I love cycling and always look for bikes that are versatile. The Surly Big Easy caught my eye right away. It’s a cargo e-bike that can do many things, like carry heavy stuff and give a smooth ride for everyone.
The Surly Big Easy has a strong Bosch Performance Line CX motor. It helps me a lot, even when I’m carrying a lot of weight. The bike has big 26-inch tires and a strong chromoly steel frame. This means it can handle my busy life well.
This bike is really customizable. It comes in three sizes – small, medium, and large. So, I can pick the best one for my height and how I like to ride. Plus, there are many accessories like a removable deck and bags. These let me change the bike to fit what I need.
The Surly Big Easy is a big part of my journey into cargo bikes. It’s powerful, versatile, and can be customized. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and flexible cargo e-bike.
Nesting Projects: The Journey to a Cargo Bike Lifestyle
When our family was expecting a new baby, we looked into cargo bikes. We liked the front-loader bikes like the Larry vs. Harry Bullitt and the Riese & Müller Packster. But, we worried about their high cost and if they would be practical for a long time.
Exploring Front-Loader Options
We got to try out a Bullitt bike, which was a great learning experience. But soon, our 4-year-old grew too big for it. This made us think twice about the limits of front-loader cargo bikes.
Practicality and Cost Considerations
We had to think carefully about the practicality and cost of cargo bikes. The high prices of the front-loaders made us look for other options. We found the Surly Big Easy, which seemed like a better choice for our family’s needs.
Long Bike, Long Review: An In-Depth Look at the Surly Big Easy
I’ve tested many cargo bikes, but the Surly Big Easy stands out. This review goes deep into what makes it special. It’s an electric cargo bike that caught my eye.
The Surly Big Easy is a powerhouse. It’s great for taking kids to school or carrying heavy stuff. In this Surly Big Easy review, I’ll talk about how it performs, how you can customize it, and if it’s right for you.
Exploring the Surly Big Easy’s Versatility
This bike is all about being versatile. It’s an electric cargo bike that combines power with practicality. Families and businesses find it very useful. It has been performing well over time, even when it’s tough.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX, 250W |
| Battery | Bosch PowerTube 500Wh |
| Range | Up to 75 miles (120 km) |
| Load Capacity | Up to 400 lbs (181 kg) |
Reviewing the Surly Big Easy over time has been very helpful. I’ve seen how it handles different places, from cities to trails. It’s a versatile and dependable bike.
Reality Check: Driving Habits and the Big Easy
I love cycling and thought the Surly Big Easy would cut down our driving. But, our family was already using less cars before getting this e-bike.
We live in a hilly area and drive about 10,000 kilometers a year. Half of that is for road trips. We walk or bike for short trips, but we need a car for long trips and heavy loads.
The Surly Big Easy hasn’t changed our cargo bike driving habits much. But, it could help others transition to a more car-lite lifestyle. For us, the Surly Big Easy driving experience is useful, but not a full car replacement.
Fit for Two: Adjusting for Rider Size Differences
When I got the Surly Big Easy cargo bike, I knew I had to make sure it fit both me and my partner. We’re quite different in height, so finding the right fit was key for comfort and safety.
Stem Customization for Optimal Positioning
The medium frame fit my partner well, but I needed something different. I chose a LOOK Ergostem to raise and extend the handlebars. This let me ride comfortably without losing the bike’s stability.
Handlebar Choice for Maximum Flexibility
I also tried out different handlebars to make the bike even better. The Jones Loop and Surly Terminal bars helped me find the perfect spot for my hands. This made the ride comfy for both of us, no matter our heights.
Being able to adjust the Surly Big Easy was key to making it work for us both. With the right setup, we could enjoy our rides together. It was all about finding the perfect fit for everyone.
More Fun Than the Average Cargo Bike
I was surprised by how fun the Surly Big Easy was to ride. It didn’t feel like other longtail cargo bikes. It was more like a modern mountain bike.
The Surly has a slack head angle and stable geometry. This makes it carve corners and handle well, even with its long rear end. This Surly Big Easy handling makes it more fun to ride than other cargo bikes.
Improved Handling and Stability
The longtail cargo bike stability of the Big Easy is impressive. At speed, it feels very stable and secure. This makes it fun to ride, even with a lot of cargo.
It’s great for navigating tight streets or going on long trips. The Surly Big Easy’s handling and stability make me feel confident and playful. It’s a fun change from usual cargo bikes.
Surly Big Easy: A Customizable Cargo E-Bike
The Surly Big Easy is a versatile and customizable cargo e-bike. It can carry a wide range of cargo, like towing another bike or carrying your family. I’ve used this bike a lot and it’s great for moving heavy items.
Cargo Capability and Accessory Options
The Surly Big Easy is known for its cargo capacity. It has an aluminum deck and Dummy rails for a strong place to put your stuff. The Dummy Bags are also included for carrying your gear easily. These features are very useful for my daily tasks, letting me move big items safely.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cargo Capacity | The Surly Big Easy can handle a wide range of cargo, including towing another bike or carrying your family. |
| Aluminum Deck and Dummy Rails | These features provide a sturdy platform for securing your cargo, ensuring a secure and reliable transport solution. |
| Dummy Bags | The included Dummy Bags offer a customizable and convenient way to carry your belongings on the bike. |
Frame Limitations and Considerations
The Surly Big Easy is great for carrying cargo, but it has some frame limits. It has a 26-inch wheel, which limits the tire choices. Also, I’ve found some derailleurs don’t work well with it, so adjustments are needed.
- Limited tire size options due to 26-inch wheel size
- Potential compatibility issues with some derailleurs
The Surly Big Easy is a top choice for those needing a versatile cargo e-bike. It has great hauling capacity and many accessory options. Though it has some frame issues, its flexibility and performance are hard to beat.
Powerful Bosch Performance Line CX Motor
The Surly Big Easy has a Bosch Performance Line CX motor. It’s known for its great power and quick response. This motor, the strongest in Bosch’s lineup, gives 75 Nm of torque. It makes my rides more powerful, especially when I use Turbo mode.
The Bosch motor works well with the Big Easy’s cargo-carrying ability. It makes the bike a good choice for carrying heavy loads. This is great for going up hills or covering long distances with a full bike.
Even with its strong motor, the Surly Big Easy is a Class 1 electric bike. It has a top speed of 20 mph. This lets me ride safely on bike lanes and trails, following the law in my area. It’s a smart choice that meets the needs of riders and follows the rules.