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 review 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.
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Had a 2015 Surly Ice-creme Truck now a bit different as they ditched the double high range chain ring. Don’t know why. I prefer the double to get more down hill speed. Mine shifted like a clock. Anyway lost that with others because failing California can’t make fire hydrants work and 98 homes burn in my hood. My son has the same model and found Surly to make a very good product. Both bikes have served very well. Used and not babied and asking for more that’s my impression of a Surly. Can’t go wrong with this one either tough and simple and less to go wrong. Anyone that visits this site must have had their eye’s on this one because your simple tough basic bike with no trash to brake and falling chains is on our menu right? When I first saw this bike about four years back msrp was about 1,200. At that time it was not easy to get. Probably Sruly were being careful no to make too many if they didn’t sell after all the market for off road bikes is to put long travel suspension loaded up with a bunch of gear to out do the competition. Based on mine is bigger than yours theory. I think riders are getting hep that when you buy to o much bike = too much unneeded weight = less fun and more fatigue and lays to rest until the next yard sell. There is no excuse not to like the Surly Low Side unless your a political lefty. The Surly Low Side is the AK47/AR 15 of bicycles the bike to assault🪖 any town city junior high and should be banned from any child under 18 as they would cut school and go riding. Come on go to school or ride the Low Side. The choice is simple let the grades slide. Heck you don’t even have to know how to read to be governor of California and he’s a millionaire and that’s a fact. In fact summer is almost here DAD. Maybe buy one for junior one for yourself on the plastic get fired and go riding. Worry about the other stuff latter. So what’s the down side to the Low Side ? Only one thing to consider before you buy and that is those wide tires have a bit of drag on the asphalt if you plan to do much of that while riding it however off road the flip side is those tires probably make this ride very plush in the rough. Do to inflation to manufacture this fine ride I think the price is on par. As I have written before ( If you want or dream of owning this fun bike you better buy it now.) Why? Prices Rise Wages Rarely Do, the longer you wait the farther away the bike gets if money doesn’t rain under your roof. This bike should last a life time if maintained being made of steel/ chromoly resistant to rust as well. Though not cheap if you plan to use it then the money is well spent as SURLY makes Quality Bikes. The only reason I don’t have one is there is no more room for another bike but there is no such thing as too many. So What IS THE LOW SIDE It’s a BMX that matured into a MOUNTAIN BIKE with the DNA of a KLUNKER. The Battle Bike that maybe banned or TAXED in your State and heavily regulated for being too dam fun.🤠
Yeah, I so want this bike. God help me I think I’m going to buy one.
You should. Riding a bike is very healthy. It’s like buy gym equipment and fun entertainment at the same time. Like running but easy on the joints plus good for the cardio. The perfect excuse. Now you must buy it ,Doctors Orders. If you do please post. G.S.
I’ll keep you posted! In the meantime—think you can help this guy out: https://klunkers.ca/help-a-newbie-needs-advice-on-the-best-klunker/