Surly, Steamroller


This build makes no pretence about the fact it’s a simple steel workhorse, but yet it is still a hoot to ride. It’s a singlespeed (can be run fixed or free) that’s built for road riding. Unlike many track bikes it’s geo is closer to that of a road bike and has the added real world benefits of a bottle cage and rear fender mounts. Clearance is also a non issue as it can swallow up to 38mm tyres. Individual tire and rim combos affect tire clearance, but figure on being able to use tires up to 32mm with fenders. Couple that with Surly’s famed double-butted 4130 CroMoly steel, TIG welded and ED coated construction and it smooths out even the worst winter road or gravel path.

This build was intended for double duties as a bag free commuter and training bike. Which with the addition of a rear brake and freewheel it has now added south down centuries to its list of accomplishments!

Rear Dropouts: Investment cast Surly track dropouts, 120mm spaced
Brake Compatibility: Standard reach road calipers, but there are no stops for housing Braze-ons/extras: Eyelets on the rear dropouts and one set of water-bottle mounts on the seattube ’cause we’re not camels
Chainring Clearance: Heavy manipulation of the chainstays gives room for a 50t ring while maintaining chainline. Track crank-compatible
Fork: 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed flat crown that is drilled to accept a standard mid-reach (47–57mm) caliper brake.

This build makes no pretence about the fact it’s a simple steel workhorse, but yet it is still a hoot to ride. It’s a singlespeed (can be run fixed or free) that’s built for road riding. Unlike many track bikes it’s geo is closer to that of a road bike and has the added real world benefits of a bottle cage and rear fender mounts. Clearance is also a non issue as it can swallow up to 38mm tyres. Individual tire and rim combos affect tire clearance, but figure on being able to use tires up to 32mm with fenders. Couple that with Surly’s famed double-butted 4130 CroMoly steel, TIG welded and ED coated construction and it smooths out even the worst winter road or gravel path.

This build was intended for double duties as a bag free commuter and training bike. Which with the addition of a rear brake and freewheel it has now added south down centuries to its list of accomplishments!

Rear Dropouts: Investment cast Surly track dropouts, 120mm spaced
Brake Compatibility: Standard reach road calipers, but there are no stops for housing Braze-ons/extras: Eyelets on the rear dropouts and one set of water-bottle mounts on the seattube ’cause we’re not camels
Chainring Clearance: Heavy manipulation of the chainstays gives room for a 50t ring while maintaining chainline. Track crank-compatible
Fork: 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed flat crown that is drilled to accept a standard mid-reach (47–57mm) caliper brake.