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Surly Pack Rat

Surly Pack Rat
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Details

Over the years, Surly has been finding new and better ways to haul stuff on the front of their bikes — from fork braze-ons to racks to bags. The Pack Rat is the culmination of all those years and is specifically designed around porteur-style racks and front-loading optimization. Why would someone want to strap a bunch of crap to the front of their bike? Glad you asked.

Having your stuff in front of you means it’s close at hand and easily accessible. It also allows for better weight distribution. We’ve all ridden with a pannier full of groceries. Some of us have wiped out around a sketchy corner and watched as our precious eggs and bananas go flying every which way in an act of Mario Kart-level carnage. A front load keeps the bike nimble and allows you to more efficiently use your body English to steer from the rear and avoid such a super market massacre.

The drawback with front-loading on a lot of bikes, however, lies in how it affects the bike’s handling. The weight pulls you through turns in an awkward sort of way as if the load is doing the steering and you don’t even have control over your own life anymore. It makes for an overall less enjoyable ride. The Pack Rat’s front cargo-specific design eliminates that steering issues but also rides great without cargo. There’s no need to load it down with cans of beans every time you want to go for a ride. Unless that’s your thing. We’re not here to tell you how to live. In an effort to jumpstart your front cargo carrying dreams, Surly includes a 24-pack rack on the complete bike version.

The Pack Rat rolls on 26” wheels in the smaller sizes and 650b wheels in the larger ones. Smaller diameter wheels keep the weight of the load lower than a 700c wheel would, thereby improving handling and ride feel. Pack Rat’s fork also includes some handy internal routing for generator hubs so you can safely ride off into the night.

Dedicated commuters, credit card tourers, those who enjoy the occasional sub-24 campout, and sweaty back people looking to leave their backpack behind need look no further than the Pack Rat.

WARNING: Cycling can be dangerous. Bicycles and bicycle products should be assembled and serviced by a professional mechanic. Never modify your bicycle or accessories. Read and follow all product instructions and warnings including information on the manufacturer’s website. Inspect your bicycle before every use. Always wear a helmet.

Specs

Frame Surly Pack Rat, Surly 4130 Cromoly steel. Main triangle double-butted. TIG-welded. ED coated
Fork Surly Pack Rat, 4130 Cromoly, lugged & brazed. Sloping crown w/threaded eyelets, tapered & butted curved blades w/mid-blade rack eyelets, dual dropout eyelets
Headset Cane Creek custom 5, 1-1/8-inch threadless
Rims/Wheels Alex Adventurer 2, 32h
Hubs Front: Formula RB51
Rear: Formula RB52
Tires 38cm–50cm: WTB Slick 26 x 1.50
52cm–58cm: Panaracer Panceti 650B x 42
Crankset Shimano FC-R460
Chainrings 48/34
Bottom Bracket Shimano BB-RS500
Chain KMC X10EL-1
Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra FD-4700
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra RD-4700 GS
Cassette/Rear Cogs Microshift, 10 speed: 11-34
Shifters Shimano Tiagra ST-4700
Handlebars ProMax Flare-Out 31.8mm clamp
Stem ProMax DA-296
Brake Levers Shimano Tiagra ST-4700
Brakes Tektro CR720
Saddle WTB Volt Sport
Seat Post ProMax SP-2016, offset
Accessories & Extras Surly 24-pack front rack

* Subject to change without notice.

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