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Some may remember a Surly model we discontinued called the Instigator. The Instigator was a burly hardtail made for going fast and going big. Our new Instigator picks up where that one left off. This thing is beefy and tough, yet quick-handling and well balanced. This new Instigator differs from the old one of course. Most notably, Instigator 2.0 is what we call 26+, designed to run 26˝ (559mm ETRTO) Rabbit Hole rims. At 50mm they’re quite a bit wider than standard MTB rims, and coupled with our 2.75˝ Dirt Wizard tires the overall diameter is about 27.5˝ (roughly 650b). All this means you get loads of traction and cushion yet you can still accelerate like mad. The toptube is long and the wheelbase relatively short, with a nice front/rear balance. This thing is made from the ground up to swoop, rail, hammer, drift, carve and fly. It goes downhill like nobody’s business and climbs well too. Instigator 2.0 employs a 44mm headtube, which paired with a tapered steerertube will provide a stiff front end and compatibility with lots of suspension forks. The rear end uses our new Modular Dropout System, allowing you to change up your drivetrain according to your riding preference. Frames ship with MDS dropouts in 10mm track end singlespeed, standard vertical with derailleur hanger and a 142 x 12mm thru-axle versions, while complete bikes ship with the direct-mount Shimano thru-axle chip. Pick your poison.

Specifications

Instigator Geometry 2014
units:

Select a few bike sizes to compare.

SIZE xSmall (13) Small (15) Medium (17) Large (19) xLarge (21)
Reach 14.9 377.9 15.9 402.9 16.6 422.9 17.5 443.7 18.3 463.7
Stack 23.0 584.5 23.0 584.5 23.0 584.5 23.6 598.3 23.6 598.3
Head Tube Angle 67.5° 67.5° 67.5° 67.5° 67.5°
Head Tube Length 3.9 100.0 3.9 100.0 3.9 100.0 4.5 115.0 4.5 115.0
Seat Tube Length 12.8 298.6 14.8 376.4 16.8 427.2 18.8 478.0 20.8 528.8
BB Drop 1.2 30.0 1.2 30.0 1.2 30.0 1.2 30.0 1.2 30.0
Wheelbase 42.1 1070.5 43.1 1095.5 44.1 1120.5 45.0 1142.0 45.7 1162.0
Chainstay Length 16.4 416.4 16.4 416.4 16.4 416.4 16.4 416.4 16.4 416.4
Top Tube Length, Actual 21.8 552.8 22.5 570.8 23.0 584.7 23.7 601.1 24.5 621.6
Top Tube Length, Effective 21.9 555.0 22.8 580.0 23.8 605.0 24.6 625.0 25.4 645.0
Seat Tube Angle 73.0° 73.0° 73.0° 73.0° 73.0°
Standover Height 29.1 738.7 29.3 745.2 30.4 771.6 31.4 796.7 32.6 827.7
Fork Length 20.0 508.3 20.0 508.3 20.0 508.3 20.0 508.3 20.0 508.3
Fork Rake 1.7 44.0 1.7 44.0 1.7 44.0 1.7 44.0 1.7 44.0

All dimensions are preliminary and subject to change * Standover is measured from the top of the TT, at the center, with a tire measuring approximately Ø700mm ** The XS frame size does not include a support tube like the others; therefore, the ST Length measurement is taken from the center of the BB to the top of the TT.

Tubing

100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. ED coated. Double-butted main triangle. TIG-welded.

Rear Dropouts

Surly Modular Dropout System gives you the option of 142 x 12mm thru axle (Shimano Direct Mount derailleur hanger [axle included]), 10mm QR geared, or singlespeed.

Brake Compatibility

Disc only

Braze-ons/extras

None

Seatpost Diameter

30.9mm

Seatpost Clamp Diameter

33.1mm (Surly clamp Included)

Headset/Steerer Tube

44.0mm ID headtube

Front Derailleur Clamp Diameter

34.9mm

Bottom Bracket Shell

73mm BB Shell, ISCG-05 mount

Chainring Clearance

Triple 22/34/44t, Double 26/39t, max single ring clearance, middle position, 36t. Outer position 44t. (Triple will not work with Surly 50mm rim and 26 x 3˝ tire, for doubles, run a Surly O.D. Crankset for best tire clearance).

Tire Clearance

26 x 3.0"

Fork

Tapered steerer, 27.5" suspension fork (140mm travel)

Thru Axle

HU0133 Surly 12x142 Rear Thru Axle

Color

SolidGold Gold

Support

Frame Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY

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.