{"id":46756,"date":"2023-02-22T13:00:30","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T12:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=717074"},"modified":"2023-02-22T13:34:17","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T12:34:17","slug":"flat-or-drop-bar-take-your-pick-with-the-surly-preamble","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/flat-or-drop-bar-take-your-pick-with-the-surly-preamble\/","title":{"rendered":"Flat or drop bar? Take your pick with the Surly Preamble\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Preamble is the new entry-point to Surly\u2019s range <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 22 February 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Surly has unveiled the Preamble, an entry-level steel bike designed around both flat and drop handlebars.<\/p>\n

Surly is known for its no-nonsense steel bikes, and the American brand says the Preamble is built \u201cfor comfort, durability and general buffoonery on mostly paved surfaces\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Preamble arguably sits between bike categories. The flat-bar version looks much like a hybrid bike<\/a> suitable for commuting<\/a>, whereas the drop-bar version is similar to some of the best gravel bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Preamble is offered in five sizes, from XS to XL, and Surly claims the geometry works well for both flat and drop handlebars.<\/p>\n

The brand says the top tube is sloped on the two smallest sizes for improved standover and comfort.<\/p>\n

There will be two builds of the bike available, with either drop or flat bars<\/a>, as well as a frameset option. Pricing starts at \u00a31,099 \/ $899 for the complete bikes.<\/p>\n

Hard-boiled and straightforward<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Surly Preamble can be set up with a flat or drop handlebar.<\/span><\/figcaption> Surly <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Surly says the Preamble is a \u201chard-boiled and straightforward steel bike\u201d, and this is reflected in the bikes\u2019s materials and design features.<\/p>\n

The frame uses Surly\u2019s proprietary chromoly \u2018Natch\u2019 steel tubesets, which contribute to the comfort and durability claims.<\/p>\n

The bike has an \u2018ED\u2019 (electrophoretic deposition) coating, which is an anti-corrosion treatment.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Surly Preamble has disc brakes and quick-release dropouts.<\/span><\/figcaption> Surly <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Preamble is built around disc brakes<\/a> with quick-release dropouts.<\/p>\n

There are mounting points to run both a rack and mudguards<\/a>, as well as space for two bottle cages<\/a> in the main triangle.<\/p>\n

\""Surly\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Preamble uses Surly\u2019s Natch tubing.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Surly <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Surly\"<\/picture><\/div>
The bike has a few playful decals, including a chisel on the seat tube and \u2018Preamble\u2019 in gothic text.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Surly <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Surly\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2018Fatties Fit Fine\u2019 is Surly\u2019s slogan for frames that can fit large tyres.\u00a0<\/span> <\/figcaption> Surly <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The Preamble is compatible with 2x and 1x drivetrains<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s clearance for 650b x 41mm gravel bike tyres<\/a> on sizes XS and S, or 700c x 41mm on the larger sizes, with or without mudguards.<\/p>\n

Surly Preamble geometry<\/h2>\n
<\/colgroup>
\ufeffFrame<\/th>XS<\/th>S<\/th>M<\/th>L<\/th>XL<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Head tube angle <\/b> (degrees)<\/td>70<\/td>71<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle <\/b>(degrees)<\/td>74<\/td>73<\/td>72.5<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube length <\/b> (mm)<\/td>500<\/td>545<\/td>570<\/td>600<\/td>630<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube length <\/b> (mm)<\/td>120<\/td>135<\/td>130<\/td>170<\/td>210<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube length <\/b> (mm)<\/td>410<\/td>480<\/td>565<\/td>605<\/td>645<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay length <\/b> (mm)<\/td>420<\/td>420<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase<\/b> (mm)<\/td>987<\/td>1,013<\/td>1,030<\/td>1,055<\/td>1,085<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach <\/b> (mm)<\/td>352<\/td>381<\/td>391<\/td>404<\/td>421<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack <\/b>(mm)<\/td>517<\/td>535<\/td>567<\/td>605<\/td>643<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>