Surly Ogre as a tourer

[rifraf]

I've been having thoughts about getting something a bit more suitable for offroad touring than my trusty (and slightly rusty) Moulton APB.

I'd like to hear thoughts/opinions on the Surly Ogre as what I know about frame geometry could be written on a matchhead.
I've picked up that long chainstays and wheelbases "can" equate to loaded stability but thats about where my knowledge starts to fizzle.
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/ogre

The Long Haul Trucker didnt put a gleam in my eye although I've no doubt its a capable machine.
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/disc_trucker

I see the Ogre shares a similar wheelbase (in size L) but is 4cm shorter and its chainstays are approx 29mm shorter.
If they were both 26 inch wheeled I'd think that the Ogre might be slightly more lively because of this but I suspect this would be negated by its larger 29 inch and heavier wheels.

The Troll is also on the shortlist to be considered but at this stage I'm probably leaning towards the larger wheeled Ogre due
to my thinking it although heavier and slower accellerating, a more comfortable and forgiving ride.

Much as I like the look and what I've heard about the Thorn Nomad, I'd currently struggle to pay for the quality of component build that the Surly would afford me.

I'm thinking of a disk braked setup with no suspension fork.

As the Ogre/Troll are extremely versatile in regards to drilled for lots of hub, pannier rack and fender options they appear much easier kitted out and potentially easier maintained which is my preference.

What are your thoughts?

[Nobody]

I'm probably leaning towards the larger wheeled Ogre due to my thinking it although heavier and slower accelerating, a more comfortable and forgiving ride.

Also add better rolling resistance, some claim better climbing traction and a lower centre of gravity in reference to the hub height.

[DavidL]

I have just got myself a Salsa Fargo as a bit of a all round tourer with more of a focus of heading off into the bush around here and the Vic High Country. I believe it is pretty much the same frame as the Ogre as Salsa and Surly both sit under the same parent company:


It is currently being used as my MTB bike while I get my suspension bike fixed, but will get its panniers put back on it and used for more longer distance stuff over this summer. All the specs are on the Salsa website but it is 29" wheels, CrMo frame and has eyelets all over it. This is a Gen1, the Gen2 is suspension fork corrected and has a replaceable derailleur hanger which would be a nicer.

Coming from XTC and Road bikes this has a nice relaxed riding style. I wasn't sure about the bar end shifters, but for touring they would be good, however suck pretty bad for offroad MTB action which isn't too much of a problem as the BB is quite low on this frame for stability and the chain rings start to hit everything when the technical level goes up (none of this is really an issue if your touring).

Woodchipper bars are really nice to ride on, on the top is really relaxed for cruising, the drops are wonderful of down hill decents, head winds and when you just need to stretch your back. I like these much better than bar ends on a flat bar, they are a nice compromise between a flat bar and road drop bars.

- David.

[rifraf]

Hi David,
great looking rig.
If you have time, I'd love to see a "from the saddle" view of the bars and maybe a front on view.
I've heard good things about the woodchipper bars.
How many teeth on your largest and smallest cassette sprockets and also your chainrings?
Does it feel low geared enough?

I sent some emails this morning to both Dirtworks and also a WA local dealer who sells Surly.
Both replied very very quickly.
Dirtworks say "We currently have complete Ogres in 18/20/22", and Ogre framesets in 16/18/20/22/24", all in Drab Green."
Local Dealer says "For the complete bike, the Ogre (in green) is $2199 and the Troll (in black or orange) is $1999.
For the frames only, the Ogre (in green) is $799 and the Troll (in black) is $749."

A bit of naff utube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AcKHJnk4jU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVgsOQCKj7Q

[HelmutHerr]

I'm picking an Ogre up this week. It's a commuter for me, and I hope to try some touring when my fitness picks up, but I did a lot of reading about it before deciding.

Here are some links that might help:

http://whileoutriding.com/
http://gorctrails.blogspot.com.au/search/label/ogre
http://forums.mtbr.com/bikepacking-bike ... 04192.html

The MTBR forums have lots of Ogre threads, covering a lot of details. The search bar can direct you.

[rifraf]

I'm picking an Ogre up this week. It's a commuter for me, and I hope to try some touring when my fitness picks up, but I did a lot of reading about it before deciding.
The MTBR forums have lots of Ogre threads, covering a lot of details. The search bar can direct you.

Hi HelmutHerr,
thanks for the links - appreciate that.
Your buying a complete unit as opposed to a frame kit?
I'm still reading MTBR Troll thread and up to pg 26. http://forums.mtbr.com/surly/surly-troll-650122-26.html
My eyes will be square by tomorrow I'm sure.
Dont forget to throw a pic in this thread when you get the chance as we'd love to see your new ride.

[HelmutHerr]

Your buying a complete unit as opposed to a frame kit?

Crikey, no.

To bring it under my budget I ordered a frame, and the shop is building up a single speed Frankenbike using a few of the standard components plus bits ripped off my old Giant hardtail.

My plan is to progressively buy the parts I want until I have enough to turn it into whatever single-purpose machine I need for an outing.

My eyes will be square by tomorrow I'm sure.

Tell me about it. A lot of posts in those threads are just people enthusing about the bikes, which is great, but you have to search for the good info.

I'll post pics up for sure when it arrives!

[HelmutHerr]

Here's the all-purpose Surly Ogre thread at MTBR, in case you survived the Troll one.

[DavidL]

Hi David,
great looking rig.
If you have time, I'd love to see a "from the saddle" view of the bars and maybe a front on view.
I've heard good things about the woodchipper bars.
How many teeth on your largest and smallest cassette sprockets and also your chainrings?
Does it feel low geared enough?

Based on specs:
Crankset is 44/32/22
Cassette is 11-34T

Is that low enough gearing, well yes. If 22x34 isn't low enough then it is time to get off and push.

When I am back home on the weekend I will take some photos for you of the Woodchppers.

- David.

[wolfeyes]

Hi all...

Reviving thread, this is my new Surly ogre only a few weeks old.......mainly bult up with Shim XT and avid.

Have been on a few rides so far and i absolutely love it, cant wait to put some racks on it and do some longer trips...just need to work out what racks will fit

I have also ridden a Salsa fargo with a flat bar (not woodchippers) and would say the geometry does not suit.

[rifraf]

Hi all...

Reviving thread, this is my new Surly ogre only a few weeks old.......mainly bult up with Shim XT and avid.

Have been on a few rides so far and i absolutely love it, cant wait to put some racks on it and do some longer trips...just need to work out what racks will fit

I have also ridden a Salsa fargo with a flat bar (not woodchippers) and would say the geometry does not suit.

Hiya wolfeyes,
very nice - I'm envious as hell
Where did you source the frame?
Did it take long to arrive?
Who built up the wheels for you and did you end up with 36 spokes or...?
Does yours have bottle mounts on the underneath of the frames downtube?
It seems some do and some dont

[wolfeyes]

Hey Rifraf

Frame was sourced from my old LBS...im assuming they go through Dirtworks

I think i got lucky... the frame came pretty quick (only a couple of weeks) and yes it is the new vers with the bottle mounts underneath (which makes 3 or 5 if you include the forks )
Wheels were built up from old LBS... they are Mavic 719 (36 hole) with hope hubs...cost a bit so hopefully they will hold up.

All parts have been sitting around for a while as i was in the process of moving.... bike was built by Gateshead cycles in Newcastle..

let me know if you want anymore info..

[rifraf]

Hey Rifraf

Frame was sourced from my old LBS...im assuming they go through Dirtworks

I think i got lucky... the frame came pretty quick (only a couple of weeks) and yes it is the new vers with the bottle mounts underneath (which makes 3 or 5 if you include the forks )
Wheels were built up from old LBS... they are Mavic 719 (36 hole) with hope hubs...cost a bit so hopefully they will hold up.

All parts have been sitting around for a while as i was in the process of moving.... bike was built by Gateshead cycles in Newcastle..

let me know if you want anymore info..

Hi Wolfeyes
Thanks for the speedy response. Mines a little tardy due to being rushed trying to organise xmas pressies for overseas family.
If you'd been in WA I'd be pushing for a meet to admire your new machine.
What are your impressions of the ride. Steel 29ers (in particular) sound weighty and Surly bikes
sound "more bombproof" than most which I guess equates to servicing the stereotype.
The XT componentry will help with regards to that I'm sure as well as your quality wheelset.
What were/are your other bike/bikes with which you garnered your experience/opinions?
I love all those mounting points (warts) on the frame and forks.
I think you chose well with the 36 spoke count as thats what I'd go for as a minimum for my requirements.
Any particular reason for sourcing local your frame? Jensonusa.com seem to be a popular choice in different forums as well as here and so are bikeman.com. Being in a position to support your local bike shop is good though especially if your using them to build up the bike (I can see a good logic there).
Happy with the bike as you've now got it or do you have an upgrade path in mind - do share.