Hey, I just bought a Surly Pugsley snow/trail bike

[Denninmi]

Looked at it at my local favorite bike shop a few weeks ago. Then I went to a presentation on winter biking last week at REI, and the thing stuck in my mind. Plus, it was on sale $1350, marked down from MSRP of $1699. So cost me like $1550 out the door with a few add-ons and tax (6 percent here in Michigan).

I did a pretty good test ride, and was really surprised at how well it handled, and with the speed I could attain, given that tires almost 4 inches wide naturally have greater drag due to surface friction. It has a traditional derailleur system , I woukd have preferred an internally geared hub, but you can't have everything.

In the online reviews, everyone seems to give it high marks, and say its great for trail riding even on rough trails. About the only negative comment is that it's strenuous going up large steep hills.

Looking forward to good winter fun this year, also bought myself a pair of snowshoes from REI.

[1StrongBlackMan]

1. YOU are a Job-Creator! n/t

[DollarBillHines]

2. I have never heard of these bikes.

I Googled it and it looks like it would be fun on the beach.

[mindem]

3. Those are cool bikes.

I'm bumming that the season is coming to an end. I was going to try to ride more in October but work and a long bout with the flu kind of threw me off my schedule. I'm getting close to hitting my 2500 mile goal for the year. We have the Heartland Trail to ride here which makes it nice.

[OnyxCollie]

4. Damn, that's a lot of cash to drop on a bike.

Me, I'm happy with the used Trek 850 with Manitou forks I got for $175.

[frylock]

5. super jealous!

I'd buy a fat bike if i could possibly justify the expenditure. Tree Fort Bikes does a piece on their FB page every week featuring fat bikes.

[Denninmi]

6. Yeah, my MasterCard is gonna burst into flames.

Just dropped about $2500 in Sept. on my Specialized.

[wtmusic]

7. Surlys are very popular in CA

A buddy of mine rode one across the northern 48 last year.

You're better off with the derailleur, hub shifters weigh too much.

[Denninmi]

8. I was just concerned about gumming up with wet snow conditions.

But as was pointed out during the REI presentation, the right type of chain lube makes a big difference. Anyway, it's all good.

[happyslug]

10. I have biked in some serious snow, I never had a problem with the gears

Snow melts, thus tends NOT to be a problem, it is the stuff that is mixed up with the snow you have to worry about, mostly material tied in with snow "removal" (Salt, gravel, sand, ashes etc).

Thus, if you stay off the paved roads (or at least the paved roads someone is dumping such "Snow Removal" products on), using a derailleur should NOT be a problem.

On the other hand, if you should use this bike on a Highway that has such snow removal items on it, then you may want to consider changing the rear mechanism.

Side note: I have found snow NOT to be much a problem, even with slicks. The problem I have had has been with ice, and that mean going to a studded tire. PeteR White out of New Hampshire sells them, if you are interested.

Note on Studded tires, I use them ON ROAD and the studded tires with the LEAST Studs work best on road. You only need fully studded tires when you will have NO traction, i.e packed snow or ice NOT Loose snow.





http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp

[happyslug]

9. Photo of actual type of bike:

Last edited Wed Nov 7, 2012, 04:00 PM - Edit history (3)

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/pugsley

65mm wide WHEELS, 2 9/16 inches WIDE RIM (Not TIRE but the RIM the tire is on).

They also have a 100mm Rim (a 1/16th of an inch short of Four Inches), to be used with 4.7 inch tires.



http://surlybikes.com/parts/clown_shoe

I notice the tires are to be pumped up to 120 psi, but you will want less pressure if you want traction (and more pressure if you are willing to give up traction for ease of pedaling).

[Kolesar]

12. The big wheel is for the new Moonlander

I saw one at Century Cycles. The salesman said to use it for loose sand. Surly is the coolest. I don't own one, though.

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/moonlander

[Denninmi]

13. Damn, it's just like my iPod.

As soon as you buy a piece of technology, it becomes obsolete.

[Kolesar]

14. Except electronics gets thinner and Surlys get thicker...eom

[krik65]

11. Krik Edward

Thanks you for the sharing good information with us