Updated: 17th March 2024
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, my curiosity was piqued, and I embarked on a deep dive through the internet’s vast expanses to gather everything there is to know about this bike—the stellar, the mediocre, and everything in between.
This article is the fruit of my labor—a comprehensive review that sifts through various facets of the Midnight Special, aiming to equip you with a clearer picture of whether this bike is the companion you’ve been seeking for your next road adventure or perhaps not.
As a devoted rider of the Surly Long Haul Trucker, which I’ve pushed over 10,000 km and customized into a hybrid tourer-gravel crusher, I’m intrigued by the Midnight Special.
It’s pegged as a ‘road plus’ bike, crafted for zipping through long rides with ease while still having the chops to venture off the beaten path. The prospect of blending mostly road bikepacking adventures with the Midnight Special’s capabilities sounds nothing short of thrilling to me.
Surly Midnight Special: Overview
- Type: Gravel bike optimized for faster-paced, rougher gravel rides.
- Price: $2,198.99 USD (Prices may vary by location).
- Weight: 11.16 kg or 24.6 lbs.
- Wheels: 650b.
- Tire Clearance: Up to 650b x 60mm or 700c x 42mm (without fenders).
- Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel.
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc.
- Groupset: SRAM Rival.
- Drivetrain: 1 × 11 (40T Crank and 11-42t SunRace cassette).
- Geometry compared to other gravel bikes: More upright riding position, shorter and predictable front steering, and a shorter rear end for quick handling.
The Midnight Special shines with its top-notch components, boasting an 11-speed SRAM Rival groupset, making it an instant hit among road cyclists who crave a familiar feel but are looking to expand their horizons.
It’s designed with practicality in mind, featuring eyelets for front forks and a rear rack option, catering to your carrying needs. Rolling on 650b wheels, it strikes a fine balance between a racing dynamo and a gravel/touring workhorse. The compact frame geometry injects speed and agility into every turn, while the plush 47mm tires soak up vibrations, crafting an exceptional riding experience.
Blending the zippiness of a road bike with the enduring comfort of a touring model, it’s notably swift in steering yet remarkably steady. On paved paths, its speed and agility come to the forefront, but don’t be fooled; it transitions to gravel with unwavering confidence, rivaling a ‘gravel race bike’ with its precision and control. The smaller wheel size enhances steering accuracy, allowing you to dodge obstacles with ease unlike its larger-wheeled counterparts.
Lightweight yet robust, the Midnight Special’s agility is its crowning glory, ensuring an exhilarating ride across varied terrains.
The Midnight Special might accommodate some low-rider front racks, but due to its unique frame geometry, they may not be the optimal choice.
This bike treads the line between a ‘fat tire road bike’ and a gravel grinder, featuring plush 47 mm WTB Horizon tires for a smooth ride.
Its design leans more towards a traditional road bike in geometry than that of a gravel bike, marked by a shorter wheelbase and compact chainstay length at 425mm. This design choice keeps the bike agile and responsive.
For those considering the Midnight Special for loaded touring, especially on uphill terrains, it may be wise to opt for a cassette with a broader range to accommodate heavy loads more comfortably.
The bike is equipped with the ‘flat mount standard’ for disc brakes, offering versatility with the ability to use post mount brakes via adapters.
As for tire clearance, the frame can handle up to 650b x 60mm (27.5 x 2.35in) or 700c x 42mm tires, providing flexibility in wheel choice.
Surly has designed the Midnight Special to fit a wide range of riders, with top tubes stretching from 500–625mm across eight different frame sizes (40 to 64), aiming to accommodate individuals between roughly 5’0” and 6’8”. However, getting the sizing just right can be a bit challenging, and it’s advisable to get professionally fitted at a local bike dealer to ensure the perfect match.
The stock 47mm tires, while cushy, lack aggressive tread, hinting that the Midnight Special might not be cut out for prolonged gravel adventures. Additionally, the bike’s geometry could lead to a less comfortable handlebar position over extended rides on rough terrain, indicating its primary design as a road plus bike rather than a dedicated gravel grinder.
Feeling adventurous? The Midnight Special is down for some customization. Fancy a fork swap? The Whisky No. 9 CX fork, with its 395 x 45mm size, plays nice with the original 12mm thru-axle wheels and flat mount disc brakes. And while the stock fork stretches out at 400mm with an offset of 40 or 50mm, who says you can’t mix things up a bit? After all, a little aftermarket tweaking just adds to the fun.
So, can you take the Midnight Special off the beaten path? Absolutely! As long as your definition of “off-road” doesn’t include rock gardens or root mazes, you’re all set. This steed has a heart of road geometry, yet it’s rugged enough to handle some gentle off-roading and gravel grinding. Thanks to its sturdy steel frame and cushy tires, it’ll glide over bumps and keep you rolling smoothly. Plus, those beefy tires mean you can confidently tackle whatever lies ahead without a second thought.
Though it leans more toward its road bike heritage, don’t be fooled—this bike has a wild side waiting to be unleashed on smoother trails and gravel paths.
Ready for a showdown? Let’s put the Surly Midnight Special against its sibling rival, the Straggler, in the ultimate gravel grudge match. Who’ll rule the roads and reign supreme on the gravel?
This was our verdict on the Midnight special if you don’t want to read the entire article
Why Choose the Midnight Special?
It seems if you are coming from a roadie background and are looking for a bike with larger tire clearance the Midnight Special is your go-to. It’s essentially a road bike with fat tires.
If you are after a road bike with more versatility and adaptability in various types of terrain then this bike has your back.
The Midnight Special is the superior choice compared to the Straggler. That tire clearance makes all the difference!
With offerings for wider tires in this modern era of adventure cycling. Having the ability to run up to 60 mm tire compared to a potential 47 mm, it’s a significant difference in off-road capabilities.
Surly Midnight Special
2000
Pros
- Very harmonious overall package
- Robust and versatile
- Superb handling
- Great long-term value
Cons
- High price considering the spec
- Weight
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