Surly

Preamble 700C Flatbar Road Bike

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"This Preamble is the type of bike I recommend when friends ask for a durable, no-fuss commuter. It’s classic Surly steel, with just enough modern utility—disc brakes, rack mounts, and wide tire clearance—to handle daily rides or dirt paths after work. The ride feel is smooth and confident, and it keeps going when others tap out."

We turn to the Surly Preamble 700C Flatbar Road Bike when we need one bike to handle weekday commutes, weekend detours, and everything in between. Built from Surly’s ‘Natch Chromoly steel tubing, the Preamble delivers the brand’s famously smooth ride feel while holding up to years of real-world abuse. Whether we're dodging potholes or dipping off the path for a shortcut, the geometry keeps us upright and confident.

Details like rack and fender mounts, mechanical disc brakes, and dependable microSHIFT components make this a practical choice for riders who value reliability and simplicity. With tire clearance up to 41mm, it floats over chip-seal and hardpack alike. It’s not flashy—and that’s exactly the point.