Surly Sorceress hardtail review: A long-overdue modern addition to the brand’s mountain bike lineup

Surly, the venerable purveyor of steel bicycles, has finally unveiled the Sorceress hardtail, a mountain bike explicitly designed with contemporary trail geometry and Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) compatibility. Reviewed by Singletracks, this new model also retains Surly’s characteristic versatility, offering singlespeed conversion options. This marks a significant, if belated, update to a brand often associated with more traditional or niche offerings in the mountain bike sphere.

This release is notable because Surly, while beloved for its robust, utilitarian frames, has frequently lagged behind industry trends in geometry and component integration. For years, their mountain bike lineup has appealed to a specific, often retro-leaning, segment of riders. The UDH compatibility and modern trail geometry of the Sorceress signal a strategic pivot, acknowledging the competitive landscape where riders increasingly demand current standards for drivetrain options and handling characteristics, even in a steel hardtail.

It seems even Surly, eventually, must bow to the inevitable march of progress. One might almost suspect they're trying to sell bicycles to the year 2024.