Surly Preamble Drop Bar │Urban & Gravel

Surly Preamble

A hard-boiled, straightforward steel bike built for comfort, durability, and general buffoonery on mostly paved surfaces.

Now available in two models: Urban and Gravel.

• Gravel: Features 700x40c tan-walled Maxxis Ramblers and a WTB Volt saddle for added comfort and style.

Nothing More is Needed. Nothing Less Will Do.
The challenge: Build a serious steel bike with only the essentials. Make it quick and comfortable on pavement yet confident on rougher surfaces. The result is the Preamble—a pavement and gravel utility bike proving you don’t need to cut corners or overspend to enjoy a reliable steel ride.

Smooth and efficient on asphalt, the Preamble’s double-butted main triangle absorbs life’s inevitable potholes. Designed for simplicity and customization, it supports racks, fenders, and water bottles. Whether you prefer flat bars, drop bars, baskets, or bags, the Preamble is the gateway to steel euphoria.

Key Features

• Flat-bar and drop-bar configurations available.
• Easy T-shirt sizing (XS, S, M, L, XL).
• XS and S frames use 650b wheels; M–XL use 700c wheels.
• Custom-cast single-position vertical dropout.
• Sloping top tubes on XS and S frames for improved standover and comfort.

Frame and Fork

• Frame: Surly Preamble, 100% Chromoly steel tubing, E.D. coated.
• Fork: Surly Preamble, 100% Chromoly steel, disc-only.

Specifications

• Headset: VP 1-1/8" Threadless.
• Brakes: Avid BB7 Mechanical, SRAM 160mm rotors.
• Shifter: microSHIFT R400.
• Stem: Kalloy 31.8.
• Handlebar: Salsa Cowbell.
• Saddle: Selle Italia X-Base (Urban) or WTB Volt (Gravel).
• Crankset: Samox 40t.
• Cassette: microSHIFT 11-36t, 9-speed.
• Rear Derailleur: microSHIFT RD-M46S.
• Wheels:
  • Front & Rear Hubs: Novatec 6-bolt disc, QR, 32h.
  • Rims: 21mm, 32h.
• Tires:
  • Urban: Kenda Kwik Tendril 700x35c (M–XL) or 650b x 1.35 (XS/SM).
  • Gravel: Maxxis Ramblers 700x40c (M–XL) or 650b x 2.1 (XS/SM).