Cupcakes' Surly Cross Check

a CC, which is looking highly likely

Keep talking...

Ohh, I see. Lucky you.

Once I decided I was getting one I gave it about a week prowling eBay before I caved and bought new. Actually this is my first properly new bike frame in well over a decade. Let's not mention the numerous secondhand ones...

Yet to dip my toe in the murky world of new frames. 20 or so used ones over the past few years, but never a new one. One day, perhaps.

I has been on the look out for a 56 for a while and then one came up on here for cheap so snapped it up. I was tempted by new as the used market is so terrible for cross checks. Must be because they're so AWESOME.

I don't want to steal your CP, but I think I'll be getting rid of the Brompton when I move back up to town as I won't need a folder anymore and I quite frankly detest riding the Brompton. Therefore I'll put the proceeds towards building a CC, may very well call Charlie tomorrow and order the frame.

I don't mind at all. I really enjoy the stories and planning side of CPs, a bunch of like-minding people nerding out on stuff that has very little real-world relevance. I mean, obviously bikes themselves are very relevant but the level we take it to is something else. It's escapism I guess.

I just love Surly and want them all. I'm still not sure whether I want 1 x 9/10 or a 2 x 9/10 setup. Who knows. Tough decision. I need to figure that out first. Though I'd like the £550 I want from selling the Brompton to pay for everything other than the frame.

2x8, 2x8!!!

I hear there are some crazy people out there who like to ride around with only one gear!

Madness.

I really miss my Cross check, really was a fun bike to ride.

2x8 here, 46/30t with 11-28t previously, or 44t with 11-28t.

You want all the surlts but you sold the pacer... Madness.

I know - but it was time to say good bye to that frame, I needed a touring bike for the US and selling it was the only way. Anyway, we digress!

Mind made, I'm calling Charlie tomorrow.

You replace the CdF with a Cross-Check.

You do realised it's pretty much the same kind of bike, just longer and smaller, right?

Yeah, except the Surly is a Surly, therefore cooler and more hip. Duh.

Headset just arrived. Along with some merino socks which are nice although not essential for the build.

I might get going on putting this bike together this evening...

Just ordered wheels for my cc, should be pickin f/f up tomorrow. Gonna run 2x10, already got sram rival compact, just need derailleurs and shifters, bar end or downtube?

Personally I'd go down tube but I don't have any real experience of using either, it's just a gut feel. Everyone raves about bar ends though. I think the benefit is more noticeable if you're taller as you don't have to reach down so far.

What wheels did you go for ?

I actually think jb has lost his mind slightly...

Slightly?

Get a bit of discount at my lbs, so went for a719 rims on xt hubs. My thoughts were the same about shifters, 52cm frame so not so far to reach down. Been told I need a 9 spd mtb derailleur to run with 10 spd shifter, anybody shed some light for me?

Yup, Shimano 9 speed MTB derailleur have same pull as Shimano 10 speed road shifter.

10 speed MTB derailleur don't work with 10 speed road shifter.

Cheers Ed.

Everyone raves about bar ends though. I think the benefit is more noticeable if you're taller as you don't have to reach down so far.

+1 Barends

Reach is not the only issue, its also easier since your hands don't have to leave the bar!

^ Or get that horrible feeling that you might reach down too far and put your fingers in the spokes D:

I thought bar ends were cool, I'm digging down tube shifters at the moment for some awesome friction goodness. I might switch back at some point as they interfere with my frame bag a little. It's not really a problem on roads but mildly annoying on rough hilly stuff (although I don't know how much of that I'll be doing on this bike), maybe SSCX is the future...

Cheers andy for putting me in touch with aspio. Gonna meet him in manc tomorrow, hopefully.