Surly Bikes Updated the Lowside: More Klunker Than Ever, Still Expensive

Hey Klunks! Did you see Surly’s updated Lowside “single-speed mountain bike?” This thing always had the soul of a Klunker in my mind, but it’s even more obvious now. Let’s take a look.

Surly launched the Lowside a few years back, and I loved it from the getgo. In fact, it was partially responsible for my introduction to modern Klunkers. I would have bought one, and sometimes wish I did, but I couldn’t quite get past the ~$2,200 CAD price tag.

Listen—I’m not implying anyone is being ripped off or Surly has done something nefarious. They’re not cool enough to do that. (Unlike SE bikes and their “Kardashian Pricing.“)

It’s just that it cost double my Klunkerson.

This new version is not a total re-imagination. But it is updated nicely—most notably with new colours: Blue Monday (blue), New Pig Smell (pink) and Tangerine Dream (orange, like the original).

Funny thing, Tangerine Dream costs $50 less than Blue Monday, and New Pig Smell costs $50 more. Is it weird that I kinda like the pink one best?

Here’s a rundown of the most notable changes:

• Modern trail standards: dropper post compatibility, 44mm headtube, Gnot-Boost rear spacing, thru-axles
• Compatibility with most mountain bike standards makes it the perfect parts bin bike (no rim brakes allowed though)
• Spec’d with 27.5 x 2.8” Maxxis Rekon+ tires; also capable of running 26 x 3″ tires
• Color-matched Surly Sunset handlebar with silver components

What’s really cool for the builders among us, is the frame and forkset option. For $1,419 CAD you can score the starter package and kit it out as you see fit. Such an awesome choice for folks who want to migrate some of their existing parts or just customize the build.

I’d probably just buy the full bike though, as I think it’s pretty sweet off-the-floor.

But why am I writing about a self-proclaimed “mountain bike” on Klunkers? Well, it’s in Surly’s own descriptions where this bike becomes Klunker-esque:

“Lowside is like the grownup version of the bike you rode when you were a kid and still had hopes and dreams and some semblance of ambition. It’s just as happy riding singletrack as it is parked outside your favorite drinking establishment.”

Isn’t that the spirit of the Klunker? Grown-up BMX bikes, fit for dirt tracks and pub cruising?

Here’s a breakdown of the full build. Would you spend $2,199 CAD (about $1,600 USD) on this bicycle?

FRAMESET
Frame	Surly Lowside – 4130 Chromoly, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded, ED coated
Colours	Dream Tangerine, Blue Monday, New Pig Smell
Fork	Surly Lowside – 4130 Chromoly, Natch tubing, double-butted tapered fork blades, TIG welded, ED coated

COMPONENTS
Headset	Cane Creek
Seatpost Clamp	Surly Stainless 33.1mm clamp
Seatpost	2 Bolt, 30.9mm
Stem	Sunday Freeze top load 22.2mm clamp
Grips/Bar Tape	Velo Black
Saddle	Selle Italia Black
Handlebar	Surly Sunrise

DRIVETRAIN
Cassette	Surly 17t w/ spacer kit
Chain	KMC X10
Crankset	SRAM NX 32t
Brake Levers	Tektro Hydro M275/276
Brake Calipers	Tektro Hydro M275/276
Bottom Bracket	SRAM
Rotors	Tektro 160/160, 6-Bolt

WHEELS
Tires	Maxxis Rekon+ 27.5 x 2.8″, 60tpi
Front Hub	Novatec 15 x 110mm, 6-bolt, 32h
Rear Hub	Novatec 12 x 148mm, 6-bolt, 32h
Rim	WTB ST i35 TCS 27.5″

Ultimately, what would tip me over into buying this bike is the fit. You can find the full geometry specs here, but s a 6’2″ dude that had to make a few mods to my Klunkerson to dial it in, I’m sure the Lowside would provide a more comfortable and confident ride right out of the box.

(Large or even extra large frame size—did I mention it comes in five sizes? Pretty impressive actually.)

So, what’s my verdict? I do love Surly bikes. I actually daily ride a Gen 1 Big Easy. I like their style, their company ethos and the way they authentically lean into the pure fun factor of riding bicycles.

That’s where the Lowside comes in—it’s stripped down, no frills fun. And to me this looks like as much of a winner as Surly’s ever built.

And just one more reason I think—nay, KNOW—that Klunkers, Big BMXs and other similar rides are poised to be the next major trend in cycling.

If Surly isn’t careful, they just might end up going mainstream.