Updated: July 19, 2025
I’m utterly obsessed with Surly bikes! Their every detail captivates me, which is why I dove headfirst into the world of the Midnight Special. After hearing rave reviews echoing through cycling communities, my curiosity was thoroughly piqued, and I embarked on a comprehensive journey through the internet’s vast expanses to gather everything there is to know about this remarkable machine – the stellar moments, the minor quibbles, and everything that falls between.
This article represents the fruit of that labor – a thorough review that examines the Midnight Special through multiple lenses, aiming to equip you with a crystal-clear picture of whether this bike deserves a place in your stable for those next epic road adventures, or perhaps… not quite yet.
As a devoted rider of the Surly Long Haul Trucker, which I’ve pushed well beyond 10,000 kilometers and lovingly customized into a hybrid tourer-gravel crusher, I find myself genuinely intrigued by what the Midnight Special brings to the table. It’s positioned as a ‘road plus’ bike, masterfully crafted for devouring long rides with surprising ease while retaining the capability to venture confidently off the beaten path. The prospect of blending predominantly road-based bikepacking adventures with the Midnight Special’s versatile capabilities sounds nothing short of exhilarating.
Surly Midnight Special: The Essential Overview
Type: Gravel-oriented road bike optimized for faster-paced adventures on mixed terrain
Current Price: $2,349-$2,499 USD (pricing varies by wheel configuration and location)
Weight: Approximately 11.16 kg (24.6 lbs)
Wheel Options: Available in both 650b and 700c configurations
Tire Clearance: Up to 650b x 60mm or 700c x 42mm (without fenders)
Frame/Fork Construction: Premium 4130 Chromoly steel frame with matching steel fork
Braking System: TRP mechanical disc brakes
Groupset: SRAM drivetrain components
Drivetrain: 1×11 speed configuration (40T chainring paired with 11-42t cassette)
Geometry Philosophy: More upright riding position than traditional gravel bikes, featuring shorter and more predictable front-end steering geometry, plus a compact rear end designed for nimble handling
It’s worth noting that the Midnight Special has earned its place among the top contenders in our comprehensive ultimate list of steel gravel bikes, where we showcase the finest steel-framed gravel machines available today. The robust 4130 Chromoly construction and thoughtful geometry place it firmly in elite company among steel gravel enthusiasts.
Where the Midnight Special Truly Excels
The Midnight Special distinguishes itself through thoughtful component selection and purposeful design choices. The 11-speed SRAM drivetrain delivers that familiar, confidence-inspiring feel that road cyclists crave, making it an instant favorite among those looking to expand their horizons without abandoning the responsiveness they’ve grown to love.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten in this design – the bike features carefully positioned eyelets for front racks and rear carrying systems, addressing the real-world needs of riders who view their bicycles as vehicles for genuine adventure. Rolling on those distinctive 650b wheels (when so equipped), it strikes an almost magical balance between the explosive acceleration of a racing machine and the steady confidence of a touring workhorse.
The compact frame geometry infuses speed and agility into every pedal stroke and steering input, while those generous 47mm tires work tirelessly to absorb road imperfections and trail chatter, crafting what I can only describe as an exceptionally refined riding experience.
The Riding Experience: Where Road Meets Adventure
Here’s where things get genuinely exciting: the Midnight Special successfully bridges the gap between zippy road bike performance and the enduring comfort that makes long touring days actually enjoyable. It demonstrates notably quick steering response yet maintains remarkable stability when the going gets rough. On smooth pavement, its speed and agility immediately come to the forefront, but here’s the beautiful part – it transitions to gravel surfaces with unwavering confidence, rivaling dedicated gravel race bikes in terms of precision and control.
The smaller wheel size (in 650b configuration) genuinely enhances steering accuracy, allowing riders to dodge obstacles and navigate tight situations with an ease that larger-wheeled alternatives simply can’t match. Lightweight yet undeniably robust, the Midnight Special’s agility serves as its crowning achievement, ensuring consistently exhilarating rides across whatever terrain you choose to explore.
Design Philosophy and Practical Considerations
This bike confidently treads the line between what I’d call a ‘fat tire road bike’ and a legitimate gravel grinder, featuring those plush 47mm WTB Horizon tires that transform harsh surfaces into surprisingly smooth experiences. Its design philosophy leans more heavily toward traditional road bike geometry than typical gravel machines, marked by a shorter wheelbase and compact 425mm chainstay length. This design choice keeps the bike remarkably agile and responsive, though it does create some interesting trade-offs.
For those contemplating the Midnight Special for loaded touring adventures, particularly on challenging uphill terrain, consider opting for a cassette with broader gear range to accommodate heavy loads more comfortably. The current 11-42t range works beautifully for most applications, but serious touring might benefit from additional climbing ratios.
The bike embraces the flat mount standard for disc brakes, offering excellent versatility with the ability to accommodate post mount brake systems via readily available adapters. As for tire clearance, the frame confidently handles up to 650b x 60mm (27.5 x 2.35 inches) or 700c x 42mm tires, providing impressive flexibility in wheel and tire selection.
Sizing and Fit Considerations
Surly has thoughtfully designed the Midnight Special to accommodate a genuinely wide range of riders, with top tube measurements stretching from 500mm to 625mm across eight carefully considered frame sizes (ranging from 40cm to 64cm). This sizing spectrum aims to accommodate individuals roughly between 5’0″ and 6’8″, though getting the sizing precisely right can present some challenges. I strongly recommend seeking professional fitting at your local bike dealer to ensure the perfect match—it’s absolutely worth the extra effort.
Honest Assessment: The Less-Than-Perfect Aspects
Let’s address the elephant in the room: while those stock 47mm tires provide exceptional cushioning and comfort, they lack the aggressive tread patterns that serious gravel adventures often demand. This suggests the Midnight Special might not be the ideal choice for extended off-road expeditions through challenging terrain.
Additionally, the bike’s road-leaning geometry can potentially lead to less comfortable handlebar positioning during extended rides on consistently rough surfaces. This characteristic reinforces its identity as a road-plus machine rather than a dedicated gravel grinding specialist.
Customization Potential: Making It Yours
Feeling adventurous with modifications? The Midnight Special welcomes customization with open arms. Consider a fork swap—the Whisky No. 9 CX fork, with its 395 x 45mm specifications, plays beautifully with the original 12mm thru-axle wheels and flat mount disc brake systems. While the stock fork measures 400mm with offset options of 40 or 50mm, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from experimenting with alternatives. After all, thoughtful aftermarket modifications often add another layer of personalization and performance enhancement.
Off-Road Capabilities: Setting Realistic Expectations
Can you confidently take the Midnight Special off the beaten path? Absolutely! However, it’s important to align expectations with reality. As long as your definition of “off-road” doesn’t include technical rock gardens or root-infested singletrack mazes, you’re perfectly positioned for success. This machine possesses the heart of road geometry while maintaining sufficient ruggedness to handle moderate off-roading and gravel grinding with genuine competence.
Thanks to its sturdy steel frame construction and those cushioning tires, it glides over bumps and surface irregularities while keeping you rolling smoothly forward. Those substantial tires provide the confidence to tackle whatever reasonable challenges lie ahead without constant second-guessing.
Though it clearly leans toward its road bike heritage, don’t be fooled – this bike harbors a genuine wild side that’s eager to be unleashed on smoother trails and well-maintained gravel paths.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose the Midnight Special?
After extensive consideration and real-world evaluation, here’s my honest assessment: if you’re approaching from a road cycling background and seeking a machine with significantly larger tire clearance capabilities, the Midnight Special emerges as your ideal companion. It’s essentially a road bike enhanced with fat tire capability and adventure-ready versatility.
If you’re pursuing a road bike with enhanced versatility and adaptability across various terrain types, this machine absolutely has your back. The combination of familiar road bike handling characteristics with genuine multi-surface capability creates a uniquely appealing package.
When comparing it to its sibling, the Straggler, the Midnight Special represents the superior choice for riders prioritizing speed and road performance. That expanded tire clearance makes a meaningful difference in real-world applications! For those curious about the detailed differences between these two Surly offerings, we’ve conducted a comprehensive head-to-head comparison in our Surly Straggler vs Midnight Special analysis, exploring exactly why the Midnight Special emerges as the better choice for many riders seeking that perfect blend of road speed and gravel capability.
In our current era of adventure cycling, having the ability to run tires up to 60mm compared to more traditional 42-47mm offerings represents a significant advantage in off-road capabilities and rider confidence. The Midnight Special succeeds brilliantly at being exactly what it promises: a road bike with adventure aspirations, ready to expand your riding horizons without sacrificing the performance characteristics that make road cycling so addictive in the first place.
Surly Midnight Special
2,498.99
Pros
- Very harmonious overall package
- Robust and versatile
- Superb handling
- Great long-term value
Cons
- High price considering the spec
- Weight
About The Author
