What happens when no one makes the bike you want?
Make it yourself. This custom built Surly Disc Trucker evolved from a conversation in the shop about how much the 26″ wheeled Truckers would be with some big 650 wheels and disc brakes. While we were at it, we built it up for a lighter-duty sort of use than the standard “ride it to Timbuktu” build that Surly sends these bikes out with. We wanted to set it up with drop bars and hydraulic brakes, which brought about the conversation about whether downtube shifters, bar-end shifters or Paul Thumbies were the way to go. Ultimately the vote was for the super-clean looks of downtube shifters. Some of us still ride them and they’re a great way to get Dura-Ace quality without breaking the bank.
We built this because it represents a bridge between the Surly Straggler (now available in 650b) and the Disc Trucker. More stable and “tour-y” than the Straggler but without the performance and weight penalties usually associated with the Trucker. So there. We eventually ended up setting it up for a client with custom black-ano metal fenders and a set of Schwalbe Marathon 650 x 1.75 tires. for use as a daily commuter with fun weekend potential.
Details: TRP Hylex brakes- full hydraulic, baby
Re-badged with some “old-style” Pacer decals.
We got in these LTD edition Camo Odyssey pedals and thought they looked rad on this bike. Again, maybe an odd choice but we do know folks who roll thousands of miles a year on flat pedals.
One more Glamour shot.