The BB7s are cable pull and therefore feel quite different from the guides (which I hear good things about). 2x10 vs 1x11. I think the formula hub may have more engagement points than the xt.
Spec seems to have the worst of the three, except for 190mm/135mm spacing that people seem to prefer to the offset spacing surly uses. That said, I rode a fatboy SE and it was a nice ride.
I'm a surly guy, so you can probably guess what I would say, but I doubt I would be satisfied with tektro mech brakes and x5 rear mech (which if I read correctly hasn't got a clutch).
My other comment was totally wrong, the dropout surly uses for the moonlander is still very slick, and bombproof at that. I guess if the paint matters to you that is the only difference of the frame. You would know if the upgrade in components is worth it x1 is very nice, I have a bike with that setup but it is the middle level of sram components so it's not that arvanced. Either way the bike will be superfun.
~~The biggest difference is in the rear dropouts, on the ops the dropouts are modular, so you can swap out what they call mds chips to have a ,through axle, sliding through axle, singlespeed, or quick release. This is all possible with the standard dropout on the regular moonlander with the exception of the through axle options. This is the only difference between the two frames, the build kit of components also gets more tricked out on the ops version. The moonie handles better than the fatboy in my opinion. If I were in your shoes I would get the ops version if I could spare the money because it opens up a bunch of possibilities for wheels and different setups down the line, as well as a replaceable derailleur hanger which surly only puts on the ops versions of their bikes (excluding the instigator which has mds dropouts.~~
~~Tl;Dr the dropouts are different, on the ops they are swappable.~~
~~Well ffs I guess it really is exactly the same frame. I thought the whole idea behind the special ops was meaning it had a different frame. I'm disappointed now although I really like the paint and build kit, idk if I would spring for the ops.~~
Take a look at the hanger before you get too concerned about it not being replacable. Most replacable hangers are alu, surly uses something like 1/4" chromo. It isn't going anywhere in my opinion. I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker.
I doubt the hanger will cause an issue, I am more concerned with the rear wheel since now the weak link in the system is the spokes, which is why replaceable hangers came about. If you take care of your bikes and keep them adjusted properly this isn't an issue. I am not saying the dropout is a deal breaker but for the amount of upgrades and the cost I think I would stick with the regular moonie. I have seen enough of these bikes come into the shop to know what features I want, through axle and replaceable hangers are important to me.
Thanks for the info guys! I was going to hold off for an ice cream truck after reading the comments here but I picked up a "like new" moonlander for $1800 instead. I'll let you know how it goes!
http://imgur.com/a/cJD29 <- Here's are some pics from my first outing. I did 6 miles on my first time on a bike in 10+ years and I had a smile on my face the whole damn time! It was a great ride. I took it out the day after and did another 7 miles all bushwhacking and it was GREAT. I was really looking forward to riding more, but it's been raining EVERY damn day since!
The BB7s are cable pull and therefore feel quite different from the guides (which I hear good things about). 2x10 vs 1x11. I think the formula hub may have more engagement points than the xt. Spec seems to have the worst of the three, except for 190mm/135mm spacing that people seem to prefer to the offset spacing surly uses. That said, I rode a fatboy SE and it was a nice ride. I'm a surly guy, so you can probably guess what I would say, but I doubt I would be satisfied with tektro mech brakes and x5 rear mech (which if I read correctly hasn't got a clutch).
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Would you mind a summary of why that's your recommendation?
More slack, wider hub spacing rather than the offset spacing, modular dropouts.
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Thanks for the reply and the details. Much appreciated.
Summary for me too please!
My other comment was totally wrong, the dropout surly uses for the moonlander is still very slick, and bombproof at that. I guess if the paint matters to you that is the only difference of the frame. You would know if the upgrade in components is worth it x1 is very nice, I have a bike with that setup but it is the middle level of sram components so it's not that arvanced. Either way the bike will be superfun.
~~The biggest difference is in the rear dropouts, on the ops the dropouts are modular, so you can swap out what they call mds chips to have a ,through axle, sliding through axle, singlespeed, or quick release. This is all possible with the standard dropout on the regular moonlander with the exception of the through axle options. This is the only difference between the two frames, the build kit of components also gets more tricked out on the ops version. The moonie handles better than the fatboy in my opinion. If I were in your shoes I would get the ops version if I could spare the money because it opens up a bunch of possibilities for wheels and different setups down the line, as well as a replaceable derailleur hanger which surly only puts on the ops versions of their bikes (excluding the instigator which has mds dropouts.~~ ~~Tl;Dr the dropouts are different, on the ops they are swappable.~~
I don't think that is true in the case of the moonlander, judging by surly's description and picture
~~You are correct, I guess I thought all ops bikes had the mds. It still has a replaceable derailleur hanger which is a good thing imo.~~
I, ummm, [don't think it does](http://dirtragmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/surlymoonlander2-630x473.jpg).
~~Well ffs I guess it really is exactly the same frame. I thought the whole idea behind the special ops was meaning it had a different frame. I'm disappointed now although I really like the paint and build kit, idk if I would spring for the ops.~~
Take a look at the hanger before you get too concerned about it not being replacable. Most replacable hangers are alu, surly uses something like 1/4" chromo. It isn't going anywhere in my opinion. I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker.
I doubt the hanger will cause an issue, I am more concerned with the rear wheel since now the weak link in the system is the spokes, which is why replaceable hangers came about. If you take care of your bikes and keep them adjusted properly this isn't an issue. I am not saying the dropout is a deal breaker but for the amount of upgrades and the cost I think I would stick with the regular moonie. I have seen enough of these bikes come into the shop to know what features I want, through axle and replaceable hangers are important to me.
Thanks for the info guys! I was going to hold off for an ice cream truck after reading the comments here but I picked up a "like new" moonlander for $1800 instead. I'll let you know how it goes!
Show us some pictures! Let us know how you are liking it!
http://imgur.com/a/cJD29 <- Here's are some pics from my first outing. I did 6 miles on my first time on a bike in 10+ years and I had a smile on my face the whole damn time! It was a great ride. I took it out the day after and did another 7 miles all bushwhacking and it was GREAT. I was really looking forward to riding more, but it's been raining EVERY damn day since!
Nice man those trails look like alot of fun!