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SURLY INSTIGATOR 2.0


Ever fancied a fat bike but were worried about its lack of agility, flickability and general playfulness? Surly’s “26+”  wheeled bike could well be the answer, combining wide 26in hoops with huge 2.75in tyres. We hit the trails to find out just what the Instigator 2.0 is all about.

The frame
The frame has been lovingly crafted entirely from 4130 chromoly steel, with a doublebutted main triangle and modular dropouts that can be switched to accommodate 9mm or 12x142mm, geared or singlespeed hubs. Other frame highlights include a 44mm head tube, a dropper post friendly 30.9mm seatpost diameter and provision for two water bottles. Mud clearance is generous even with the huge 2.75in rear tyre.

The bike comes with a chain guide mounted to its ISCG-05 tabs but you can run a regular double- or triple-ring set-up if you prefer – though you’ll need to be mindful of chainring clearance should you switch to even bigger 3in tyres.

The kit
There’s no getting away from the massive 50mm wide Surly Rabbit Hole rims and 26x2.75in Surly Dirt Wizard tyres, which add to the Instigator’s distinctive feel and, inevitably, to its weight. Our test bike came with a White Brothers Loop fork but the standard build will ship with a 140mm (5.5in) travel Fox Float 32. The 1x10 gearing helps to keep things simple, but coupled with the 32lb weight, means you’ll need to be fit if you’re planning on heading out on all-day rides.

The ride
Just as intended, the Instigator 2.0 is no ordinary machine, managing to distance itself far enough from a standard trail hardtail without sacrificing too much of that sought-after manoeuvrability. On the trail, it certainly does feel like Surly have managed to achieve what they set out to, creating a bike that’s still chuckable but with some of the cushioning and traction benefits of monster
fat bike tyres.

The Instigator is a fun bike to ride and in certain areas it really shines. We found ourselves cleaning awkward, nadgery technical climbs where we’d previously struggled with relative ease thanks to the traction-rich tyres. It’ll claw its way over rocks and roots without any fuss, but you’ll need some power in your legs to keep pushing that 1x10 gearing on longer drags. Luckily Surly have created a roomy enough cockpit to allow for comfortable seated climbing when you start to tire. When it comes to descending, it’s picking your line through root and rock strewn sections where you’ll have the most fun on the Instigator. It’ll still happily belt down hardpack downhills and jump reasonably well, but push hard into turns and the squirm from those giant tyres can be really quite unsettling at speed.

For those looking for something simple and fun to ride technical terrain on, the Instigator 2.0 is definitely worth a look. It’s not cheap and is no speed demon though.


FRAME 4130 chromoly steel
FORK White Brothers Loop, 140mm (5.5in) travel
DRIVETRAIN Surly OD 30t crankset, MRP 1x upper guide, Shimano SLX Shadow+ rear mech and 10-speed shifter
WHEELSET Shimano SLX hubs, Surly Rabbit Hole 26+ rims, Surly Dirt Wizard 26x2.75in tyres
BRAKES Shimano SLX BAR/STEM Salsa Pro Moto, 750mm/Truvativ AKA, 60mm
SEATPOST/SADDLE Kalloy/Velo VL2155
WEIGHT 14.5kg/32lb (without pedals)

PRICE: 3599$ (complete bike)
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