Surly Bike Owners

Hi.....I recently became a Surly Ogre owner. Planning a ride next year to Turkey (maybe beyond) and I've decided this is the bike to do it on but there's a few things I want to change.

New wheelset with dynamo.

Halo have a front MTB dynamo wheels that you can buy, dynamo aren't necessary, think about how often you ride at night, if you're charging stuff, maybe a massive powerbank or two may suffice.

Lights

See above, if battery, a small rear flashing and a good high beam front one, I also recommend a head torch.

Currently running 1x11. Would prefer a 3x7/8/9.

I recommend a simple 36/22t chainset paired with a 11-36t cassette, that give you a lower gear than a 32t with a 50t sprocket (only a little), but the 1x11 is not uncommon for touring, the rear cassette look quite small.

9 or 10 speed is the best option overall, as wider cassette are avaliable on that, or even go 11-40t with a double for a super low low gear ratio.

NOTE: This is where you can save a lots of money by sticking to the 1x set-up by changing the cassette and a smaller chainring (if this is not 30t already), 11 speed is fine for touring.

Swap hydraulic brakes for cable. Looked at BB7s and Spykes?

Keep hydraulic, they're not really a problem, or go for BB5s, never Spykes.

New racks (rear isn't mine and I'm not keen on the width of the front one). Looked Blackburn Outpost front?

Any rack will be fine, best is Tubus, however the Tortec Expedition is a decent one that have a good range of mount.

Look into cages to fit on the fork, they're the lightest and easiest solution to carry stuff without the heavy rack.

Budget of about £1200 and another £100 for bits I've forgotten, new grips etc

£1200 is a lots of money, the drivetrain will eat up a lots of that, and so will the dynamo, it's best use to get quality luggages (bikepacking and/or panniers), as well as decent saddle, bike fit (if needed) and comfortable cockpit being keys, the wheels look pretty good along with the tyres.

Any advice much appreciated.

Have a read on this article on the Bridge Club, it's almost completely stock and was used for proper touring, it's not an Orge but the principle stand on running a 1x, hydraulic and what have you.

https://theradavist.com/surly-bridge-club-review/