NEW Surly Midnight Special Frameset - 650b/700c, Steel, Fool's Gold - 210000069784

NEW Surly Midnight Special Frameset - 650b/700c, Steel, Fool's Gold - 210000069784

The Midnight Special is an endurance road bike designed to provide comfort and speed on those all-day rides that extend well beyond fresh pavement. It excels on pot-holed, deteriorating pavement and the occasional long stretch of gravel. The Midnight Special’s 700c tires eat up road chatter and absorb all the bumps in the road for a much more comfortable ride.

Features                    

• 100% Surly Chromoly frame, main triangle is double-butted; 1-1/8" threadless Chromoly fork
• Rack, fender, and three sets of water bottle mounts
• Flat-Mount disc brakes
• 44mm head tube
• Tire Clearance: 27.5 x 2.35" (w/o fenders), 700c x 42mm (w/o fenders), 650b x 50 (w/ fenders), 700c x 38mm (w/ fenders)

Specifications

• Fork Material: Steel
• Color: Fool's Gold
• Wheel Size: 700c , 650b
• Brake Type: Disc
• Platform: Midnight Special
• Fork Type: Rigid
• Rear Axle: 12mm Thru x 142mm
• Frame Material: Steel
• Defined Color: Gold
• Front Axle: 12mm Thru x 100mm

What our Experts Think

• Designed for riders who want one bike that can confidently handle fast road miles, rough pavement, and gravel adventures.
• Premium double-butted Surly Chromoly steel frame delivers the smooth, compliant ride quality steel is famous for.
• Dual 650b and 700c wheel compatibility gives you the freedom to prioritize speed, comfort, or mixed-surface capability.
• Generous tire clearance allows wider tires for increased grip, comfort, and confidence on broken roads and gravel.
• Rack, fender, and multiple bottle mounts make it an excellent platform for commuting, bikepacking, endurance riding, and all-weather adventures.
• Flat-mount disc brake compatibility provides reliable stopping power in all conditions.
• The versatile geometry strikes a rare balance between all-day comfort and responsive handling, making it equally at home on road rides and gravel detours.
• A favorite among custom-build enthusiasts thanks to its adaptability, durability, and timeless steel ride feel.

                   
Q&A    

Q: What type of riding is the Surly Midnight Special Frameset designed for?
A: The Midnight Special is an endurance road and light gravel frameset built for long rides, rough pavement, mixed surfaces, commuting, and all-road adventures.

Q: What material is the frame made from?
A: The frameset features a 4130 Chromoly steel frame and fork with Surly’s double-butted Natch tubing for durability, comfort, and a smooth ride quality.

Q: What wheel sizes are compatible with the Midnight Special?
A: The frame is designed around 650b x 50mm tires and also supports 700c x 42mm tires, giving riders flexibility for road or gravel-focused builds.

Q: What tire clearance does the frame offer?
A: Clearance accommodates up to 650b x 50mm or 700c x 42mm tires without fenders, providing excellent versatility for mixed-terrain riding.

Q: Is the Midnight Special compatible with modern components?
A: Yes. It features flat-mount disc brake compatibility, 12mm thru-axles front and rear, a 44mm head tube, and a threaded bottom bracket for easy maintenance and broad component compatibility.

Q: Does the frameset support racks and fenders?
A: Yes. Multiple rack, fender, and bottle cage mounts make it ideal for commuting, bikepacking, touring, and everyday riding.

Q: What makes the Fool's Gold Midnight Special unique?
A: Its modern all-road geometry, steel ride quality, generous tire clearance, and striking Fool’s Gold finish create a highly versatile platform for custom road, gravel, or adventure builds.

Q: Who is this frameset best for?
A: Riders seeking a comfortable, durable steel frameset that blends endurance road speed with gravel capability and all-day riding comfort.

               
Maintenance Tips

• Clean the frameset regularly to remove dirt, road grime, and moisture that can affect performance.

• Inspect the steel frame and fork for paint chips, scratches, or signs of corrosion.

• Touch up any exposed metal promptly to help prevent rust.

• Apply a rust inhibitor inside the frame tubes periodically, especially if riding in wet conditions.

• Check headset, bottom bracket, and thru-axle interfaces for proper torque and smooth operation.

• Keep mounting points, rack mounts, and bottle cage bosses clean and secure.

• Inspect brake and drivetrain cable routing areas for wear and debris buildup.

• Store indoors in a dry environment to protect the steel construction and finish.

• Perform regular safety checks before rides to ensure reliable road and gravel performance.