Originally Posted by noisebeam
I am certain that the 2004 stock build model is the same as the 2003 based on the "Surly2004.pdf" catalog I have seen. I have no idea what is going on at the LBS. . . .
I did ask if they could order a stock build Surly, sure they said and brought out the Surly parent company catelog (UCI or something like that) and sure enough the red stock build was pictured and the standard specs I am familiar with listed. I asked how much it would be, they said they could get it in 3-4 days and went to the back room, came out and said $1799. I said they must be a mistake as I am sure the cost is quite a bit lower. They went back to the back and came out with $1499. I said I expect and understand that the price will be higher than I see on-line (which I then told them was $800-900) but I didn't expect such a large difference. They then explained that the stock build in the catelog was the 2003 model and that the 2004 model is much better with 105 components, better headset, better seat post, etc. I asked if I could see what exact components they were and I didn't get a clear answer. . . .
Al
ATTENTION LBS OWNERS!!! What's the scoop? Are the LBS' cited by the posters jacking up the prices? Or has there been a manufactuter price increase on the Surlys? If the price has gone up, why? The prices they cite are twice what I paid for a stock build last fall.
I love my Cross Check, but I don't think it's worth $1500 stock built. I wonder if your LBS' are greedy or if there was a price increase. If this hasn't turned you off of Surlys, look at the new Surly Long Haul Trucker. That might actually make a better commuter than the Cross Check. Sometimes I wish my Cross Check were just a little bit longer. I have to push saddlebags to the back of the rack to avoid heel strike.