Surly Straggler 650b (Steel Blue)

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.