For riders without the need to tackle steep gradients, a single-speed bike reduces complexity without reducing your ability to do exactly what you want with your bike. Related: Rigid vs Hardtail vs Full-Sus MTB Why give up on the gears?Ī single-speed MTB is much easier to maintain and repair which results in a longer lifetime for your drivetrain. Steering sensitivity is higher meaning you can corner faster.They are faster because they are lighter and more efficient.Power is lost through each pedal stroke on a suspension bike A rigid bike is more efficient than one with suspension.They are lighter as the suspension is generally quite heavy.The main advantages of a rigid mountain bike over a hardtail or full-suspension alternative are: Why give up the suspension on a mountain bike? Without the expense of suspension, Surly has been able to use premium rims, tires, and brakes which allow this bike to perform better than other rigid mountain bikes in this price range. Additionally, the bike has comfortable BMX-style geometry. A flexible and high-quality Chromoly steel design mean that this bike absorbs more vibrations than an aluminum or carbon frame. What’s special about the Surly Lowside?Īs a rigid mountain bike, the Lowside is still quite comfortable. Of course, it is primarily a mountain bike and has a single-speed drivetrain so there are limitations to its ability to tackle steep gradients or ride for many miles.Īny rider who wants a highly durable and comfortable mountain bike to use both on singletrack and on urban or rural roads will certainly enjoy the Lowside. This bike’s versatility makes it perfect for many styles of rider. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, WTB ST i35 TCS rims, and Maxxis Rekon+ tires provide a more controlled and durable ride when tackling rough trails and wet conditions.

The frame is also compatible with the dropper post and other mountain bike standards with the ability to add tires 26″ x 3.0″ or 27.5″ x 2.8″. The frame uses “Gnot-Boost” 145mm rear spacing for running a Boost or non-Boost hub depending on your preference. Additionally, this bike performs well in urban environments, especially as a day-to-day runaround.Ī 4130 steel frame and fork along with the single-speed drivetrain mean this bike is highly durable and requires very little maintenance compared to a regular geared bike. This is a single-speed bike that is perfectly at home on singletrack thanks to careful frame design and component selection. The Surly Lowside is a simple 27.5 mountain bike that delivers far more than meets the eye. Since the company began, they have slowly perfected the single-speed bike and the Lowside shows what exactly is possible with this dedication and attention to detail. This bike’s versatility means it is as comfortable riding singletrack as it is on urban streets. The Lowside is a Surly single gear mountain bike much like a “grownup BMX”.

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