Ok, we’re not sure the new Surly Instigator is officially going to be called 26+, but based on Surly’s Krampus, it only makes sense. The original instigator was one of the first hooligan bikes built specifically to pull wheelies, land to flat, and most importantly, have fun. Surly is keeping the spirit of the original alive, though tailoring it more towards aggressive trail riding with its massive 26×2.75 tires on 50mm rims. The result? The same effective tire size as a 650b. Interesting.
In addition to the new Instigator, Surly also introduced the ECR 29+ bike camping rig, and the new disc equipped Straggler Cross bike.
Like the Krampus, massive tires are made even wider by mounting them to Surly’s 50mm wide Rabbit hole rims. In this case, the tires are Surly’s new Dirt Wizard 26×2.75 tires with an aggressive tread pattern. Even with the massive rubber, there is still plenty of clearance in the frame.
The frame uses a threaded bottom bracket that is equipped with ISCG 05 mounting tabs.
Because the tires work out to be the same size as a 650b wheel and tire, a 650b fork is needed as well. The bikes at Saddle Drive had White Brothers forks, but the final spec will be a 140mm travel, 32mm Fox Float. There were quite a few 44mm head tubes at the show, including this one.
Stock, the bike will ship with a 142x12mm thru axle rear that uses the Shimano Direct Mount derailleur system. As a frameset, the Instigator will use a chip dropout system capable of running standard QR, Thru axle, and more.
No light weight, the Instigator as built runs 31.94 lbs.
Love the Cross Check but ready to trad in your Cantis? Check out the new Straggler – a steel, single track capable cross bike with disc brakes. The Straggler was built to take advantage of Surly’s new Knard 700x40c tire, which looks like it will be a very popular tire for this segment. Smooth rolling yet still offering plenty of grip, the 40mm tire slots in at a size that will fit a lot of similar bikes.
