In Japan, autumn is considered to be the season of appetite, sports and literature. For us who are in the Japanese bicycle industry, we consider autumn to be the season of trade shows.

Dozens of suppliers and distributors come together in fall and show the new frames and parts from various brands.

Mat and I went down to Nagoya to visit Motocross International, the Japanese distributors of Surly.

We’d like to introduce you to something you may be curious about.

NEW STRAGGLER

(Is Mat the first person to ride the New Straggler in Japan?)

Here are some difference in comparison with the current Straggler

– Slightly wider tire clearance
– Front & rear thru-axle, 44mm head tube
– Flat mount brake
– Dropper post compatible

These are things that were already announced from Surly themselves. The pricing would go up by ¥25,000 here in Japan compared to the current model. The size options will be 8 sizes for the new Straggler, where the current has 10 sizes.

The sizes themselves are different as well.

For example, the new size 46 Straggler’s height range is 147cm and up. It’s not the same as the current Straggler, due to the sloping top tube on the new Straggler.

Mat is 168cm/5’5 with a size 52.

What is performance?

Here at Surly, performance is how a bike shows up and holds up when shit gets rough.

Word from the Surly website.

Sure, light weight is important, but the “holds up when shit gets rough” aspect is what I truly love about Surly.

“When designing any bike, we always keep utility in mind. Even if your interests change or life circumstances shift, we make sure it can still fit your needs then—not just specializing in one thing, but offering different uses and practicality.”

These are the words that the Surly team explained to me when I met them in person. I still remember being fascinated when hearing this.

Big fan of this launch video.

The Straggler will not be single speed-able, will no longer have horizontal top tubes and will become slightly expensive. It makes me want the OG Straggler.

Might be a good idea to get the OG’s while you can.