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@atk
Figured I would document some of this...
Prequel:
I've had 2 Surly Steamrollers previously, a Creamroller that was too big (now owned by my younger, but taller brother) and a borrowed Poloroller that fit much better but had previously been hit by a car so the rear stays were bent. Neither of these were particularly interesting but I do still miss riding them and I'd would quite like to own one again somewhere down the line...
Part 1: The Cross Check
This was bought on cycle to work about 18 months ago. I swapped the brakes for some TRP CX9s but other than that it's been running mostly stock components but they're fast approaching the end of their life. The plan over the next few months is to stick a Stragger fork on it as they'll take up to a 2.3" tyre. I'll probably run 2.2" paired with a 41c Knard on the rear for Peaks and Pennines monster cross party times. Then something 45c to 2" and 35-37c on the rear with mudguards for audax, road and commuting use. The plan is to go cable disc on the front, v-brake on the rear and a set of drop-v levers.
The drive chain is on it's last legs at the moment. Following some suggestions in Apollo's LHT thread, I'm going to replace the whole lot with a 2x8 setup as it's super cheap and longer lasting. I have some second hand Middleburn cranks on their way and other bits coming from my LBS. It seems like a good time to switch to downtube shifters too.
Down the line I'd like to replace the front rack with something smaller and a run a rando bag on the front - I started making a few cardboard prototypes but haven't got much further than that yet. For audax the rack comes off and everything goes in a Revelate Tangle.
Part 2: LHT
My girlfriend recently started commuting to work by bike (some terrible hybrid monstrosity). The more she rides the more she hates the broken gears and crappy mudguards on her old bike, so when the owner of our LBS offered to sell his LHT frame we jumped on it. The frame's seen plenty of miles including tours of Iceland, Finland and Mongolia if I remember correctly, but is still in great condition (hardly a scratch on it!).
Ideally she'd like to try drop bars and I think she'd be better with a 1x8 set up if she decides to go riding more during the summer, but for now it's a mis-matched, parts bin, flat bar, single speed build (shown below)
Part 3: ???
Coming soon...