Surly may be best known for the Long Haul Trucker, the Cross-Check and a bunch of fat-tire bikes, but their best kept secret is the Pacer. It’s a fast and efficient road bike built the Surly way — double-butted, TIG-welded, using 4130 CroMoly steel. The fork is lug-brazed with a sloping crown, as well as tapered and curved fork blades.

Translation: A comfortable, durable, predictable, reliable Surly bike. Box Dog Bikes is taking 10-percent off the 2012 Pacer’s $1,350 price tags. We’ve got sizes

This classy road bike takes the edge off rough roads and fractured pavement. The Pacer is designed for riders spending all day in the saddle. In fact, it’s seems like the perfect bike for riding day, after day, after day, after day, such as the weeklong AIDS/Lifecycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

So, while Box Dog has put the Pacer on sale at 10-percent sale, we’d like to extend a 15-percent discount for those rider chasing down the ALC ride in June. The Pacer would be the best road bike for that 545-mile supported ride. Why consider a stiff race frame that will rattle the brain, when it’s not a race. Pace yourself with a Pacer; relax, and enjoy the ride.

The Pacer is built-up with Shimano’s affordable, yet reliable, Tiagra-level components, including Tiagra hubs on a set of sturdy Alex R390 rims. Andel’s compact crank, a 50/34, will propel stiffly like any road crank should. And, Tektro’s dual pivot, R358 calipers offer solid braking power on those endless steep descents.

While the Pacer’s steel chassis offers a subtle and flexible ride, Surly still built a road bike that remains laterally stiff for those out-of-the-saddle sprints and climbs. Plus, this comfort hardly compromises the weight at approximately 23 pounds, fully built for a 56cm. In keeping with road ideals, Surly also added Salsa’s lightweight aluminum MotoAce Short and Shallow handlebar for easy to reach handling and aggressive pacelining on the flats.

Finally, the Pacer is rolling with Continental’s tough Ultra Sport in 28mm, wider than the racy 23mm tires, but, again, offering a subtle ride for hours that turn into days over harsh pavement. The classically inspired road design that propels the Pacer also allows for tires as wide as 32mm, and thus, better traction and more cushion. If not wider tires, consider a set fenders, since the Pacer is more than a road bike, it’s an excellent commuter and day-tripper for after the ride down to L.A.

The Surly secret is out, and there’s no doubt the Pacer offers a smooth ride for miles and miles. Don’t hesitate to visit us at Box Dog and discover the secret for yourself.