I have been riding fixies and single-speed bikes since before some baby hipsters were born. Single speed bikes used as city bikes isn't a new idea.
Now, she's a three-speed.
She came with a super-smooth freewheel that also got its ratchet frozen open during punishing subzero Berlin winters.
To keep on riding through the cold, I would stop at little Turkish kiosks and order hot water or hot tea and then pour the boiling water over the freewheel.
It works--until that water freezes and there goes all the forward momentum. No ratchets, no teeth, no pedaling, no biking.
Anyone else every do that? I loved how quiet ratchetless freewheels are but hated the freezing-open thing.
This is how she is now. After all the mods, none of which is very recent. My next mod will be adding a dynamo front hub that will allow me to replace my battery lights with serious night-splitting lumens, including a battery and a USB port. But not yet.
The build is standard. I believe I ordered the complete Steamroller bike from Surly. I didn't want to go down the Gucci gulch again like I did with the Delancey.
So, it came with simple cloth-wrapped drop bars. I replaced the included brakes and brake levers with Shimano 105s and really shorty two-finger Cross Levers from Salsa.
I replaced the stock saddle with a classic black B17 Brooks standard leather saddle.
I replaced the pedals with chunky MTB cage pedals that accepted generic black plastic toe clips with straps.
I've had my original DA22 Alex rims for all seven years and I made sure I got a set of 700cx28 Schwalbe Marathon Plus bike tires--I'm on my second set--though I might go up to a 32 or more if it fits--just to try them out, see what it's like.
Historically, I have really loved skinny tires.
But I love the Marathon Plusses so much and would never try another. Why? Here's the marketing: "The Marathon Plus is the only tire worldwide that can be called 'flat-less'.
This is due to its unique and patented puncture protection belt: five millimetres thick and made from highly elastic special rubber.
Even thumbtacks can't puncture it." And, I have never had a flat. Ever.
I'm sold on them even though they're pretty heavy tires. I also love the reflective sidewalls that keep me visible in low light conditions.
In terms of everything else, I got caught out without my lights on a very late NoVa trail ride home from DC and felt very vulnerable.
So, I bought loads of red 3M reflective tape and taped all the bare black tubes. So, even if I don't have lights or my batteries die, my bike bike will light up under headlights.
I also added a handmade reversible green/purple Black Star top tube pad. You'll see some early photos in the green but now it's purple. I might switch it up for fun some time.
Converting My Single Speed "Fixie" into a 3-Speed "Dutch Bike"
When I moved back from Berlin, Germany, I moved to Ballston, Arlington, Virginia to take care of my mom. Between DC and Ballston, I could handle the hills.
Once I moved to Columbia Heights, above Pentagon City, the short, steepish, hill between the Pentagon and Columbia Pike just kicked my butt enough that I looked into the state of the art of internal 3-speed hubs.
At least for fixies, track bikes, and single speeds, all roads led to the Sturmey Archer S3X. I bought the 3X Silver and had it installed over at local bike shop (LBS), Papillon Cycles here in Columbia Heights.
They did a great job but I quickly broke them--almost immediately. They rebuilt is gladly and gave me a hint: unlike derailleur gears that require pedaling to actuate them, internal hub gears require a pause between gear changes.
Since then it's been blue skies. I love them. Early on, I also had troubles with my heal messing with the gear chain and loosening the cable. No more. Everything's tight and reliable and very effective.
Mind you, the top gear is only as high as the chainwheel and rear sprocket combination. And the low gear is not as low as a granny gear.
This is no mountain goat setup. But it does surely smooth out the road. It allows my to arrive at my destinations a little less sweaty and beat up. For me, it's a game-changer.
Right now, I am very heavy and quite out of shape so not even three speeds get me up the Air Force Memorial section of Columbia Pike or all the way up the Capitol Hill section of Independence Avenue--but I am sure the added lower-end grear-ratio will give you the extra compensation to get you up those sorts of hills if you've been frustrated by hills before.
The S3X is 100% durable and bulletproof once you get the gears changed but, as I said, it's very vulnerable during gear changes.
So, you need to relearn how to shift because shifting like you do on a 12-27-speed road bike with 12-27 gears with front and rear derailleurs.
In order to properly shift the Sturmey Archer S3X, the bike needs to be in motion, the rear wheel needs to be spinning, and you need to lay off pedaling for the amount of time it takes to shift -- then, you can shift one or two speeds.
So, you can safely go from highest to lowest or lowest to highest in one shift--just as long as you're rolling and not standing still.
So, if you want to shift down before you stop at a light in order to speed up your start, think about doing that before you stop.
So, at the high gear, click right down to the low gear right before you stop for the light. Like downshifting, think of it.
I had the shifter for the Sturmey Archer S3X installed at the right bar end of the drop bars, so it's right there. I could say it's pretty easy to install but I had the folks from Papillon Cycles do all this work. In fact, I'll also have them do any and all of the work associated with installing a front hub dynamo lighting system. Being loyal to the Pike!
The Canvas Tail Bag
I don't know anything about the canvas tail bag except it was given to me by my mate Andrew Blake Curry who makes me look like an absolute pedestrian in comparison with his obsession with bikes and bicycling. It's got a wooden dowel on top and I used hose clamps to attach the top to my standard black leather Brooks B17 saddle. On the front of the bag, which is nearest the seat tube, there's a buckled leather strap that I affixed to the seat tube.
The bag is relatively cavernous. There's a main compartment and a pocket at either side. Each compartment is closed with buckled leather straps and all the straps and points of stress are studded.
I have it set up that a red battery tail light lives on the bag and the way the leather straps are affixed and attached, there's plenty enough room for me to store my U-lock on the bag at all times when I'm not locking it down.
UPDATE: Christopher Osborn let me know that my bag is a Carradice bag from Nelson, England, and that "They make very simple yet bombproof bags. It will probably outlive your bike." It's already proved itself so. When I received it as a gift from my buddy Andrew Currey, it was already well-loved and well-used.
The Surly doesn't have wheel quick release or locking hubs but they are locked down via nuts and that seems to be annoying enough. 80% of the time, I U-lock the bike via frame and front wheel. 20% of the time, only the frame.
The time it takes to break a chain to get a fixie wheel off of the bike seems to be enough trouble.
And since the Sturmey Archer hub attaches via an additional chain to get the wheel off, I am hoping, as a former bike courier who was always hungry for unbent, unprotected, 26" wheels, wheel crimes are almost always crimes of opportunity.
So, I definitely would consider locking hubs if that would aid to the perception that my bike is inconvenient to steal. People in greater DC are so terrible at even locking their $3,000+ Gucci bikes at all that I assume my gray man sleeper city bike, when it's locked right next to someone who is only attached via their front wheel with the quick release hub and the other bike that's not attached at all but leaning against the rack, the only security being that the rider is only a short distance away.
Well, that's it! That's my bike.
The only thing left for me to do is add a front hub dynamo, a high-lumen headlight, a fixed taillight, maybe a USB connector, possibly handlebar control of the intensity of the front lamp.
What else?
Maybe a handlebar mount for my cell phone, maybe not. And, then, of course, maybe wider tires and maybe secure-looking locking hubs for security theater.
So, that's my love letter to my 2010 Surly Steamroller 3-speed city bike.
I would love any advice or questions you make have for me, especially when dynamo hub do you recommend, what front and rear lights do you recommend for the dynamo system, and what other must-haves should I add to the bike in order to make it the very best, coolest, city bike a boy can have for the next 7 years of proud ownership!
Surly Bike and Surly Steamroller
Surly Bikes was founded in 1998 as a Minneapolis-based company with a focus on durable, practical, and versatile steel-frame bicycles. Surly is known for its no-nonsense approach to cycling, designing bikes that are highly customizable and suited for a variety of riding conditions, from commuting to off-road adventures. Steel frames, favored for their strength and longevity, are a hallmark of the brand, with the company’s ethos being rooted in the idea of creating bikes that can take a beating and keep rolling.
The Surly Steamroller is one of Surly’s flagship models, introduced in 1998, specifically designed for the fixed-gear and single-speed crowd. It was built with simplicity in mind, initially targeting urban cyclists looking for a reliable, easy-to-maintain ride for commuting or city cruising. The frame geometry reflects this, with relaxed angles that provide stability in traffic and on less-than-perfect road surfaces. The Steamroller's versatility allows it to accommodate relatively wide tires (compared to most road bikes), which further enhances its comfort and handling on different types of terrain.
While designed as a fixed-gear bike, the Steamroller is highly adaptable. Many riders, including Chris, have modified their Steamrollers to suit their needs—adding brakes, switching to freewheel, or even installing internal hub gears, like the Sturmey Archer S3X. This adaptability is a major selling point for those who want a durable platform that they can tweak and customize over time.
The Surly Steamroller, once a staple of Surly Bikes’ lineup, has been discontinued, marking the end of an era for fans of this iconic model. Introduced in 1998, the Steamroller gained a loyal following among urban cyclists and fixie enthusiasts for its durable steel frame and simplicity. As Chris mentioned, his own love affair with his 2010 Steamroller continues, despite the bike no longer being made.
Surly’s decision to stop producing the Steamroller leaves its legacy intact, and those who still ride it, like Chris, are keeping its spirit alive through personal modifications and years of reliable performance.
Chris's long-time love for the Surly Steamroller reflects its reputation for durability and customization. Starting as a single-speed, Chris modified his Steamroller with a Sturmey Archer S3X internal 3-speed hub to better handle the hills in his area. His journey with the bike showcases the Steamroller’s versatility, proving why it's remained popular with city riders for over two decades.
Surly’s Steamroller continues to hold a strong place in the world of urban cycling, with a dedicated following that appreciates its balance between minimalist design and maximum functionality.
Surly Stopped Making the Steamroller
Surly's decision to discontinue the Steamroller has transformed it from a common sight to a rare and special find among cycling enthusiasts. Introduced in 1998, the Steamroller quickly became a cornerstone of urban cycling culture, celebrated for its simple yet robust design. Its steel frame, known for durability and comfort, catered to riders seeking a no-nonsense, adaptable bike for city commuting and casual riding.
For over two decades, the Steamroller epitomized the ethos of Surly Bikes: practicality, resilience, and versatility. Its geometry was perfectly suited for urban environments, striking a balance between the nimbleness needed for navigating traffic and the stability required for varied road conditions. The frame's ability to accommodate wider tires also added to its appeal, allowing riders to tackle less-than-perfect streets with ease.
In September 2023, reports emerged that Surly informed dealers of no future production plans for the Steamroller, marking the end of its production run.
This decision has left a noticeable gap in the market for riders who appreciate minimalist yet highly functional bikes. For those who still ride them, like myself, these bikes are not just transportation tools but cherished companions. Each modification and every mile ridden adds to their character, making them more than just machines—they become personal artifacts of cycling culture.
As the Steamroller becomes a rarer sight on the streets, its legacy grows. It symbolizes an era when bikes were built to last and designed to be shaped by their riders. For me and countless others, the Steamroller isn't just a bike; it's a lifestyle statement, a durable friend, and now, a piece of cycling history.
FAQ: Surly Bikes & Surly Steamroller
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What is Surly Bikes?
- Surly Bikes is a reputable bicycle company known for producing durable and versatile steel-frame bicycles.
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What makes Surly Bikes unique?
- Surly Bikes are known for their robust steel frames, durability, and ability to be customized to the rider's needs.
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What is the Surly Steamroller?
- The Surly Steamroller is a single-speed bike model designed by Surly Bikes, ideal for urban commuting and casual rides.
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Can I modify my Surly Steamroller?
- Yes, the Surly Steamroller is highly customizable. Many riders modify and add components to better suit their needs.
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What is an internal 3-speed hub?
- An internal 3-speed hub provides three gear ratios within the hub of the rear wheel, allowing for gear changes without the need for external derailleurs.
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Is the Surly Steamroller a good city bike?
- Yes, with its simple design and robust build, the Surly Steamroller is ideal for urban commuting and city rides.
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Can the Surly Steamroller accommodate wide tires?
- The Surly Steamroller can accommodate various tire sizes, but it's essential to check compatibility before upgrading.
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How do I take care of my Surly Bike?
- Regular maintenance, including checking tire pressure, ensuring the chain is well-lubricated, and periodic professional servicing, will keep your Surly Bike in top condition.
Glossary:
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Fixie: A fixed-gear bicycle, meaning it has only one gear and does not allow for coasting.
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Single-Speed: A bicycle with only one gear but can coast.
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Freewheel: A device in the rear hub of a bicycle that allows the wheel to turn without the pedals moving.
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Dynamo: A device that generates electricity using the motion of the wheel, often used to power bicycle lights.
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Derailleur: A mechanism for shifting gears on a bicycle by moving the chain between different-sized sprockets.
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Drop Bars: Curved handlebars commonly found on road bikes.
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Gucci Component: A colloquial term for high-end or luxury bike parts.
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Sturmey Archer S3X: A specific model of an internal 3-speed hub.
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NoVa: Northern Virginia.
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Ratchet: A mechanism that allows movement in one direction but prevents it in the opposite direction.
Background & Contextual Information:
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The author, Chris Abraham, has a rich history of using single-speed and fixie bikes, emphasizing the Surly Steamroller's dependability since 2010.
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Chris' Surly Steamroller is not only a means of transport but also a reflection of personal tastes, preferences, and experiences over the years.
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As a city bike, the Surly Steamroller has undergone various modifications, making it unique and tailored to Chris' needs.
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The Surly Steamroller's design allows for a variety of modifications, from gear changes to aesthetic tweaks, making it a versatile choice for urban riders.
Photos of My Surly Steamroller
