The Surly Midnight Special Premium Build is the most refined version of one of Surly's most iconic models.
Combining a Surly Chromoly frame, Salsa Waxwing Carbon fork, Teravail Circos Carbon wheels on DT Swiss 350 hubs and a Shimano 105 2x12 drivetrain, it delivers a modern all-road ride built for speed, comfort and versatility across pavement, backroads and mixed terrain.
Looking for a different size or configuration? Contact us to check current availability and estimated lead times.
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Real-World Positioning
Midnight Special was never created to take a road bike off-road.
It was created to make riding more enjoyable once the pavement stops being perfect.
Its personality emerges precisely there: forgotten back roads, broken pavement, rolling countryside routes, gravel connectors and long rides without a specific destination. While many modern gravel bikes prioritise stability and off-road capability, the Midnight Special maintains a riding experience that remains remarkably close to the road-bike world.
It accelerates eagerly, responds quickly to changes of pace and feels lively through corners and accelerations. At the same time, generous tire clearance and the Road Plus philosophy allow it to tackle surfaces that would normally challenge a traditional road bike.
This balance is what makes it different. It does not try to become a lightweight mountain bike or a touring bike. It remains a bicycle built around riding enjoyment, simply across a much wider variety of roads.
Why This Version Is Different
This Premium Build is arguably the most advanced Midnight Special Surly has ever offered.
For the first time, the classic Chromoly steel frame is paired with a Salsa Waxwing Carbon fork and Teravail Circos Carbon wheels built around DT Swiss 350 hubs.
The result is not a Midnight Special with a different philosophy, but a Midnight Special that is faster, more responsive and more efficient.
Surly has deliberately preserved the character of the bike while upgrading the components that most directly influence weight, comfort and ride quality.
One of the Bikes That Anticipated Modern All-Road Riding
When the Midnight Special was introduced, many of the bicycles now described as all-road simply did not exist.
The ability to run high-volume 650b tires or faster 700c setups helped define an entire category.
Even today, the platform remains one of the most convincing interpretations of the road-plus concept.
It was never built to chase trends.
It continues to make sense because the original concept was already ahead of its time.
Road Plus: What It Really Means
Midnight Special was designed around the Road Plus concept.
The goal is not to turn a road bike into a lightweight mountain bike.
The goal is to create a bicycle that remains engaging, lively and enjoyable even when road surfaces deteriorate.
700c x 42 mm without fenders
650b x 50 mm with fenders
650b x 60 mm without fenders
This compatibility allows the bike's character to be adapted to very different riding styles and objectives.
It can be a fast all-road bike for daily rides, a platform for long days on secondary roads or a surprisingly capable companion for lightweight bikepacking.
Frame and Platform
The frame uses Surly Natch Chromoly tubing with a double-butted main triangle.
The Salsa Waxwing Carbon fork helps reduce weight and vibration while retaining compatibility with Three-Pack mounts and dynamo-powered lighting systems.
The platform uses modern standards:
Flat Mount disc brakes
12 mm thru-axles
Threaded BSA bottom bracket
Generous tire clearance
650b and 700c compatibility
A combination that prioritises reliability, easy maintenance and long-term adaptability.
Midnight Special vs Modern Gravel Bikes
Many modern gravel bikes continue moving toward greater off-road capability, increased stability and larger carrying capacity.
Midnight Special follows a different path.
It maintains handling that remains closer to the road-bike world, with sharper responses to accelerations and a generally more lively feel.
Riders looking for highly technical terrain, rough off-road routes or heavily loaded touring will probably be better served by platforms such as the Fargo, Ogre or Krampus.
Riders looking for a fast, elegant and exceptionally enjoyable bicycle for secondary roads may find the Midnight Special to be one of the finest all-road interpretations available.
Ideal For
Paved roads and secondary roads
All-road and endurance riding
Road Plus riding
Fast, lightweight gravel routes
Long days in the saddle
Lightweight bikepacking
Non-competitive performance riding
Riders seeking exceptional versatility without sacrificing ride quality
When It Doesn't Make Sense
If your main goal is technical gravel, rough off-road riding or singletrack.
If you regularly travel with heavy loads.
If you primarily want a platform for off-road exploration.
If maximum tire clearance is your highest priority.
If you prefer a more relaxed position oriented toward traditional touring.
Size Guide
The manufacturer's recommendations should be considered only as a starting point. Height, inseam, body proportions, flexibility, preferred riding position and intended use can all significantly influence the final size choice.
Size
Suggested Rider Height
40 cm
147–158 cm
46 cm
155–165 cm
50 cm
163–173 cm
54 cm
168–178 cm
56 cm
173–183 cm
58 cm
178–188 cm
60 cm
185–196 cm
64 cm
193–203 cm
Contact us: we can help you interpret geometry, riding position and possible alternatives to identify the most suitable solution.
CTA
Looking for a fast and engaging bike for paved roads, secondary roads and mixed-surface riding?
We can help you compare the Midnight Special with modern gravel bikes, endurance road bikes and other Surly platforms to identify the solution that best matches the way you ride.
Partly, yes, but describing it simply as a gravel bike would be limiting. The Midnight Special was developed as an all-road and Road Plus platform, designed to deliver speed and riding enjoyment on pavement, secondary roads and mixed surfaces.
What does Road Plus mean?
Road Plus refers to a road-oriented bicycle designed to accommodate significantly wider tires than a traditional road bike, improving comfort, control and versatility.
Can I use 650b wheels?
Yes. The Midnight Special was specifically designed to work with both 650b and 700c wheel configurations.
Can I use it for bikepacking?
Yes. Frame and fork mounts make it suitable for lightweight bikepacking setups and multi-day rides.
What tire clearance does it offer?
Surly specifies compatibility up to 700c x 42 mm without fenders or 650b x 50 mm with fenders.
Is it compatible with a dropper post?
No. The Midnight Special does not include dedicated dropper-post compatibility.
What is the main difference compared to the Fargo?
The Fargo was developed as a drop-bar mountain bike focused on off-road riding and adventure travel. The Midnight Special is a faster all-road platform that stays much closer to the road-bike world and is intended for less technical terrain.
Technical Specifications
Frame and Fork
Item
Specification
Frame
Surly Midnight Special – 100% Surly Chromoly Steel, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded, E.D. coated
Fork
Salsa Waxwing Carbon with aluminium steerer
Color
Black Cherry Fizz
Headset
FSA Orbit ITA
Headset Standard
Upper: ZS44/28.6 Lower: EC44
Bottom Bracket
68 mm threaded BSA (1.37" x 24 TPI)
Seatpost
Ø27.2 mm
Seatpost Collar
Surly Stainless Ø30.0 mm
Dropper Compatibility
No
Tire Clearance
700c x 42 mm without fenders 700c x 38 mm with fenders 650b x 50 mm with fenders 650b x 2.35" without fenders
Front Standard
12 x 100 mm
Rear Standard
12 x 142 mm Compatible with 10 x 135 mm using dedicated Surly adapters
Fork Length
402 mm axle-to-crown
Fork Offset
50 mm
Drivetrain
Item
Specification
Shifters
Shimano 105 R7120
Front Derailleur
Shimano 105 R7100
Rear Derailleur
Shimano 105 R7100
Crankset
Shimano 105 R7100 Hollowtech II 50/34T
Cassette
Shimano 105 R7101 11–34T, 12-speed
Chain
KMC X12
Chainring Compatibility
Road 1x up to 44T Road 2x up to 50/34T Road 3x up to 50/39/30T
Brakes
Item
Specification
Brakes
Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
Calipers
Shimano 105 R7170
Rotors
Shimano RT30 Centerlock
Rotor Diameter
160 mm front 160 mm rear
Frame Compatibility
Flat Mount 160 mm maximum front 160 mm maximum rear
Wheels
Item
Specification
Rims
Teravail Circos Carbon 700c
Internal Width
25 mm
Spoke Count
24h front 28h rear
Front Hub
DT Swiss 350 12 x 100 mm
Rear Hub
DT Swiss 350 12 x 142 mm
Spokes
DT Swiss Competition
Tires
Item
Specification
Model
Teravail Rampart
Size
700c x 35 mm
Tubeless Ready
Yes
Sealant Included
Yes
Components
Item
Specification
Handlebar
Teravail Radia
Stem
Teravail Radia
Bar Tape
Velo Black Cork
Seatpost
Promax SP-2019
Offset
12 mm on sizes 54–64
Saddle
WTB Volt Medium Cromoly
Mounts and Compatibility
Item
Specification
Bottle Mounts
3 standard frame mounts
Fork
Two sets of Three-Pack mounts
Racks
Compatible with front low-rider racks
Fenders
Front and rear compatible
Downtube Shifter Cable Stops
Present
Weight and Notes
Item
Specification
Claimed Weight
24 lb 1 oz (size 56)
Note: the manufacturer may change components and specifications without prior notice. Any substitutions will maintain equivalent characteristics and functionality compared to the stated configuration.
Brand
Reference
BK01552
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