Originally Posted by
Darth Lefty
It has a 32 cassette which was at or near the limit of that model RD. That’s limited by the upper pulley location. But it has a lot more chain wrap available from the extra long cage, so that enables the smaller ring in front.
As for value, Surly occupies a niche. At a given price point, comparing to other bikes, you will find that they have a frame with more features, but components that you might kindly describe as durable. Within their niche they're also making themselves some pricing power with their expletive-laden iconoclastic marketing.
Maybe. I guess the EU market is tighter, as in restricted capital (have you even seen a German supermarket market battle?) and if it doesn't exist here it's not good value for money.
The NA market can be much more sloppy as the capital floats around like a breeze. The money is disposable there whereas here it is not.