Many have tried — and failed — to define Surly. Forget what you may have heard: we're not a bunch of grouchy, metal-obsessed conspiracy theorists (though there's some stuff you should know). Our taxidermy skills have seriously improved, and we don't live in the woods behind our office anymore. What we are is an assortment of personalities and humanoids all brought together by one common interest: bike nerdom. We make serious steel bikes for people who don’t take themselves too seriously.
We don’t like to talk down to other frame materials. Instead, we’re adamant that steel is the best material for the kinds of bikes we design and ride. Our ‘Natch!’ tubesets are designed by our engineers to match the intended use and loading characteristics of each individual model. Size-specific tubesets, Custom butting profiles, proprietary forks, design details out the wazoo... all these features create the “Surly Ride” – comfort and compliance – that is consistent across all Surly bikes.
Surly riders span the range of sizes and shapes while giving the finger to the principles of pinpoint marketing demographics. This isn’t some exclusive club. You’re welcome to join as long as you’re comfortable in your own skin. One thing Surly riders have in common is a penchant for cutting through bullshit. You don’t need to wear a uniform or kit to ride a Surly. Just throw your leg over and go.
