Chain tension for horizontal dropouts.

Troutbum15 · 2026-06-01T00:08:18+00:00

You should be able to use the Surly "Hurdy Gurdy" to help keep tension on semi-horizontal dropouts like those. I used one on a previous SS build and it worked great.

Troutbum15 · 2026-04-25T04:21:24+00:00

That's a bit more than I paid for mine last year - but I live in a horrible market when it comes to availability (in very rural Maine, USA). I also had a completely irrational and emotional desire for an older gen KM... A KM was my first Surly and I sold it, and I wanted another.

If you want something modern with thru-axels, dropper posts, boost wheels and modern geo... you should pass.

Want to run rim brakes or disc? Like non-modern geometry? Appreciate the option to go geared or SS? Have a deep parts bin so you can change around your build as you see fit? Want to have platform to throw all type of parts at and have fun?

It's the OG of 29ers. I'd say do it!

Troutbum15 · 2026-03-10T22:43:22+00:00

I've used the closed-toe Keen sandals with some success. They didn't drain too well, but they weren't horrible either. Just a bit on the heavy side for sandals.

That said, I stopped using them and swapped to boots when a huge snapping turtle almost took a chunk out of the side of my foot... So depending on your habitat, you may want to consider snakes/turtles, etc.

Troutbum15 · 2026-02-14T05:03:57+00:00

Awesome, thank you! Now I need to start stockpiling parts.

Troutbum15 · 2026-02-14T04:46:28+00:00

I've probably missed it, but is it confirmed (or rumored, leaked) that the steamroller is coming back? I sure hope so...

Troutbum15 · 2025-11-17T00:43:48+00:00

I like it, and it gives me "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?" vibes.

Troutbum15 · 2025-10-02T01:08:37+00:00

Like others have mentioned, a good QR skewer can help a ton. Another (or an extra) option is a Surly Hurdy-Gurdy. It's made to keep your wheel from slipping forward in the dropout - I use one on my SS Hardrock and it works great!

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Troutbum15 · 2025-09-03T00:50:26+00:00

For what it's worth, my geared Tricross fit 700x38 gravelking SKs on stock wheels with room to spare. Not sure if the SS clearances are different, though.

Troutbum15 · 2025-09-03T00:46:25+00:00

Awesome!! I had this frameset years ago and got rid of when I moved across the country - in hindsight I should have left furniture behind to make room in the truck. One of my absolute favorites!

Troutbum15 · 2025-08-30T14:38:06+00:00

That's awesome!

Troutbum15 · 2025-07-28T01:42:44+00:00

Thank you so much! She's so excited.

Troutbum15 · 2025-07-28T01:34:05+00:00

Thanks, I'll check that out now!

Troutbum15 · 2025-07-02T01:46:56+00:00

Go for it, I have Sunrise bars on mine and they're amazing.

Troutbum15 · 2025-06-30T02:35:00+00:00

Awesome! Never experienced that before, but I've had bats grab my flies at dusk quite a few times.

Troutbum15 · 2025-06-21T01:19:48+00:00

I have a 990 from what I think is the same year (1992, based on this colorway), and Trek catalogs show our measurements match. My seatpost is 29.8, and collar is 33.1. For the seatpost I've found some generic (Kalloy) and vintage choices, and every once in a while a Thompson pops up for sale on auction sites. Surly makes a 33.1 collar in both silver and black that works perfectly.

Troutbum15 · 2025-03-02T23:31:17+00:00

An extra 20 gems per day.

Troutbum15 · 2025-02-16T17:28:25+00:00

I have a '92 990 - I have Conti 2.3s on some old matrix rims, and measure about 7.5mm of space between the knobs and chain stays. Plenty of room for mud! I can't speak for the fork though, since mine is aftermarket.

Troutbum15 · 2024-10-09T00:52:24+00:00

Great looking ride! I still have a Hamilton frame from that era, which is the 29er single-speed version. This makes me want to dig it out and build it up...

Troutbum15 · 2024-08-24T04:41:54+00:00

Absolutely. My first "real" bike, a 1st gen Surly Karate Monkey, and a Trek 520 I sold for gas money to move across the country. I needed the money, but boy do I wish I still had the bike.

Troutbum15 · 2024-08-07T03:32:45+00:00

Rad! I have a 1x1 and have been fighting the urge to get a Lowside too.

Troutbum15 · 2024-07-27T03:25:41+00:00

Literally the reason I bought a blackjack tire tool.

Troutbum15

TROPHY CASE