Why was the Sterling discontinued?

[rafiki]

Spinning along in the rain on my Sterling through the rice fields this morning I was thinking to myself (as one does) 'why was the Sterling discontinued..?' I can't find the answer here so I thought I'd ask...

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

In short lack of sales, we just aren't trendy enough to sell enough volume of a MTB. 

[rafiki]

I see. Thanks Dave. Perhaps mine will have rarity value in time then! 

[Slammin Sammy]

Are MTBs trendy??? 

Who knew?

[in4]

I'm sure a couple sold on ebay recently, for very healthy prices too. Perhaps buyers think that a Thorn will last for some considerable time and not be a 'one summer love' like some other brands appear to be. That may not be music to a salesperson's ears but I regularly see Thorns of a certain vintage happily holding their own against the latest wheeled paper clip. Quality lasts it would seem. Slightly off theme here but: Given the forthcoming referendum in the UK regarding its place in the EU the time for a new Sterling in an approriately red, white and blue livery is surely to hand! 

[Donerol]

... and renamed the Euro?   

[rafiki]