Overview
The Surly Disc Trucker, 700c, is not just a touring bike; it’s a multi-faceted marvel. Built for long-distance journeys, its robust frame and wide tire clearance also makes it an exceptional all-road rider. Its generous load capacity further qualifies it as an ideal commuter for those who carry substantial gear to work. At the heart of its performance lies the mechanical disc brakes, engineered to deliver unwavering, reliable stopping power in any weather or terrain. Complementing its versatility are the 700c wheels, a nod to road cycling standards, offering a smooth roll that long-distance tourers will find invaluable. This bike is a versatile powerhouse, adept at meeting a range of cycling needs.
The Surly Disc Trucker, 700c, stands as an epitome of road bike touring excellence. With its robust frame and ample load capacity, this bicycle is engineered for those who seek to venture to the far corners of the earth. As panniers are loaded for an extended journey, the bike’s design proves its worth, offering both durability and the ability to carry all the essentials for long-haul exploration. When the urge to wander becomes your driving purpose, the Surly Disc Trucker beckons as your adventure enabler, your gateway to what lies beyond the horizon.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Surly Disc Trucker, 700c, is made for long-distance touring and heavy load carrying. The head tube angle and shortened seat tube angle are optimized for stability and comfort, respectively, making it ideal for carrying heavy loads over extended periods and provide improved stand-over clearance. Its increased stack height promotes a more upright and comfortable riding position and also includes a longer wheelbase and chainstay length, contributing to its overall stability.
In terms of ride feel, the Surly Disc Trucker, 700c, offers a combination of comfort and durability, intended for long-distance touring. Its 4130 CroMoly steel frame provides a ride that is both smooth and vibration-absorbing, yet stiff enough for efficient power transfer. The extended wheelbase and chainstay dimensions contribute to the bike’s overall stability, especially when loaded with touring essentials. The geometry is optimized for long-distance travel, encouraging an upright and relaxed riding posture that not only improves visibility but also reduces stress on the rider’s back and shoulders. The 700c tires significantly contribute to its performance. These larger wheels offer lower rolling resistance, making it easier to maintain higher speeds and navigate over obstacles, which is particularly beneficial on long tours.
vs. the Surly Disc Trucker, 26″
The Surly Disc Trucker, 26″ with its 26″ tires, is priced similarly to the Surly Disc Trucker, 700c. While both bikes have comparable frames, the main distinctions lie in their wheels and tires as follows:
- Wheel Size
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Can accommodate both 26” and 700c wheel diameters, depending on the frame size.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 26″: Primarily designed around the 26″ wheel size.
- Tires
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Uses Surly ExtraTerrestrial 700 x 41 tires.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 26″: Uses Surly ExtraTerrestrial 26 x 46 tires for sizes 42–62cm.
vs. the Salsa Marrakesh Alivio
The Salsa Marrakesh Alivio and the Surly Disc Trucker, 700c, both feature durable steel frames designed for long-distance touring, but they differ in a few key aspects. The Marrakesh comes with both front and rear racks, providing immediate touring capability, while the Disc Trucker does not include racks. The Marrakesh uses MicroSHIFT bar-end shifters and Shimano Alivio components, whereas the Disc Trucker employs Shimano Sora shifters and a mix of Sora and Alivio components. Additionally, the Marrakesh features a triple butted CroMoly frame and fork, while the Surly opts for a 100% 4130 CroMoly steel frame and fork.
- Fork:
- Salsa Marrakesh Alivio: Marrakesh CroMoly Steel fork, built for strength and comfort over diverse terrains.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Surly Long Haul Trucker, 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed, ideal for extended journeys.
- Drivetrain:
- Salsa Marrakesh Alivio: Shimano Alivio and Acera components with a 48/36/26t crankset, known for its reliable performance.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Shimano Sora and Alivio components with a 48x36x26t crankset, offering a blend of performance and value.
- Brakes:
- Salsa Marrakesh Alivio: TRP Spyre-C with 160 mm rotors, ensuring strong stopping power on varied terrains.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: TRP Spyre C, 160mm rotors, reliable for long-distance touring.
- Tires:
- Salsa Marrakesh Alivio: Teravail Rampart 700c x 42 mm, Durable, Tubeless-Ready, designed for grip on varied terrains.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Surly ExtraTerrestrial 700 x 41, suitable for long-distance touring on paved roads.
- Ride Feel:
- Salsa Marrakesh Alivio: Tailored for heavy loads and long expeditions, emphasizing stability especially when fully packed.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Optimized for long-haul touring on primarily paved roads, offering a smoother roll and comfort.
- Geometry:
- Salsa Marrakesh Alivio: Robust frame geometry designed for diverse terrains and heavy loads, ensuring stability.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Features like a shortened seat tube and slightly sloped top tube provide improved stand-over clearance, ideal for extended journeys.
vs. the Kona Sutra
The Kona Sutra, and the Surly Disc Trucker, 700c, both aim to offer a comfortable and stable ride for long-distance touring, but they differ in a few key features that affect ride feel. The Kona Sutra comes equipped with a Brooks B17 leather saddle and fenders, enhancing comfort and practicality right out of the box, while the Disc Trucker comes without these additions. The Sutra uses Shimano GRX components, known for their off-road capabilities, whereas the Disc Trucker uses a mix of Shimano Sora and Alivio, which are more road-oriented. Additionally, the Sutra features hydraulic disc brakes, offering more immediate stopping power compared to the mechanical disc brakes on the Disc Trucker.
- Frame Material
- Kona Sutra: Kona Cromoly Butted frame, known for its durability and versatility.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel frame, tailored for long-haul touring and comfort.
- Fork
- Kona Sutra: Kona Project Two Cromoly Disc Touring fork, designed for a mix of touring, commuting, and light off-road.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Surly Long Haul Trucker, 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed, ideal for extended journeys on paved roads.
- Drivetrain
- Kona Sutra: Features Shimano GRX components, known for their reliability in varied conditions.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Shimano Sora and Alivio components, offering a blend of performance and value for long-distance touring.
- Brakes
- Kona Sutra: TRP HDC711C Mechanical/Hydraulic brakes, providing strong stopping power in diverse conditions.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: TRP Spyre C, 160mm rotors, reliable for long-distance touring on primarily paved roads.
- Ride Feel
- Kona Sutra: Geared towards versatility, the bike can transition between touring, commuting, and light off-road adventures.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Optimized for long-haul touring on primarily paved roads, offering a smoother roll and enhanced comfort.
- Geometry
- Kona Sutra: A balanced geometry designed for a mix of stability and agility, suitable for diverse applications from city roads to light trails.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Features like a shortened seat tube and slightly sloped top tube provide improved stand-over clearance, tailored for extended journeys on paved roads.
- Tires
- Kona Sutra: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700x40c, designed for grip and durability on varied terrains.
- Surly Disc Trucker, 700c: Surly ExtraTerrestrial 700 x 41, suitable for long-distance touring on paved roads.
Features
Touring-Optimized Geometry: The geometry of the Surly Disc Trucker, 700c is tailored for long-haul touring on primarily paved roads, ensuring comfort and a smoother roll during extended journeys.
Reliable Disc Brakes: Equipped with TRP Spyre C with 160mm rotors, the bike offers consistent and dependable stopping power, essential for varied terrains and long rides.
Efficient Drivetrain: The bike’s drivetrain, featuring Shimano Sora and Alivio components, promises smooth shifting and reliable performance for long journeys.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Surly Disc Trucker, 700c is equipped with the following mounting points to cater to all your gear-hauling needs:
Front Fork Mounts: There are multiple mounts on both sides of the front fork for water bottles, cargo cages, or front racks. (upper, lower, and mid-blade threaded)
Rear Rack Mounts: The rear of the bike has mounts for attaching a standard rear rack for panniers or other gear. (upper and lower threaded)
Down Tube Mounts: The down tube has mounts for a water bottle cage or for attaching additional gear.
Seat Tube Mounts: The seat tube also has mounts for a water bottle cage.
Fender Mounts: The bike has mounts for full coverage fenders, which are essential for wet weather riding.
Surly Disc Trucker, 700c Featured in the Wild
Surly Disc Trucker Review Video: First Ride
In a recent review by BIKEPACKING.com, the all-new Surly Disc Trucker is put to the test, showcasing its revamped features and design. The author, Logan Watts, highlights the bike’s redesigned fork, increased tire clearance, updated geometry, and several new standards upgrades. Neil Beltchenko, the YouTube channel host, offers a comprehensive video review after borrowing the bike for a few days. As Watts mentions, “Last week, Surly released its completely redesigned Disc Trucker with a lot of new features,” emphasizing the significant changes and improvements made to this popular touring bike.
Review! Surly Disc Trucker: Shall You Buy it or NOT? (2022)
The Surly Disc Trucker has long been recognized as a quintessential touring bike, and the 2021 model brings several updates. The author of the review on Cycloscope highlights the bike’s iconic status, likening it to the Harley Davidson of the bicycle world. The Disc Trucker is designed for long-distance travel on primarily paved roads, but its 100% Surly 4130 Chromoly steel frame also offers off-road capabilities. The reviewer notes, “Surly Disk Trucker’s reputation among the small but ever-expanding bunch of touring cyclists has grown to be known as one of the most reliable and affordable touring bicycles on the market.” The article suggests that while the bike may not be as affordable as before, its reputation and performance make it a worthy consideration for touring enthusiasts.
Specs
Build Kit
The Surly Disc Trucker, 700c, is a touring bike designed for long-haul comfort and durability. Its frameset is made of 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel, complemented by a lugged and brazed fork of the same material. The bike features a reliable Shimano Sora and Alivio drivetrain with a 48x36x26t crankset and 11-34t, 9-speed cassette. Braking is handled by TRP Spyre C disc brakes with 160mm rotors. The bike also includes a Cane Creek 40 headset, Surly Truckstop Bar, and WTB Volt Sport saddle. Wheel components include Novatec hubs and Alex Adventurer 2 rims, wrapped in Surly ExtraTerrestrial 700 x 41 tires.
Frameset
- Frame: 4130 Chromoly, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded, ED coated
- Fork: 4130 Chromoly, Natch tubing, double-butted tapered fork blades, brazed lugs, ED coated
- Seat Post Clamp: Surly Stainless 30.0
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek 40, 1-1/8″
- Brakes: TRP Spyre C
- Brake Levers: Shimano Sora
- Rotors: 160mm front and rear
- Shifters: Shimano Sora 3×9
- Stem: ProMax 31.8 4 bolt
- Handlebar: Surly Truckstop Bar
- Grip/Tape: Black Cork
- Saddle: WTB Volt Sport
- Seatpost: ProMax 27.2, 350L, non-offset (42-50), offset (52-64)
- Seatclamp: Surly Stainless, 30.0mm
Drivetrain
- Crankset: Shimano Alivio 48x36x26t
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano SM-BB52
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora R3030
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio M4000 SGS
- Cog or cogset: Shimano Alivio, 11-34t, 9 speed
- Chain: KMC X9
Wheels
- Front Hub: Novatec 12×100, 6 bolt, 36H
- Rear Hub: Novatec 12×142, 6 bolt, 36H
- Rims: Alex Adventurer 2
- Tires: Surly ExtraTerrestrial 700×41
- Tubes: included
Other
- Pedals not included
Frame Construction
The frame of the Surly Disc Trucker, 700c, is constructed from 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel, featuring a double-butted main triangle that is TIG welded for durability. The fork is also made from 4130 Chromoly Natch tubing, with double-butted tapered fork blades and brazed lugs, also ED coated. The rear dropout configuration is vertical, with rear hub spacing of 12×142 and a rear axle size of Ø12 x 162. The front hub spacing is 12×100 with a front axle size of Ø12 x 118.5. Both front and rear brakes are disc-flat mount, compatible with a 160mm max rotor. The head tube diameter is Ø34mm, and the steerer tube is Ø28.6mm (1-1/8″). The bike features a 68mm threaded bottom bracket and offers generous tire clearance for both 26-inch and 700c wheels. The frame also includes a seatstay-mounted spoke holder and downtube-mounted shifter bosses.
Geometry
| Frame measurements (mm) | 56cm | 58cm | 60cm | 62cm | 64cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. BB Drop | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| B. Chainstay Length | 450 | 450 | 450 | 450 | 450 |
| C. Fork Length – Axle to Crown | 390 | 390 | 390 | 390 | 390 |
| D. Fork Offset | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| E. Head Tube Angle (deg) | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
| F. Headtube Length | 175 | 195 | 215 | 235 | 250 |
| G. Reach | 387.5 | 391 | 400 | 402 | 412.5 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle (deg) | 73.0 | 72.5 | 72.5 | 72.0 | 72.0 |
| I. Seat Tube Length – Center to Top | 560 | 580 | 600 | 620 | 640 |
| J. Stack | 613 | 632 | 651.5 | 670.5 | 685 |
| K. Standover | 813 | 832 | 851 | 869 | 885.5 |
| L. Top Tube Length (Effective) | 575 | 590 | 605 | 620 | 635 |
| M. Wheelbase | 1051 | 1060 | 1075.5 | 1084 | 1090 |
| Component measurements (mm) | |||||
| Crank Arm Length | 175 | 175 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 |
| Handlebar Rise / Drop | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Stem Length | 100 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 120 |
| Stem Angle (deg) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Warranty
Register your purchase at Surly’s Warranty Registration.
LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE SURLY DISC TRUCKER, 700C
This Surly product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for three years from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below. Save your dated receipt for proof of purchase.
This warranty does NOT cover the following:
- Damage due to improper assembly or follow-up maintenance or lack of skill, competence or experience of the user or assembler
- Products that have been modified, neglected, used in competition or for commercial purposes, misused or abused, involved in accidents or anything other than normal use
- Installation of components, parts or accessories not originally intended for or compatible with bicycle as sold
- Damage or deterioration to the paint, surface finish, aesthetics or appearance of the product
- Normal wear and tear
- Labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly
This limited warranty is expressly limited to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at the option of Surly, and is the sole remedy of the warranty. This limited warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Surly product and is not transferrable. This warranty applies only to products purchased through an authorized dealer or distributor. In no event shall Surly be liable for any loss, inconvenience or damage, whether direct, incidental, consequential, or otherwise resulting from breach of any express or implied warranty or condition, of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or otherwise with respect to our products except as set forth herein.
This limited warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights, and those rights and other rights may vary from place to place. This limited warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THESE WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS INCLUDING WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
