A veteran of urban cycling culture
There are few frames that have shaped the concept of modern urban cycling and fixie culture as significantly as the Surly Steamroller. The model first saw the light of day in 2000 – a time when the wider cycling market was still dominated by triple chainrings, and legendary meeting places such as the Triple Rock were still open and the knees of today’s cycling veterans didn’t yet make any suspicious noises when pedalling. Over an unprecedented 23-year run, the Steamroller became an absolute fixture on the streets of cities around the world. It was the bike courier’s tool of choice, a faithful companion on the daily commute to work, the means of transport for unplugged gigs, and the indestructible vehicle for night-time trips to out-of-the-way pubs.
The Steamroller’s enduring success has always been based on its uncompromising focus on the essentials, combined with a robust build. The road-ready steel frame handles potholes, kerbs and the harsh conditions of the urban jungle without complaint. Another key feature that set the Steamroller apart from classic, narrow track frames and made it versatile was its generous tyre clearance: the fork and rear triangle accommodate 38-millimetre-wide tyres on 28-inch wheels. In doing so, Surly anticipated, more than two decades ago, the tyre widths that are now the norm in the modern gravel and all-road sectors.
The subtle yet crucial update
The long-awaited new edition is being launched in the exclusive ‘Anxious Lavender’ colourway. But the revamp isn’t just cosmetic: Surly has added a functional detail to the frame that is sure to spark discussion amongst die-hard track bike purists. The new model comes factory-fitted with cable stops for a much cleaner and more elegant routing of the rear brake cable.
In its usual humorous manner, the manufacturer comments on this move by saying that, following one or two internal ‘safety meetings’, it was decided to give in to the demand for proper brakes. After all, anyone who still wants to ride completely naked and without the ‘B-word’ knows exactly where to find an angle grinder.
The Steamroller is available exclusively as a frameset, comprising the distinctive steel frame and matching fork. The geometry remains true to its sporty yet long-distance-friendly roots. With a consistent bottom bracket drop (BB Drop) of 70 mm, the bike sits firmly on the road, whilst the short wheelbase – depending on frame size – allows for extremely agile manoeuvring in heavy traffic.
The frame is available in five different sizes, ranging from 49 cm to 62 cm, so that riders of all builds can find the perfect base for their own dream build. As production is strictly limited, the principle is: once they’re gone, they’re gone. Prospective buyers can order the set directly via the manufacturer’s website or plan a custom bike through their local Surly dealer.
Facts about the Surly Steamroller frame set
- Model & Colour: Limited special edition ‘Anxious Lavender’
- Price: 699 euros
- Key change: Integrated cable stops for the rear brake
- Ground clearance: 28" x 38 mm
- Frame sizes: 49 cm, 53 cm, 56 cm, 59 cm and 62 cm
Geometric data
| Frame size (cm) | 49 | 53 | 56 | 59 | 62 |
| Top tube (mm) | 529.5 | 547.0 | 568.0 | 587.0 | 608.0 |
| Overhang height (mm) | 748.5 | 780.5 | 807.9 | 835.2 | 865.3 |
| Reach (mm) | 388.1 | 394.0 | 402.3 | 408.2 | 420.6 |
| Stack (mm) | 504.9 | 531.3 | 558.8 | 586.4 | 618.1 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 956.8 | 966.5 | 978.6 | 987.5 | 1009.1 |
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
