2021 Surly Disc Trucker Review | Their best yet or a step backwards?

Surly introduced the Long Haul Trucker way back in 2007 and has been a favorite among the bike touring community since then. But in 2012 Surly redesigned the Long Haul Trucker and released the Disc Trucker to appeal to those asking for the better braking abilities that disc brakes provide. And now the newly redesigned 2021 Surly Disc Trucker is available and there are some mixed feelings about it among the community of those that travel by bike.

Some see the changes a nice welcome while others view some of the changes as a step in the wrong direction for Surly, specifically in the new frame design. Changes to the frame include a shortened seat tube and slightly more sloping top tube that allows for a shorter stand over height.

Though the lower standover height that has the marketing department at Surly telling half truths, the lower standover height only effects the smaller frame sizes. The standover height on the larger models actually increased.

The chainstays have also been shortened to improve the stiffness and handling of the bike when fully loaded. Another change Surly has made to increase the stiffness was to go with 12mm thru axels. Internal dynamo wiring and three-pack mounting on the fork are also a nice touch for the new 2021 Surly Disc Trucker.

The fork and frame also now feature TRP flat mount disc brakes for better compatibility with newer brake systems. They’ve also increased the stack height for a more upright riding position to allow the rider to be more comfortable on those longer rides that this bike was designed for. To add to the more upright position they’ve added the Surly Truck Stop Bars to the build.

The increased tire clearance to allow for 47mm wide tires on 700c wheels with or without fenders or 26″x2.1″ means this bike will most likely be able to handle any terrain most riders plan to find themselves on. The tubeless ready Surly ExtraTerrestrial tires are a nice touch as well.

Surly has stayed true to the 3x though offering a 3×9 that Surly clams to have the widest gear range possible with the Shimano Alivio 11-34t 9 speed cassette and matching 26x36x48t chainrings. Shifting on the Surly Disc Trucker is handled by Shimano Sora. I have to admit that I wasn’t a fan of the Pea Lime Soup paint job but the more I gaze at those pictures the more I like it.

The new 2021 Surly Disc Trucker is available for $1,675 as described here or $725 for the frameset. It’s 10 different frame sizes ranging from 42cm-64cm means you’ll definitely be able to find one that fits you. The smaller frame sizes get 26” inch wheels while the larger frames are specced with 700c wheels.

Checkout Surlys fantastic and quirky video of the 2021 Surly Disc Trucker here.

You can also find more information on the all new 2021 Surly Disc Trucker by clicking here.

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