traditional classifications, capturing the spirit of cyclocross while also serving as a reliable option for light touring. It’s engineered to support various types of luggage, from frame bags to seat bags, and is fully compatible with 8- and 24-Pack Racks for added cargo capacity. Whether navigating gravel trails or smooth asphalt, the Straggler is a stand out for cyclists that roam as they please.
Transitioning seamlessly from weekday commutes to weekend gravel tours, the Surly Straggler 650b is ready to dance in different realms. Its robust steel frame and generous tire clearance make it equally adept at navigating city streets and gravel roads and even the occasional trail. When the workday ends and adventure calls, this bicycle will slip off its tie and pull on a fleece for an overnighter. The Straggler is not just a bicycle; it’s a multi-faceted tool for the life you want to live.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Surly Straggler, 650b, showcases a distinctive geometry that strikes a balance between road and gravel bike characteristics, offering riders adaptability. The frame’s design strikes a balance between a relaxed and aggressive stance. This means that while riding, one can expect a posture that’s upright enough for comfort during long rides or commutes, yet slightly leaned forward to allow for efficient power transfer and agility, especially when picking up speed on open roads. The frame accommodates both 650b and 700c wheel diameters, and provides generous tire clearance, ensuring adaptability to diverse road conditions.
Riding the Surly Straggler, 650b, is a distinctive experience. The bike’s geometry translates into a versatile and comfortable ride. On gravel roads, it feels stable and composed, allowing riders to confidently tackle rough terrain. When cruising on pavement, it maintains a smooth and controlled demeanour. The Straggler’s adaptable wheel and tire options offer ample traction and comfort, and its balanced geometry ensures responsive handling without sacrificing stability.
- Reach and Stack: The reach of the Straggler varies from 369mm to 410mm, and the stack ranges from 483mm to 586mm across sizes. This design ensures a posture that’s both relaxed and slightly aggressive, differing from bikes that might lean heavily towards one end of the spectrum.
- Head Tube Angle: The Straggler maintains consistent head tube angles, mostly at 72.0° across sizes, offering a balance between stability and agility. Unlike some racing bikes with steeper angles, the Straggler provides a more versatile ride.
- BB Drop: The BB drop for the Straggler is consistently at 54mm across all sizes. This design ensures a stable center of gravity, providing a grounded feel, especially during turns.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase of the Straggler spans from 977mm to 1035mm, which is longer than many aggressive road bikes. A lengthier wheelbase offers enhanced stability, especially at higher speeds.
- Chainstay Length: The Straggler boasts a chainstay length that ranges from 405mm to 410mm. This is slightly elongated compared to some performance-oriented road bikes, emphasizing a stable ride.
- Top Tube Length, Actual and Effective: The actual top tube lengths range from 484.4mm to 591.8mm, while the effective top tube lengths span from 500mm to 595mm. This ensures riders have an optimal reach, differing from bikes that might have more extended top tubes for a racing posture.
- Seat Tube Angle: The Straggler’s seat tube angles range from 72.5° to 75.5°, ensuring an efficient pedaling position. Unlike some aggressive race bikes with steeper angles, the Straggler strikes a balance between comfort and power transfer.
- Standover Height: The standover heights for the Straggler range from 704mm to 844mm, allowing riders of different heights to comfortably mount and dismount the bike, especially crucial for urban settings.
vs. the Surly Straggler 700c
The Surly Straggler, 700c with its 700c tires, is priced similarly to the Surly Straggler 650b. While both bikes have comparable frames, the main distinctions lie in the wheel and tire sizes as follows:
- Wheel Size:
- Surly Straggler 650b: Features a road plus design, optimized for comfort on long rides across varied terrains.
- Surly Straggler 700c: Combines attributes of road and mountain bikes, designed for both pavement and gravel
- Tire Clearance:
- Surly Straggler 650b: Allows for up to 650b x 42mm or 27.5 x 2.0″ tires.
- Surly Straggler 700c: Can accommodate up to 700c x 42mm tires.
- Tires:
- Surly Straggler 650b: Surly Knard 650b x 41mm, 33 tpi or 27.5 x 2.0″.
- Surly Straggler 700c: Surly Knard 700c x 41mm, 33 tpi.
vs. the Surly Midnight Special
The Surly Midnight Special is designed as a “road plus” bike, emphasizing comfort on long rides across varied terrains, particularly excelling on deteriorating pavements and occasional gravel stretches with its 650b road plus tires that absorb road imperfections. In contrast, the Surly Straggler, 650b, is a fusion of a road and mountain bike, adept at both pavement and gravel. While both bikes offer versatility, the Midnight Special leans more towards smoother rides on challenging roads, whereas the Straggler is more adaptable and is relatively more affordable.
- Groupsets and Components:
- Midnight Special: Modern standards with flat-mount disc brakes, 12mm front and rear thru-axles, and a 44mm head tube.
- Straggler, 650b: Versatile components suitable for diverse terrains, with features like forward-exiting horizontal dropouts for singlespeed compatibility.
- Frame and Fork:
- Midnight Special: Features a road plus design, optimized for comfort on long rides across varied terrains.
- Straggler, 650b: Combines attributes of road and mountain bikes, designed for both pavement and gravel.
- Tire Volume and Clearance:
- Midnight Special: Higher volume tires (650b x 60mm or 700c x 42mm) for absorbing road imperfections.
- Straggler, 650b: Versatile tire clearance, accommodating both 650b x 41mm and 700c x 41mm tires
- Versatility:
- Midnight Special: Leans more towards road rides but can handle occasional gravels and deteriorating pavements.
- Straggler, 650b: Highly versatile, equally adept at day trips, weekend adventures, rough road cycling, and light-duty touring
- Geometry:
- Midnight Special: Road plus geometry, emphasizing comfort and adaptability on deteriorating pavements and gravel.
- Straggler, 650b: A blend of relaxed and aggressive postures suitable for diverse terrains, from smooth pavements to rough trails.
- Ride Feel:
- Midnight Special: Offers a smoother ride, especially on challenging roads, due to its road plus design and higher volume tires.
- Straggler, 650b: Provides a balanced ride experience, agile on paved roads while maintaining stability on rough terrains.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B
The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B is tailored for riders with a penchant for exploration, offering an aluminum frame with a Waxwing carbon fork that prioritizes stability and comfort across all road types, from single tracks to pavements. Its design emphasizes adventure biking with features suitable for bike-packing and racing. In contrast, the Surly Straggler, 650b, melds the dynamics of road and mountain bikes, excelling on both pavement and gravel. While both bikes are versatile, the Journeyer leans towards adventurous terrains and explorations, whereas the Straggler offers a balanced performance on diverse terrains and is relatively more affordable.
- Groupsets and Components:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B: Powered by SRAM’s Apex 1 drivetrain, reliable for both hilly terrains and city rides.
- Straggler, 650b: Offers versatile components suitable for diverse terrains, with features like forward-exiting horizontal dropouts for singlespeed compatibility.
- Frame and Fork:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B: Features an all-new 6061-T6 Aluminum frame with a Waxwing Carbon Fork, ensuring stability and comfort across diverse terrains.
- Straggler, 650b: Combines attributes of road and mountain bikes with a steel frame, designed for both pavement and gravel.
- Versatility:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B: Designed for adventure biking, equipped with mounts for fenders, racks, and additional supplies or camping gear.
- Straggler, 650b: Highly versatile, equally adept at day trips, weekend adventures, rough road cycling, and light-duty touring.
- Tire Size and Clearance:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B: Equipped with 650b x 47 mm tires, ensuring grip on loose surfaces.
- Straggler, 650b: Offers clearance for both 650b x 41mm and 700c x 41mm tires, adaptable to various road conditions.
- Geometry:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B: Tailored for adventure biking, emphasizing stability and comfort on both single tracks and pavements.
- Straggler, 650b: A blend of relaxed and aggressive postures suitable for diverse terrains, from smooth pavements to rough trails.
- Ride Feel:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B: Prioritizes exploration and adventure, offering a stable ride on rugged terrains and smooth performance on pavements.
- Straggler, 650b: Provides a balanced ride experience, agile on paved roads while maintaining stability on rough terrains.
Features
Forward-Exiting Dropouts: The inclusion of forward-exiting horizontal dropouts for singlespeed compatibility is a unique feature not commonly found in bikes at this price point, providing adaptability for riders who want to switch to a singlespeed setup.
Reliable Disc Brakes: Equipped with reliable disc brakes, the Straggler ensures consistent stopping power in various weather conditions, enhancing rider safety and control.
Light-Duty Touring Capability: Its ability to handle light-duty touring sets it apart from many similarly priced bikes, making it an attractive option for those looking to go on adventure rides.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Surly Straggler 650b is equipped with the following mounting points to cater to all your gear-hauling needs:
Front Fork Mounts: There are multiple mounts on both sides of the front fork for water bottles, cargo cages, or front racks. (upper, lower, and mid-blade threaded)
Rear Rack Mounts: The rear of the bike has mounts for attaching a standard rear rack for panniers or other gear. (upper and lower threaded)
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.
Fender Mounts: The bike has mounts for full coverage fenders, which are essential for wet
Surly Straggler 650b Featured in the Wild
Stephanie’s Blacked Out 650B Straggler – Morgan Taylor
Morgan Taylor’s review of Stephanie’s Surly Straggler, 650b, paints a vivid picture of a bike that seamlessly combines character and functionality. Despite its mish-mash build, the Straggler stands out with its unique character, borrowing parts from various other bikes. Interestingly, the bike originally belonged to their friend Andy. Stephanie’s Straggler is not just about its looks; it’s about the stories behind each part and its adaptability for different terrains and purposes. As Stephanie puts it, the Straggler is her “sandbagging machine, quietly impressive, stable yet fun,” making it perfect for both club rides and adventurous trails.
Surly Straggler 650B Review: A Versatile Adventure Companion
In a detailed YouTube review, the Surly Straggler, 650b, is highlighted as a versatile adventure companion. The presenter praises its adaptable design, stating, “This bike is equally at home in urban environments and on the gravel backroads.” The review showcases the Straggler’s seamless transition between different terrains and the overall quality of its components. Its ability to handle rough conditions and provide a comfortable ride is emphasized, making it ideal for various cycling escapades. With its durable build and balanced geometry, the Straggler proves to be a reliable choice for riders seeking a multi-purpose bike for their outdoor adventures.
Specs
Build Kit
The Surly Straggler, 650b drivetrain includes a SRAM Apex 1×11 rear derailleur, a SunRace CSMS7 11-speed cassette, and SRAM Apex 1×11 shifter, ensuring smooth and efficient gear changes. The SRAM Avid BB7 Road brakes with 160mm rotors front and rear provide reliable stopping power. Additional components, like the Salsa Cowbell handlebar and Selle Italia Base-X saddle, enhance the riding experience, while the tubeless-ready Novatec wheels and Surly Knard tires offer traction and adaptability on varied terrains.
Frameset
- Frame: 100% Surly Chromoly tubing. E.D. Coated. TIG-welded. Double-butted main triangle.
- Fork: 100% Surly Chromoly steel. Disc only, lugged and brazed. Sloping crown with threaded eylets, tapered and butted curved blades with mid-blade rack eyelets, dual dropout eyelets.
Drivetrain
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM Apex 1×11
- Cassette: SunRace CSMS7, 11–42t, 11-speed
- Chain: CNP1110
- Crankset: SRAM FC Apex 42t
- Shifter: SRAM Apex 1×11
- Brakes: SRAM Avid BB7 Road, 160mm rotors front & rear
- Rotors: 160mm rotors front & rear
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek 40,1-1/8″
- Stem: 31.8, 4-bolt
- Handlebar: Salsa Cowbell
- Grips / Bar Tape: Black Cork
- Seatpost: Promax SP-2016 offset on 54-64cm frames, 27.2 x 350mm
- Saddle: Selle Italia Base-X
- Seatclamp: Surly Stainless, 30.0mm
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Novatec, 6 bolt Disc, 32H, Alex Adventurer 2, tubeless ready
- Rear Wheel: Novatec, 6 bolt Disc, 32H, Alex Adventurer 2, tubeless ready
- Tires: Surly Knard 700c x 41mm, 33 tpi & 650b x 41mm, 33 tpi
* Specifications are subject to change without notice
Frame Construction
The Surly Straggler, 650b, boasts a robust frame built from 4130 Chromoly, Natch tubing, with a double-butted main triangle that’s TIG welded and ED coated for exceptional durability. Its fork construction matches the same high-quality materials with double-butted tapered fork blades and brazed lugs, also ED coated. The bike features a forward-exiting horizontal rear dropout configuration and uses 10 x 135mm rear hub spacing and 10 x 100mm front hub spacing. With 51mm I.S. disc brakes supporting a maximum rotor size of 160mm, the Straggler offers reliable stopping power. Its frame has a Ø34mm head tube, Ø28.6mm steerer tube, and accommodates a Ø27.2mm seatpost. The bike has various tire clearance options for 650b and 700c setups, making it adaptable for different riding styles.
Geometry
| SIZE | 54cm | 56cm | 58cm | 60cm | 62cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 396.3 | 400.7 | 408.2 | 412.1 | 420.9 |
| Stack | 549.2 | 567.3 | 591.1 | 609.1 | 628.2 |
| Head Tube Angle | 72.0° | 72.0° | 72.0° | 72.0° | 72.0° |
| Head Tube Length | 107.0 | 121.0 | 146.0 | 165.0 | 185.0 |
| Seat Tube Length | 540.0 | 560.0 | 580.0 | 600.0 | 620.0 |
| BB Drop | 72.0 | 72.0 | 72.0 | 72.0 | 72.0 |
| Wheelbase | 1016.5 | 1031.9 | 1047.0 | 1056.8 | 1071.8 |
| Chainstay Length | 425.0 | 430.0 | 430.0 | 430.0 | 430.0 |
| Top Tube Length, Actual | 563.3 | 579.7 | 593.2 | 608.0 | 623.0 |
| Top Tube Length, Effective | 565.0 | 580.0 | 595.0 | 610.0 | 625.0 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.0° | 72.5° | 72.5° | 72.0° | 72.0° |
| Standover Height | 791.7 | 809.4 | 828.7 | 846.1 | 865.0 |
| Stem Length | 100 | 100 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Stem Angle | 6° | 6° | 6° | 6° | 6° |
| Handlebar Width | 420 | 440 | 440 | 460 | 460 |
| Crank Length | 172.5 | 175 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Fork Length | 400.0 | 400.0 | 400.0 | 400.0 | 400.0 |
| Fork Rake | 44.0 | 44.0 | 44.0 | 44.0 | 44.0 |
Warranty
Register your purchase at Surly’s Warranty Registration.
LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE SURLY STRAGGLER 650b
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.
