Surly Disk Trucker

"If"
Life is full of uncertainties.
Now, to put things into perspective, if I ever consider getting a large-framed bike, it would be a Surly Disk Trucker.
Why? Because this bicycle is going to go anywhere.
Mechanical disk brakes provide stopping power in any condition imaginable.
They are far better than v-brakes in various aspects.


The bike shops far South..
I know for a fact that at least one bike store in Singapore sells Surly frames.
The prospect of a four-hour road trip and walking in to a store managed by Cro-Magnons, Neanderthals, apes and monkeys is well, simply a put off.
Now, the funny thing is this: There are no official dealers in Singapore on Surly's website. But, there is a distributor.
I guess my ugly face isn't well-liked at bikestores in this puny island republic.
Each time I walk into such a place, I get a dirty stare and was once told to return back to my country because my business isn't needed.. Hahaha!
So, having said that, I don't think I will ever get a Surly even if my pants is on fire!

The Disk Trucker offers something that other touring bikes don't have: Real brakes!

The Surly is a bicycle that needs no introduction.. 

With a good reputation and a solid built, Surlies are respected and highly sought-after by tourists who cycle...

True class..
The fact that there is a 'Surly Club' here in Malaysia came as no surprise.
I met at least two fellas who ride their Surlies around the country and abroad.
One of them even bought a pair of panniers from me and the other, well, I met him at a bikestore in Kuala Lumpur. Seemed pretty stuck-up at first, but as we struck a conversation, it dawned on me that well to do people don't socialise.. Sad, but true.
And now, there's even a Surly Long Haul Trucker Malaysia Club on Facebook. How interesting!
Well, all good things said and done, I guess its a matter of time if I ever meet these guys when I'm touring. So, to all you Surlians out there, I lift my beer mug to you.. Cheers!

Surly Long Haul Trucker

I made a beeline to the Scott Concept Store (formerly known as BikePro) in Taman Megah with my buddy Billy today.
Found a Surly Long Haul Trucker Frame hung on the store's wall priced at RM2,080 a pop.
Now, if I am to embark on a long-haul tour on a 26" bike, the Surly would be a top choice.
Why? Its known to be one of the best touring bikes in the world.
Similarly, there is a Cinelli frameset which is going for RM2K at Collin Lee's Godzilla Bikes.
When I was at the PIPR 11 ride, a guy told me that he is getting a surly frame for SGD700 in Singapore.
I don't know this dude that well and have been hearing about his plans to ride around Malaysia. 
So far, its only talk.
Back on the Surly bikes, I knew for a fact that an elite group of touring cyclists in the Klang Valley are doing some serious ride on the bikes.
I also sold a set of Topeak panniers to a Surly owner.
That stingy bugger was bound for Europe.
If I ever lay my paws on a Surly, it would be a disk trucker.
The price for a fully-built Surly Long Haul Trucker is roughly about RM5K. But if you want some good stuff to go with it, the price may be higher...