Surly Cross Check frame bike build

Hi, I'm getting a bike built with a Surly Cross Check frame. Richard Balfe of Balfe's bikes is doing it for me. Here are the parts we're thinking of using. Just posting this in case anyone has any thoughts or is just interested.
Thanks
Angela

Frame - Surly Cross Check Blue
Wheels - Mavic A319 / Deore
**Tyres - **Schwalbe M.plus London 28's
Tubes
Flat bar - silver
Rim tape
Brake levers - Sturmey or Tiagra
V brakes - Tektros or Shimano
Headset – silver
Stem - silver
Grips – Bontrager ergo grips
Seatpost – Silver System EX
Saddle – Bontrager WSD hybrid, or Brooks…BB - Shimano
BB - Shimano
Chainset - SRAM Apex or Shimano
Cassette – 11-30
Front mech – Tiagra 9 speed
Rear mech – Tiagra 10 speed
Gear shifter Tiagra 9 speed
Pedals – Silver System EX Alloy Retro Touring Cycle Pedals 9/16 with clips and leather straps

Great to hear the new bike is in progress, Angela.

Even better you're going with the Surly :)

Don't forget to post pics...

nice frame - i had one for a while - very solid / stable feeling.
ditto re pics.

I'm planning on ordering parts on Monday then photographing progress - thanks for the feedback.

Are you using the new blue cross check SS 2013 frame for the build?

That's a good question, and I'm not sure. Any thoughts?

I doubt it since you've gone for a geared setup.

The cross check has horizontal dropouts so can run gears or ss.

Ah, I assumed the ss frame would have 120mm rear dropout spacing but it doesn't.

I think it has 132.5 mm spacing so you can even run 135mm mountain bike wheels if you want. Its A bike fettlers dream!

Just checked out those EX pedals on ebay, they look nice, perfect with the toe clips and leather straps. I think ill get some for my retro tourer. Hope your build goes well, mine is a little more prolonged.

Yes picked that frame because I think it's flexible. Glad you like the pedals, thanks. Am hoping the cages and straps fit but no reason why they shouldn't I guess.

Angela, are you planning on upgrading the seatpost, stem and headset?

None would be vital replacements and it's true, they're not the most exciting components (though each to their own of course) but while you're splashing the cash on this project, I'd recommend you consider acquiring the best you can afford as they will look better and last longer. (Check the Classifieds on here first as people are always selling popular brands.)

I have a Thomson seatpost and stem (which aside from being pleasing on the eye, and really well made, also come in an array of sizes) and a Chris King headset (which I am told some find quite sexy).

The geometry on the SS frame version is exactly the same as the geared. I just wondered if the frame prices have changed for the new colour/2013 as I'm looking to do a cross check build next year with the same frame...

Sounds great. Do you have pics?

Not yet, but plan to photograph the parts and the stages and post on here, once we get started. Today is fitting day and buying the parts.

The geometry on the SS frame version is exactly the same as the geared. I just wondered if the frame prices have changed for the new colour/2013 as I'm looking to do a cross check build next year with the same frame...

it's the same frame. the whole idea of the cross check is that it is versatile. horizontal dropouts and derailleur hanger, drilled for calipers and with canti bosses. 132.5 rear spacing and widened stays.
surly used to market it that way - now they seem to have built it up as ss or geared and market the whole builds separately.

it's the same frame. the whole idea of the cross check is that it is versatile. horizontal dropouts and derailleur hanger, drilled for calipers and with canti bosses. 132.5 rear spacing and widened stays.
surly used to market it that way - now they seem to have built it up as ss or geared and market the whole builds separately.

yes this is what i meant to say to you've put it in a far more eloquent way. i just wanted to know if the CC frame prices are staying the same for 2013

yes this is what i meant to say to you've put it in a far more eloquent way. i just wanted to know if the CC frame prices are staying the same for 2013

Price-wise I'm paying about £3.15 I think.

You wuz robbed

Happy to hear ideas. I'm getting a 52inch and couldn't find one secondhand, but great if you know of one. Or any help with the parts which I've listed. much appreciated.

£3.15 that is a bargain! I'll take two.

^was what I was getting at.

To spell it out: you typed £3.15 instead of £315, and thence the humour arose.

;)

Doh, my mistake, and sorry didnt get the laugh on email. Anyway looks like it is £350 for the frame but includes £50 of parts - Derek's online. Had the bike fitting to decide frame size - 52 - and going for nitto bullhorns. Can't stretch to Thompson seatpost and stem and Chris King headset but Richard Balfe of Balfe's bikes, who is doing the build, is looking for something nearly as good... Finding it hard to get silver brake levers in my price range too. All suggestions welcome as always.

I ordered some of those Ex pedals,clips and straps from Dereks. Retro-tastic!