Thursday, September 25, 2025

Straggler - One Month Review & Commentary


One month along with the new Surly Straggler and I'm still digging it.  The initial comments (with picture!) from last month still hold.  The further comments I can make are:
  • pro: I really like the 1x11 SRAM Apex drivetrain.  And everything else.  Almost.
  • con: It's been a little bit of a struggle to keep the disc brakes in alignment, between the comfy-but-flexy steel frame, pain-in-the-ass horizontal rear drop-out, and quick-release axles.  I've finally got it dialed, but this bike could really benefit from having thru-axle dropouts and hubs.
So here, a month after getting mine, Surly updates the bike for the first time in its 10 year run, and what does the new version have?

Thru-axles.

It now comes in two component levels, which are a $300 and an $800 price jump up from mine.  The older version is still available, but if you're looking, go with the new.  The thru-axles alone are worth the price jump, though there are some other nice upgrades and improvements to the geometry as well.

Anyway, here's a review at Singletracks online magazine, here's the new Straggler page (with links to the two versions from there), and a link to the old (*sigh*) Straggler page.

Thru-axles.  Straggler shoulda had 'em years ago.  But I will get by.

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