“Something wicked this way comes“. That’s right, the bike nerds at Surly Bikes dropped a new aggressive hardtail today, and it looks pretty amazing. It’s called the Sorceress, and no, it’s not magic.
It is, however, exactly what you’d expect from the minds at Surly: a kick-ass steel mountain bike that’s designed around modern trail geometry, and a rowdy 140mm-travel fork.
Surly describes the new Sorceress as a “progressive hardtail built for ever-evolving trails and the humanoids who can’t get enough of them.”
They designed the Sorceress frame to fit riders who range from 4’9″ tall to 6’6″ tall. The extra-small option features 27.5″ wheels, shorter chainstays, and a reduced fork length for better proportional fit. Otherwise, all other sizes run 29″ wheels – sorry, this isn’t Surly announcing they’ve gone 32″.
The frame’s design also emphasizes low standover height and maximized dropper post travel to enhance rider comfort and control across different body types.
New DUH Dropout System
The new Sorceress debuts Surly’s new DUH dropout system. It’s a patent-pending design that provides compatibility with SRAM UDH, Full-Mount, and single-speed drivetrains in a single frame. Blamo.
This is the kind o’ versatility Surly is known for. The system allows riders to adapt their setup as their drivetrain preferences or riding styles evolve. Like other Surly models, the frame uses 4130 chromoly steel tubing (‘Natch). It’s hand-selected and sized specifically for each frame size, staying true to the brand’s “steel is real” ethos.
Surly’s “Most Playful & Trail-Capable Mountain Bike Yet”
“We have a history of building and riding bikes off the beaten path. Rather than update an existing model in our assortment, we wanted to start fresh and approached this project without preconceptions,” said Surly Brand Director Adam Scholtes. “The Sorceress is our most playful and trail-capable mountain bike yet. It’s the bike that I grab when I want to get loose and bring a bit more fun to the trail. When I want to charge forward and make the magic happen. We also wanted the bike to work with SRAM’s UDH and Full Mount derailleurs while allowing for single-speed setups without too many bits. Our new DUH dropout does that, and is our first patent, developed with SRAM’s support and encouragement.”
The Geometry Magic
What hath Surly conjured up?
- 29” wheels on SM-XL, 27.5” on XS
- Headtube Angle 64-65°
- Seattube Angle 76°
- Reach 465mm (MD)
- BB Drop 55-65mm
- Chainstay Length 410-429mm
- Max Tire Outer Diameter27.5/29″ x 2.6″ w/o fender
- Frame Construction4131 Chromoly, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, trumpet flared tubes, TIG welded, E.D. coated
- Suspension Fork Length (Travel)572 X 44mm (29” 150mm)
- Rear Axle Size12 x 148mm (Surly single speed axle included)
- Rear Brake (Rotor)Disc – 51mm I.S. (203mm max rotor)
- Front Brake (Rotor)See suspension fork details
- Headset – UpperZS44/28.6
- Headset – LowerEC44/40
- SeatpostØ30.9mm
- Dropper Post CompatibleYes
- Seatpost ClampØ33.1mm
- Max Post InsertionXS: 247mm | SM: 277mm | MD: 304mm | LG: 356mm | XL: 408mm
- Front Derailleur TypeN/A
- Bottom Bracket73mm threaded (1.37″ x 24TPI)
- Crankset (Max Ring)1x (55CL): 32T
- Bottle Mounts1 Three-Pack (XS – SM), 1 Standard + 1 Three-Pack (MD-XL)
Sorceress Retail & Options
Retail: $999 (Frameset)
Build Options:
- SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission build: $3,199
- Shimano Deore build: $2,499
- Single Speed build: $2,199
- Colors: Elderberry Tonic, Swamp Water Taffy, and Hot Honey Bling
To get more details and locate your favorite dealer to make your own trail magic, hit the link below.
