Initially, when we heard about the updated Skid Loader from Surly bikes, it was in the form of a traditional press release. Then we noticed the Surly facebook post, which pointed to a Craigslist ad?
Leave it to Surly to come up with entertaining ways to market a new bike, even if their marketing manager is mysteriously MIA. If you follow the link in the post, it points to another Craigslist ad for a questionable automobile that the owner wants to ditch in favor of a Surly Skid Loader. Hmmm….
Along those lines, Minnesota’s mayhem masters and steel bike slingers, Surly Bikes, have announced an update to the Skid Loader. This compact eCargo bike can haul all the goods and still maneuver tight urban spaces. Surly has decided to overhaul the Skid’s performance attributes by adding new features that result in a more traditional ride experience.
The Surly Skid Loader can haul heavy loads and was designed to be a car replacement. It comes in three broad fitting sizes, sports a beefy rear rack, and you have the option to run dual batteries to get the most range for those long errand runs.
With clearance for big volume treads, the Skid Loader is ready for less-than-perfect terrain. It comes with a dropper post and a dramatic sloping top tube to ensure ample standover. The frame is said to comfortably fit riders from 5′ 0″ to 6′ 6″.
The Skid Loader’s claim to fame, and the thing that sets it apart from other cargo bikes, is the fact that Surly designed it to ride like a normal bicycle. The 27.5″ wheels, wide tires, and ease to dial in the fit aid in the Skid Loader riding like a regular bicycle.
Haul it All
The rear rack on the Skid Loader has a load capacity of 100lbs. Along with the aforementioned ability to use a second battery, the Skid Loader has an updated Bosch Performance Line Cargo smart system. This new system adds support up to 20mph and pairs with a Purion 200 remote. So, big loads are no big deal for the Skid Loader.
Some more notable updates include a front wheel stabilizer to eliminate wheel flop when loading and hauling front loads. Another key feature that’s new for the Skid Loader is the included lights. You now get an AXA NXT 60 in the front and an AXA Blueline in the rear. This will help get you seen when you are oot and aboot in the evening.
With the Skid Loader’s ability to run up to 27.5″ x 2.8″ tires without fenders, you can use it to haul your cargo around town or for a recreational romp. You choose.
Surly Steel, ‘Natch
The Skid Loader is constructed with Surly’s custom-butted ‘Natch tubsets. Using their proprietary tubesets means that the engineering team at Surly can dial in the thickness, shape, and butting profiles. This ensures the best ride quality possible. If you know Surly, versatility and durability are considered in every step of the way, from geometry design, manufacturing, welding, heat treatment, and finishing.
A Quick Word From Tim
“The Skid Loader was designed as a human-powered sustainable transportation solution for hauling it all,” said Tim Simundza, brand and marketing manager at Surly. “We designed it to reduce reliance on cars by offering a compact, cargo-capable bike that can handle the demands of everyday urban life. Whether you’re running errands, commuting, or hauling gear, the Skid Loader empowers riders to carry more and drive less. We are proud to continue challenging the status quo and expanding what’s possible by bike.”
Skid Loader Geo
| Size | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 570.0 | 610.0 | 650.0 |
| B. Stand Over | 695.0 | 732.0 | 745.0 |
| C. Reach | 398.6 | 424.7 | 450.3 |
| D. Stack | 597.6 | 625.4 | 653.2 |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 471.0 | 471.0 | 500.0 |
| F. Headtube Length | 170.0 | 200.0 | 230.0 |
| G. Headtube Angle | 68.0 | 68.0 | 68.0 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle | 74.0 | 73.5 | 73.0 |
| I. BB Drop | 60.0 | 60.0 | 60.0 |
| J. BB Height | 297.3 | 297.3 | 297.3 |
| K. Chainstay Length | 535.0 | 535.0 | 535.0 |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 417.0 | 417.0 | 417.0 |
| M. Fork Offset | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 |
| N. Wheelbase | 1201.4 | 1238.7 | 1275.5 |
| Crank Arm Length | 170.0 | 170.0 | 170.0 |
| Handlebar Width | 718.0 | 735.0 | 735.0 |
| Recommended Rider Height | 147.0 – 175.0 | 157.0 – 185.0 | 167.0 – 195.0 |
| Stem Length | 60.0 | 70.0 | 80.0 |
Skid Loader Retail & Spec Highlights
Retail: $4,499
The Skid Loader is capable of navigating tight urban spaces and hauling gear over long distances, over any type of terrain. Surly designed this eCargo bike for those of us who would rather ride than drive, but lack the storage space for a long-tail cargo bike.
- Bosch Performance Line Cargo, smart system (20mph) with four levels of ride assist, capable of 400% max motor assist and 85Nm of torque
- Bosch PowerPack 545Wh battery included (up from 500Wh). Secondary batteries are available aftermarket
- Shimano Cues 1×10 drivetrain
- Tektro Orion HD-M750 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- TranzX Dropper Post
- Urusu Jumbo 80 Dual-legged kickstand
