Surly Steamroller owners...

Mario Vaz did the paint job. The photos make it look blue, but it is actually purple.

Found some time to build up my Steamroller, also found out the NDS crank bolt is completely seized. After 4 days trying to get it off, including soaking it in an assortment of penetrating oils and using a stupidly long metal bar for leverage (and a hammer) I've given up and it's off to get acquainted with an angle grinder.

Pretty much done for now.

This is my Steamroller and to be honest I've not discovered the joyful ride that lots of Steamroller riders talk about. This one is a 59cm which about the right size for me as I'm just under 6ft 1". Both my previous bikes were 56cm road bike fixed conversions and much lighter than the Surly. I've changed the forks for some CoLumbus Tusk straight forks which has made the ride much more responsive and knocked off a huge amount of weight. I've fitted a fairly heavy stem and rear wheel which don't help matters weight wise. I'm sure there's something I could do to make the ride more fun and exciting. I'm currently riding 46:16 (2.88 ratio) with a 28c Black Mamba tire on the back and riser handlebars. I'm considering moving to 46:17 (2.71 ratio) or a 47:17 (2.76 ratio) and fitting bull bars so I can get the right position for sprinting and pulling away from a standstill.

Any advice from other owners would be very much appreciated with regard to making my Steamroller experience more exhilarating.

Thanks
J

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My Workaday 'roller. I agree Jewsky that the roller can be a bit on the heavy side. However, that is compensated for by it being such a comfortable ride. I've put 32mm Marathons on mine and a gel saddle - like sitting on an armchair. It really does take the sting out of crumbling pot hole strewn roads. The advantage is of course that I can also ride on gravel/towpaths. rides of 40/50 miles are well within compass. It's not as quick as a road bike rocket - it's not meant to be! Riding my roller is a hassle free pleasure.

Thanks for replying. Yeah I've been thinking about doing that, fatter tyres would make the ride more comfortable for sure but fatter tyres mean more weight and an easier gear ratio to compensate I guess. It's all such a personal thing. What ratio do you have on yours?

What I'm trying to create is a work horse for the daily ride that can do distance, is comfortable, reasonably fast, strong and fun to throw around/skid. I think the Steamroller can be that bike and look good doing it.

Hi Jewsky,
I use a 67inch fixed for the road and a flip flop rear wheel with a 63 inch free sprocket for off road stuff. The Marathon tyres can be a bit draggy but I never puncture. I'm told paselas roll more easily. Maybe I'll try them when the present tyres die.

I took the brake and drops off mine and put risers on, it feels pretty light, need some 32c's my self, swaying to foldable gatorskins, and thinking 49:19-18

I been thinking about selling my Surly ^ i'm pretty reluctant to sell it, but if any one is interested send me a PM

Again??

Yeah i know, not putting it for sale, but if someone needs one more than me, then maybe.

I sold mine. Needed the dough for something else which was to make it useless.

Well its an N+1 right now, and its replaceable, so seems like the logical one to go if needed, sad but true, i do love it.

Seriously considering making my Steamroller my N and getting rid of the +1s. I don't really ride anything else since I built it.

EDIT Sold..

Finally got mine built, needs some tweaks - saddle, 28c's, spds.. but otherwise I'm loving it.

^Classy build!

Seconded. JT, What BB & crankset combination are you using?
Since I put my roller together a year ago, I've hardly ridden my geared bike. It just feels dead in
comparison to the 'roller. In fact, as I get older and slower riding in a bunch on a clubride begins to lose its appeal. I'd rather just ride at my own steady pace on the 'roller and admire the flora and fauna. Maybe though, I'm just dwelling in an ambient fog!

Hey, I am looking to buy a Steamroller (fork+frameset) in 59cm and black colour.

Is anyone thinking about selling his F+F? Ideally PM me!

Cheers

thanks guys!^/^^

haha yeah i feel you, even so the steamroller is capable of being pretty nippy. having said that, i need to rethink my gear ratio as i cant make it over Dog Kennel hill... ;)

Crankset is Sram Omnium and the bb is the standard GXP, runs really nice. managed to pick both up cheap.

Anyone added mudguard eyelets to their steamroller?

I really like this...

Me too

Tyres look like 32mm, on Open Pro?