Is This the Perfect All-Road Bike? Bike Check: Surly Straggler

[@8Ryanaugust]

Yes! There are not enough Straggler videos. Thank you!

[@MulksBikes]

I agree!!!

[@peterbedford2610]

Still my favorite surly

[@the_nondrive_side]

4:18 I know it looks silly to do it but I have seen people put a second handlebar with a longer stem instead of spacers and use it for mirrors and lights. bar bags etc.

[@MulksBikes]

Yeah I've seen this idea! Extremely functional🤙

[@TheRickurb]

Well done! Great setup

[@MulksBikes]

I'm glad you like it

[@michaelthompson7196]

I just came across this video, nice work! Sweet bike! I'll be replacing my '92 Bianchi Project 5 cross bike, now used for touring, with a Surly, either Straggler, Midnight Special or Disc Trucker. Thanks for a great tour. Oh, and I use a "Selle Anatomica" saddle, similar to the Brooks, but the SA comes in a rubber version that I like for touring. Weatherproof and comfortable. See you out there.

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your new bike! I have that Anatomica now too! It's great - It fits me better than the Brooks

[@robgilbert3395]

So many great ideas to upgrade my DT. Thanks kindly!

[@MulksBikes]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching

[@baxtersvidz]

thanks for the inspiration. building a black straggler from the frame up for commute / intown playtime. hope mine turns out as good as yours!

[@alanjohnson8396]

Excellent build and well thought out. I’m “ borrowing “ your fishing rod holder idea for a 1990’s MTB I’m converting to a touring, riding to the beach bike. In fact I’ve already mounted the rear rack snd have been deliberating as to the best method to mount my rod holder. Thanks for the tip.

[@MulksBikes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aldoramonz]

That’s Really nice bike. Don’t change anything, it’s what makes it your bike. Me gusta 👍🏻

[@MulksBikes]

I'm considering adding a Rohloff instead of the SRAM Apex.

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks @aldo !

[@grillface101]

Thank you for sharing this. It was good to see another Straggler set up for practicality and comfort! You're making me want to try the 8-pack rack even more (I currently run the same rear rack as you + panniers for commuting / shopping).

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks! I've had a rear rack for years. Hardly ever use it since adding the 8-pack rack. Have been thinking about adding a Wald Basket to try out and maybe a front bag like this bikepacking.com/index/basket-bags/

[@grillface101]

@@MulksBikes Yes, an 8-pack with a wald basket is in my future I think...! It can't hurt to try, at least :P

[@bobbys7330]

Sweet build!

[@faintscrawl]

8-pack plus that "plate" seems like a more versatile option than the 24-pack, allows to you to get a little leaner if so desired.

[@MulksBikes]

yeah, I have both, I like the TV tray better

[@christianhuber4054]

Sick build brother 👌🤘🤘

[@mhilde7744]

Nice bike, well thought out! I'm jealous

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks!

[@masonlee9109]

rad fishing rod holder. nice bike! thanks for posting this.

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks man, I wish someone sold these - they're easy to make

[@garrettorpin6584]

A propane tank! LOL! My guy, nice build!

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks!

[@Goenzelsen]

Can‘t wait for Surly to finally offer modern disc brake mounts for all of their bikes. Why launch a new bike in 2023 (Preamble) with a bracket standard that has been obsolete for ages?

[@MulksBikes]

There's def a good bit of overlap in the Surly models. 👍

[@petergibson7287]

You'll have to explain that one; what's obsolete about the bottom bracket used on the Preamble, and all the other road bikes? British standard 68mm threaded type bottom brackets will be with us bicycles forever.

[@Goenzelsen]

@@petergibson7287 disc brake brackets

[@bikeman7982]

Nice build. Hey that’s the shock top seat post (not stem). You can try the shock stop stem - it adds a lot of comfort on rough surfaces, but I think the shortest is 80mm, so it may not work for you. Consider the spur cycle bell. IMHO it’s the most elegant one.

[@MulksBikes]

Correct. I have them both.

[@Name-bf3zm]

Hotline! Nice review, well done,

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks 👍

[@dalevalentine9008]

Great review. Just bought this bike.

[@MulksBikes]

Good choice!

[@shamrock4840]

Dynamite video - so how does it ride?

[@MulksBikes]

Rides great. Handles quick yet stable. Did 68 miles on Saturday. Still not excited about the B17 saddle. Tires are noticeably faster rolling then anything I've mounted yet

[@shamrock4840]

@@MulksBikes awesome

[@speedy1490]

I notice at 6:40 while showing youre dropouts that the Hub/Wheel is slammed to the back of the dropout. Are you noticing any lack of shift quality? As far is I know the Hub should be sitting at the front of the dropout when running a derailleur setup. That way the distance between derailleur and cassette is much closer and the whole geometry of the drivetrain looks way more "normal" to me. Im a bike mechanic, and proud owner of a Straggler myself. But finding the correct way of using those dropouts wasnt easy for sure.

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks for watching!! I wish there was! I'd love to have a justifiable reason to swap the group set or change something, but it's been stellar since I got it. I've kept it in the same spot as how the shop built it originally, based on the paint marrings from the axle washers. Never had any issues with shifting, and haven't had any issues with axle retention since I added the set screws and changed out the axle. This bike has now exclusively become my rando bike - completed a good amount of long distance rides last season, including a 200k.

[@ChaseFarnum]

Do you have a link for the for the new axel you put in? I would love to replace it in my surly. It’s come undone a few times and shifted a bit. Love the set-up already purchased a few items from your video for my straggler! The wolf tooth and the redshift.

[@daniboi79]

Interesting bar tape color, very nice Staggler. Love the color. Do you commute everyday on it? Did you consider the Midnight Special before getting the Straggler?

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks! Bar tape was something i had sitting around. I ride to the office occasionally, but I'm rarely there. I did not. The M.S. is typically a 650b setup according to Surly, even though I think you can go 700x38 with fenders on it, but I'm 6'4" and this bike is setup for Rando rides more or less and I really like the 700x42 supple sidewalls

[@riverthecat]

Those bars are beutiful..wow..nice bike

[@MulksBikes]

I really like them. Thanks for watching🙏

[@Mike-vd2qt]

thanks for vid, I've been trying to decide on a Straggler. Your 60cm frame how tall are you? I'm usually a 58-60cm at 6foot tall, long arms, legs 33" inseam. I've owned two LHT, one Pacer, one Karate Monkey in the past.

[@MulksBikes]

6'4" tall. I could have gone one size smaller if that's all that was available and made up for it in stem and post. I had a fitting with it last year though, and it's perfect now. Did 128 miler on memorial day with no ergo-issues.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@@MulksBikes Thanks, I wound up getting a 58cm Surly Midnight Special. Built it with 700c wheels and 2x11 GRX. Liking it so far. Happy trails!

[@8Ryanaugust]

I’m curious: Surley rates this frame for max 41mm clearance. How are you running 42mm with fenders? Other thing: I’m considering buying this stock setup for gravel/road towing my Burley trailer with my toddler daughter. Your the first vid I’ve seen to mention towing. Any concerns with towing off-road? I’m also switching from fixed to geared; once you get that child weight behind you, you definitely need some more gears under your foot lol.

[@MulksBikes]

Man, this is right up my ally! So I've seen people run 47's on reddit. The 42's are barely wider than the 41's that come on the complete build. My 41mm Surly Knards actually measure wider than my 43mm Panaracer Gravel Kings when measured with a caliper. I don't like to push the limits, but 42mm is perfect for this frame & fenders. Also I really, really wanted the Teravail Ramparts 700x42. I pull a Thule Chariot Cross trailer with my bike. I had to swap the QR axle for a Bolt-on immediately or else you'll pull the wheel straight out of the drop-puts. I also swapped the 42t chainring out for an absoluteBlack 38t Oval Chainring, to give me a little bit lower gearing when cranking up those steep hills. It helped a lot and I haven't hit a hill yet where we can't get up it with little extra effort. As for off-road, I have only flipped the trailer over once. We were on some gravel in a river bank and crossed pavement lip at a diagonal. Luckily my daughter was strapped in tightly and I don't think she even knew anything happened. We always secure the straps tightly and make sure her helmet is snug. Also I bought an extra seat padding kit and that seems to make a big difference. We started out with a trailer we got as a gift and we didn't get too far down the road before my daughter started crying, I think it was due to discomfort. I was told to buy the most expensive bike trailer I could. Now we can go out all day and she has no complaints. It's water tight, has shock suspension, but Like you were mentioning, you'll notice that extra weight from time to time.

[@8Ryanaugust]

@@MulksBikes Thanks so much for the info! Anecdotes like this are the most helpful. Glad to know this model can tow effectively with the right upgrades. I’ll probably end up doing the same. I was concerned it might be too “squirrely” with a trailer and kiddo on gravel, but sounds like you’ve put plenty of miles on it. I was also concerned that I might want bigger tires than this frame allows, but I suspect that around 41/42 will be enough. At some point bigger tires detract from the quality/enjoyment of the ride and also take away the accessibility to cross over into longer pavement rides. I 100% agree on the trailers: we also got an entry level trailer and returned it after one ride and a lot of crying. We upgraded to the Burley’s D’Lite X with all the padding and reclining seats, and it’s completely worth the money, just like I imagine that Thule is.

[@MulksBikes]

@@8Ryanaugust absolutely! I love interactions like this, it's the reason I'm on KZbin. If you suspect that you will EVER want bigger tires then you might look at the Surly bridge club or midnight special.

[@sevenerson]

Surly needs to put a rear kickstand mount. Nice bike but seems to be over looked by most manufacturers except trek and giant.

[@MulksBikes]

I think a kickstand option would be rad! My eBike has a kickstand and it's the first kickstand I've had since I was a kid; how useful it is! (Especially pulling a trailer)

[@RandyChinery]

Agree 💯 % I just don’t know why they didn’t 🤷🤷

[@PudgyPedalPusher]

I know that party bike!

[@dnegs7]

What size is the set screw for axle?

[@MulksBikes]

I'm not sure on the size, my lbs had them in stock. You can find them on Performance Bike "SURLY STRAGGLER FRAME REPLACEMENT DROPOUT SCREWS"

[@dnegs7]

@@MulksBikes M4 screw. Should be 50mm long

[@scottlynch5804]

Great bike man! My 58cm Straggler frameset just arrived this week. I'll be building it up in the next couple weeks. You gave me some ideas. I had never heard of the Redshift Cruise Controls. I'll probably get some after watching your video. What half frame bag do you use/recommend with your Straggler?

[@MulksBikes]

Thanks! I have a Lead Out Mini Frame bag and Brooks England Scape Frame Bag.

[@keithbasham2413]

why straggler over crosscheck? just curious

[@MulksBikes]

I can't remember specifically, but I did lots of comparison between the Crosscheck/Straggler/Bridge Club/ Midnight Special. I wanted fenders, tire width for 700c's, and racks, but I was building this bike for randonneuring.

[@adrifero]

Hi Mulk. Good video! I love this long set up video a lot. One question..i m buying Straggler next month and wondering about size 58 or 60cm. I am 1.83 tall or 6'. I see you got 60cm frame. How is your experience? what is your height by the way? I appreciate it! Gracias :)

[@TomCarmack]

I am also 6' and have the same question. Great video!

[@MulksBikes]

I'm 6'4" and the 60cm was perfect. If it were any bigger I'd be in trouble. I could probably have gone with the 58, but I emailed and called Surly, in the end I was confident in the 60cm. My other road bike was a 59cm for reference.

[@suspiciousninja1220]

I like it, good vid

[@MulksBikes]

👍 thanks!

[@TheTWhite]

Is the purpose of the dropouts being that direction for wheel repair while loaded or something? Seems odd that you could pedal and yank the wheel out of the dropouts before your modification with the bolt to stop it.

[@MulksBikes]

I'm not sure. They're just common road bike dropouts instead of track dropouts. Stomping on the pedals going uphill caused me to pull the axle forward and loose chain tension because I couldn't get the camlock on the axle tight enough with my hand. I'm also heavy and pull a 60lb trailer. I havent had the issue since switching the axle and adding the factory tension screws. The tension screws make for a pain in the butt if you have to change a tube or tire on the fly tho.

[@maximumaurellius6940]

May I know what sort of brake adapter did you use to accommodate the flat mount GRX pls?

[@MulksBikes]

These are just the BB7's that come with the complete build. I don't have GRX for my Straggler. I've since swapped out the brakes that came with the complete build with Paul Klampers. I'd recommend the Klampers for the Straggler 👍

[@ahmadzuhairi]

How did the Rampart roll? any downsides to it

[@MulksBikes]

I love them - they are fast! I got a puncture last year. Plugged it and rode for the rest of the summer but then after a few months the plug wasn't holding so I swapped one of the tires. I bought them again for my State bike cuz they're sorta fat and still fast.

[@breakingbikes]

How much does it weigh ?

[@TravisClark1]

39lbs

[@MulksBikes]

39 pounds ⚖️

[@mr.gigitix]

😎👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheLankyCyclist]

super functional bike... the fishing rod holder is sweet. I've strapped them to my saddle pack and let them dangle off the back the couple of times I've gone bike fishing. That's a way better setup!

[@MulksBikes]

I even went as far as trying a telescopic pole, but I haven't had much luck finding any decent ones.

[@3cinski]

' Thanks a lot , sir ! Such I'm in the middle of building a bike for Grand Tour. As a basis, I chose a structure built by Octane One manufacture - of the Flap Jack type -------- , _o ----- `_

[@MulksBikes]

Good on ya! I'll have to check them out. Good luck!

[@GordoGambler]

Better setup than most. So many bikes now have idiot slope top tubes. Now get a ROHLOFF14 dude, mine has 20,000 trouble free miles. I also have been using a SA XL-FDD dyno DRUM brake. First one is now on it's 3rd bike after 2 tours and 30,000 miles. ZERO worries set and forget the whole time. Cable TRP Spyre with the R14. Resin pads stop instantly, but only lasted 5,300 miles.

[@MulksBikes]

Heck yeah! That was my whole plan, even had it on order, but instead I bought an Ogre and a Karate Monkey with that money. Couldn't justify it with never having any troubles with my drivetrain. Love rohloff!