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Surly’s Cross Verify was a type of bikes I appreciated despite the fact that I by no means needed one. Though it was primarily based on/impressed by a cyclocross bike with 700c wheels and cantilever brakes, it was greater than that: An eternally helpful, sturdy, moderately priced bike that might do quite a lot of issues and might be constructed up quite a lot of alternative ways.
For these causes, the Cross Verify was a reasonably common bike, and one of many few that resonated with each “core” biking lovers and individuals who don’t see themselves as cyclists however use bikes as instruments to stay their lives. I’ve seen quite a lot of Cross Checks within the wild, and no two are ever the identical.
However as I mentioned, I by no means needed one. It was not sufficient of anybody factor to be a motorcycle I needed for a way, the place, and why I experience bicycles. However the Cross Verify made quite a lot of riders completely happy, and that’s ok for me.
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I say “was” as a result of Surly just lately moved the Cross Verify from their bike web page to their “Legacy Bikes” part. Which implies it’s now not in manufacturing. However as a result of it was by no means a motorcycle for me, I didn’t suppose a lot of its transition to legacy standing. Plus, I’ve seen 1000’s of bikes—all biking merchandise actually—evolve, disappear, and die off throughout my profession. A motorbike going out of manufacturing is as widespread and anticipated as a brand new product debuting.
Circle of life, capitalism, and all that.
So, I used to be shocked to see the considerably sizable show of mourning for the Cross Verify throughout the intewebz.
I do discover among the mourning over dramatic. Whereas Surly could have retired the Cross Verify identify (for now), the Cross Verify nonetheless exists in Surly’s line: They simply name it the Straggler and it has disc brakes.
Or possibly the Preamble is the disc Cross Verify? Or is it the Midnight Special? And that’s simply Surly’s “Pavement” line: All advised, the model gives 16 fashions. 16!
Which factors to a different concern: I really feel like Surly is making an attempt too arduous to stretch their complete vibe throughout too many fashions. For an organization that appears to revere simplicity, their bike line is to fairly complicated.
I’d even say between the Cross Verify, Straggler, Preamble, and Midnight Particular that that they had too lots of the similar bike and one thing wanted to go. I imply, they need to actually eliminate the Cross Verify and a minimum of yet one more mannequin as a result of they nonetheless have three variations of the identical bike.
Greater than something, the demise of the Cross Verify is simply extra proof of the tip of—or an enormous discount in—the demand for rim brakes. And since Surly is owned by an enormous company entity—High quality Bicycle Merchandise, AKA QBP—I’ve to think about there are income, quantity, and many others. stresses (that capitalism stuff once more) that aren’t suitable with what the Cross Verify grew to become: A distinct segment, low demand, product.
However hope stays Cross Verify followers. A number of different manufacturers make a really comparable product: Fairly priced, utilitarian, metal framed bikes with 700c wheels, derailleur compatibility, and cantilever brakes.
A partial is contains: The Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross, New Albion Privateer, Handsome Cycles Devil, Cinelli Tutto Plus, Rivendell Sam Hillborne, Condor Cycles Heritage, Bassi Montreal, and the Crust Romaceur (though it rolls on 650b wheels).
The Cross Verify is not going to be the final beloved product that disappears. In my time as a bicycle owner, I’ve seen my favourite bikes, sneakers, tires, saddles, jerseys and extra vanish when demand waned, or an organization modified path. And whereas I used to be unhappy to see a favourite product disappear, in each case I finally found one thing new that I preferred much more.
The Cross Verify may need not been a motorcycle for me, however I’m glad it existed. And I’m even happier to see its essence—with disc brakes and cantilevers alike—nonetheless exists in lots of different bikes nonetheless accessible in the present day.
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Senior Take a look at Editor, Bicycling
A gear editor for his total profession, Matt’s journey to changing into a number one biking tech journalist began in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; seemingly driving extra biking tools than anybody on the planet alongside the best way. Earlier to his time with Bicycling, Matt labored in bike retailers as a service supervisor, mechanic, and gross sales particular person. Primarily based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys driving and testing any and every kind of bikes, so that you’re simply as more likely to see him on a street bike wearing Lycra at a Tuesday evening worlds experience as you might be to search out him wearing a full face helmet and pads driving a motorcycle park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race typically, however he’s recreation for something; having entered street races, criteriums, trials competitions, twin slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, quick monitor, time trials, and gran fondos. Subsequent up on his to-do record: a multi day bikepacking journey, and an e-bike race.
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