Here you find the venerable 1X1, the frame whose name is synonymous with singlespeeds the same way people call facial tissue Kleenex. The 1X1 was designed for 26" wheels, big tires, and single gear and cog drivetrains, like freewheeled singlespeeds, fixedgear, and even internal geared hubs. No derailleur hanger, no housing stops or line guides for derailleurs. The 1X1 is simple, durable and beautiful.

It’s made of Surly 4130 CroMoly, with a custom doublebutted main triangle and triplebutted fork blades for a tough yet responsive, lively ride. Adding to that ride feel is its geometry which is, well, simple. It rides like a mountain bike. The chainstays are heat treated to add to its durability. It still has rim brake pivots. They’re removeable in case you want to clean up the look when you run disc brakes.

This year we’ve updated some of its design features, something we’ve done rarely over its life. We lowered the toptube a bit to increase stand-over clearance and also made it compatible with 100mm suspension forks. As well, the rear disc caliper mounting plate has been redesigned to allow easier rear wheel removal and installation…no more loosening the adapter bolts to allow the rotor to clear the caliper.

The 1X1 rides like a bike, without a lot of fussin’ and fightin’. This is a frame you keep, a frame you use for years and years. It has been around since the very early daze of Surly, and it remains one of our favorites.