We interrupt the rigid order of this Holiday Countdown Gift Guide to bring you an installment that seems most relevant to this week's weather conditions: bikes for supreme winter fun. All from Surly. All monstrous. And all guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Pugsley and Pug Ops. FAT. 3.8" tires. Plow through snow.
Moonlander. FATTER. 4.8" tires. Eat snow for lunch.
Krampus. BIG and TALL. 29-er with really fat tires. Commuting? Offroading? Bushwhacking? Yes!
I went out to shovel the snow this morning, and it occurred to me that I desperately needed to enjoy this snow before it turns soggy and grey, and becomes yet another obstacle for us to overcome this season. I needed to seize this day and enjoy it's spectacular, muffled, gorgeous whiteness.
On a Moonlander, all of the above seems simply irrelevant. Who cares if the street hasn't been plowed? Let's go get groceries! Is it better to ride in the street, or over the neighbor's lawn covered in 6" of snow? I dunno, let's find out! I forgot my helmet! Oh, well... What if I fall? Not likely. The traction is great. And if you do, the snow is soft and fluffy.
Usually, on a day like this, I would be strapping on my x-country skis. But this was simpler, quicker, every bit as much or a workout. And that was just and hour or two in the urban forest preserve.
If there is one problem I have with Surly, and their fat bikes in particular, is how overwhelmingly male all their marketing is. As a woman of a certain age, and not a particularly daring one, what I love about the fat bikes it that they enable me to try things I would never dream of on an ordinary bike. For all their wild appearance, they are solid, sure-footed and dependable. Once you realize this, you get the feeling of being in control enough to let yourself get out of it, marvelling at what you are brave enough to do and revelling in those new abilites.
Try it. You'll like it.
We have two demo Pugsleys available for rental, and all of the above models in stock.
