Really Want Surly Straggler but...

[Blueberry]

I would also add that I understand the straggler has fairly high demand, so there may be less room than average to negotiate (in addition to the already low Surly margins). I doubt there will be many hanging around in 6 months.

I'm drooling at a frame - I would want to change enough that I don't think the stock build would make sense for me. But that would be more than I want to spend on a bike.

Maybe look at some of the other disc cross bikes? Some of the Konas are quite a bit less expensive (but not steel).

[zoom-zoom]

I would also add that I understand the straggler has fairly high demand, so there may be less room than average to negotiate (in addition to the already low Surly margins). I doubt there will be many hanging around in 6 months.

I'm drooling at a frame - I would want to change enough that I don't think the stock build would make sense for me. But that would be more than I want to spend on a bike.

Maybe look at some of the other disc cross bikes? Some of the Konas are quite a bit less expensive (but not steel).

Yeah, Surlys and Salsas both generally sell out fast. It's sometimes easier to find a gently used one than a new one unless you order as soon as they come out and are willing to pay full retail.

Redline has a disc version of their Conquest that is really nice. I have an older Conquest and love it. I'd kill for a Carbon Pro Disc, but they don't carry the smallest size (44) in that model, which irritates the heck out of me. I'd buy one today if it existed in my size.

[tulip]

Jamis has some nice cross bikes--steel. I'm a big Jamis fan, partly because they are rather under the radar and very high quality bikes. Surly just screams too-cool-for-school to me.