Surly Instigator 2.0 (Hardtail)

Some may remember a Surly model we discontinued called the Instigator. The Instigator was a burly hardtail made for going fast and going big. Our new Instigator picks up where that one left off. This thing is beefy and tough, yet quick-handling and well balanced.

This new Instigator differs from the old one of course. Most notably, Instigator 2.0 is what we call 26+, designed to run 26˝ (559mm ETRTO) Rabbit Hole rims. At 50mm they’re quite a bit wider than standard MTB rims, and coupled with our 2.75˝ Dirt Wizard tires the overall diameter is about 27.5˝ (roughly 650b). All this means you get loads of traction and cushion yet you can still accelerate like mad.

The toptube is long and the wheelbase relatively short, with a nice front/rear balance. This thing is made from the ground up to swoop, rail, hammer, drift, carve and fly. It goes downhill like nobody’s business and climbs well too. Instigator 2.0 employs a 44mm headtube, which paired with a tapered steerertube will provide a stiff front end and compatibility with lots of suspension forks. The rear end uses our new Modular Dropout System, allowing you to change up your drivetrain according to your riding preference. Frames ship with MDS dropouts in 10mm track end singlespeed, standard vertical with derailleur hanger and a 142 x 12mm thru-axle versions.