Surly Cross Check frame bike build

I got some nice silver brake levers for my commuter, check the 501 commuter thread for pics. Thing is I dont know the brand.

I just finished my Cross-Check! Here's some thoughts based on the last few weeks of reading too much about all stuff Surly in case any of it helps...

Have you found what is fast becoming the Cross-Check owner's club thread? Some good Cross-Check chat in that:
http://www.lfgss.com/thread91252.html

While doing my Cross-Check I found myself spending a lot of time here for ideas!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluelug/tags/crosscheck

Not sure their stuff is ever in anyone's price range, though; not mine, anyway. Their take on silver flat bar brake levers always seems to be Paul Love levers:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluelug/6491079285/

Shimano cheapo option - £15 a pair?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=34691

Talking of handlebars, just a personal preference, but I'm not a fan of flat-bar Shimano shifters like the Tiagra ones. They seem a bit bulky? I quite like gripshift for my MTB, but on a flat-bar Cross-Check I would be quite tempted by these:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/shimano-deore-xt-style-9-speed-thumbshifter-set-prod17430/
I nearly got them for mine but in the end used a down-tube shifter. Price-wise they are similar to Tiagra, I think, but it would of course limit you to 9sp on the back.

Enjoy!

^ Chad, your levers look great, I was reading that thread a while ago. Which shop in Cambridge did you go into?

Top tips, thank you. Finalising parts and build planned for Monday. Will post pics.

Started the build yesterday, well Balfe’s Bike’s did. We’re at rolling chassis stage…
We’re working with a 52’’ Surly Cross Check Blue frame.
Wheels are Mavic A319 with Shimano Deore Hubs, 700/28, and tyres are Schwalbe Marathon Plus.
I’m reverting to the original flat bar choice as the levers didn’t fit with the silver nitto bullhorns which is a shame.
Headset is planned to be a silver Cane Creek S1.
Stem, Seatpost, and Pedals – silver System EX, came as part of the deal - £350 for the frame with £50 of parts.
I got my bum measured on a gel seat for a Brooks saddle.
Interesting to see the BB fitted - a Shimano.
Discussion around the chainset/cassette so other options ordered for next week.
Front mech is a Tiagra 9 speed and rear mech is a Tiagra 10 speed and gear shifter is a Tiagra 9 speed.
I had chosen silver System EX Alloy Retro Touring Cycle Pedals 9/16 with clips and leather straps but looking now for a smooth silver retro pedal in the same price range.
Will probably go with a Torpec Ultralight rack and have ordered Raleigh RSP raceplate mudguards.
Not sure whether to go for white or yellow cable.
Have tried to post pictures but having problems so will try again.
More next week…

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjCzbbL4
Here are some photos...

nice - always exciting to see a frame being built up and bike taking shape - hope you enjoy it!

^ Chad, your levers look great, I was reading that thread a while ago. Which shop in Cambridge did you go into?

I got them in Bicycle Ambulance

Bike looks great by the way.

...going with grey cable...

The build is nearly finished now. Balfe's just need to cut down the bars, and the pedals are on back order. The grips look nice, cork, go well with the Brooks saddle.

Here are the latest pictures:

http://flic.kr/ps/cCV5u

Looking good! I'm so excited for you Angela!

Hi, sorry to interrupt with a question, hope you don't mind....

I did have a look to see if you mentioned it anywhere but could not find it, but could you tell me what mudguards are in the photos previous post but one. They look very cool - I think I could use some of those...

Hi, sorry to interrupt with a question, hope you don't mind....

I did have a look to see if you mentioned it anywhere but could not find it, but could you tell me what mudguards are in the photos previous post but one. They look very cool - I think I could use some of those...

Hi, no prob, yes they look nice. They're Raleigh I believe but marketed as SKS. Got them from a very helpful shop in Bolton in the mail:
https://parkersofbolton.co.uk/p-2430-rsp-700c-race-plate-mudguards-silver.aspx

It's finished, looks lovely:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13168404@N00/8403729320/in/photostream

Lovely. Have you taken it out for a ride yet?

Just a little one!

The bike is now finished! Spec is:

                 Frame and forks - Surly Cross Check, Duck Egg Blue 

Pedals - Silver System EX
Seatpost - Silver System EX
Brake levers - Shimano Tiagra
Headset - Silver BBB
Stem - Genetic with intergrated spacers
Handlebars - Silver Aluminium OS
Grips - Bontrager ergo
Wheels - Mavic A319 / Deore
Tyres - Schwalbe Marathon Plus London 28's
V brakes - Shimano Tiagra
BB - Shimano Tiagra external
Chainset - Shimano Sora
Cassette - 11 – 30
Front mech - Tiagra 9 speed
Rear mech - Tiagra 10 speed
Gear shifters - Tiagra 9 speed
Chain - kmc x9
Cable boss - Ultegra downtube adjusters
Saddle - Brooks B17 ladies standard

Here are the pics - http://www.flickr.com/photos/1316840...in/photostream

Now I get to ride it! Thanks for your interest, Angela
*

Glad you got it done. My project stalled over the winter. Getting back on track soon i hope. Money and time permitting. Enjoy your new bike.

Glad you got it done. My project stalled over the winter. Getting back on track soon i hope. Money and time permitting. Enjoy your new bike.

Thanks for that. Not getting to ride it at the moment, which is frustrating, but looking forward to it. All the best with your project.