🚴 Welcome to Traveling Ground
We’re a mission-driven bike shop based in Colorado. Every sale helps refurbish and donate bikes to those in need through Bicycles for Humanity Colorado. Ride with purpose—because when you ride, someone else gets to as well.
🔧 2003 Surly Instigator 1.0 – Custom-Built Steel Trail Rig | Size Small | Like New | Shimano XT 1x12 + Dynamo
Built with classic steel attitude and upgraded with a modern custom spec, this 2003 Surly Instigator 1.0 is a rare gem. Originally designed as a burly trail bike before its time, this bike now boasts an incredible 3x12 drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, dynamo lighting capability, and a hand-selected parts list blending vintage style with modern performance.
Finished in the original Surly blue and ridden less than 40 miles, this size Small (17.5" seat tube) is in like-new condition, ready for everything from rugged trails to fully loaded bikepacking.
📦 Full Build Specs:
Frame & Fork:
2003 Surly Instigator 1.0 – 4130 Chromoly steel, classic blue color
Size Small – 17.5" seat tube (C-T), ~21.5" top tube (effective), 110mm head tube
Wheelset & Tires:
Velocity Blunt 35 Chrome Rims – wide and strong
Front Hub: Shimano Dynamo hub – power your lights on the go
Rear Hub: Shimano
Tires: Surly Extraterrestrial 26x2.5” – Gray/Tan wall, all-terrain capable, like new
Drivetrain (Custom 3x12):
Crankset: Rotor 3D forged alloy, 170mm arms, 42/32/24T triple
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT 12-speed
Cassette: 11-45T, wide-range 12-speed
Shifters:
Right: Shimano SLX 12-speed trigger
Left: Shimano Tourney (3-speed)
Chain: Compatible 12-speed chain installed
Brakes:
Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes – powerful and reliable
Cockpit:
Handlebar & Stem: Custom Nitto Chromoly steel combo – elegant and bombproof
Grips: Tune chromo grips
Seatpost & Saddle:
Seatpost: Tune chromo
Seatpost Clamp: Tune chromo
Saddle: Rice Race
Headset:
Ritchey – smooth, durable
✅ Condition:
Like New – Less than 40 miles ridden
No major scratches, dents, or wear
Recently tuned, shifts and brakes perfectly
Clean and ready to ride
📏 Geometry (Approximate – Size Small):
Seat Tube: 17.5” (center to top)
Top Tube (Effective): ~21.5”
Head Tube: 110mm
Wheel Size: 26"
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Bike:
Steel is real: Durable, compliant ride quality from Surly's legendary 4130 steel
Full custom build: Unique 3x12 drivetrain with XT rear shifting and dynamo hub
Loaded with boutique parts: Rotor cranks, Tune seatpost/grips/clamp, Nitto cockpit
Like new condition: Professionally built and barely ridden
Perfect for trails, adventure touring, or vintage-modern collectors
💬 Questions?
We’re happy to help with fit, build compatibility, or shipping.
🌍 Ride with Purpose.
Your purchase helps support bike refurbishments and donations through Bicycles for Humanity Colorado.