It’s hard not to love Surly when you start reading about them. This isn’t some hipster brand that makes mountain bikes like they were before mountain bikes were cool, they simply don’t care about cool.
Behind the unusual range names – Karate Monkey, Ghost Grappler, Preamble – and colourways like Nose Drip Curry and Champagne Supernova, there’s a simple set of values: utility, versatility, durability. Surly make steel bikes where the ride experience is above all else. Frames are designed to suit their intended use, whether it’s commuting, gravel or trails, and to provide “the Surly ride”: a feel that’s characterised by comfort and compliance.
As much as we love seeing the latest innovations and technology from brands like Trek, there’s a big place in our hearts for the simple enjoyment of throwing your leg over and going… wherever. That’s obviously something that resonates strongly with cyclists all over the world as Surly have carved themselves a niche in the industry by just making great bikes that last a long time for anyone who wants to ride them.
…serious steel bikes for people who don’t take themselves too seriously.
Born from dissatisfaction
Surly Bikes emerged from the discontent of passionate cyclists who were unsatisfied with the status quo. Founded in 1998 in Bloomington, Minnesota, the company’s name embodies its ethos – “surly” means bad-tempered or gruff. It’s a nod to the cycling community’s desire for something different, something that didn’t conform to the industry’s standards.
This rebellious spirit birthed a company that took bold risks, creating bikes that defied convention. Instead of chasing trends, Surly set out to design bikes that were practical, durable, and versatile. Their philosophy can be summed up in one word: utilitarian. Surly bikes are not just vehicles for leisure; they’re tools for everyday life, capable of handling diverse terrains and carrying heavy loads.
Embracing the quirky and offbeat
Surly’s attitude is best described as laid-back and irreverent. They don’t take themselves too seriously, just like the people who buy their bikes. Surly doesn’t conform to the glossy, high-tech image that many bike companies project. Instead, they celebrate the quirky, the weird and the wonderfully imperfect aspects of cycling. This could easily feel forced and manufactured if it weren’t genuine but when Surly talk flippantly about themselves and their bikes, even dropping in the odd S-word here and there, it doesn’t sound like forced insolence from a bratty brand; it feels natural and authentic.
Inclusivity and community
Surly make a big deal about inclusivity but not in a way that sounds like it came from a board meeting. They talk about making bikes for all shapes, sizes and skill levels, so you can have fun on yours, “However you choose to define fun”. This attitude is reflected in their diverse product lineup, which includes bikes for various purposes, from touring and commuting to fat biking and mountain biking. Surly’s bikes are designed to be accessible to a wide range of riders, and they actively promote cycling as a means of transportation, adventure and self-discovery.
Surly at Activ Cycles
Our team have carefully selected bikes from Surly’s range that build on and complement our selection of gravel, touring and hybrid bikes. This includes dropbar and flatbar gravel bikes, touring bikes, singlespeed mountain bikes, fat bikes and more. We also have an extensive range of frame-only options because we know that Surly is the kind of bike that will appeal to people who want to choose the componentry spec for themselves, with our team on hand to help you pick your parts and assemble it all.
See the full Surly range here.
