Cyclocross - 2002 cross check vs. 2005

I'm new to cross (used to ride an riginal fisher for single track) and want to start off with a realativly good bike to see how I like it. I plan on using it for really low key racing, commuting and some short touring. I have found a 2002 check frame set that is in good condition for about 150 bucks. I was wondering if anyone knows if the geometry or mesurements changed much from the 02' to the 05'. I have heard good things about the cross check, are the 02's as good as the 05's?
I know that the factory builds of the 05 are in the 850$ range. To be honest I don't have full on knowledge of building up a bike, but I'd like to learn so I'm thinking about taking on the challenge. Will the cost be much more than the factory build with the frame costing so little? and does anyone have any recommendations for some good literature that would help me along.

thanks for the help

deacon

Mine is a 2000 model with the 631 tubes. In 01 Surly went to 4130. I LOVE my Surly. I have spent time on MANY cross bikes and still go back to old green (I did do a race on a Soulcraft that was sweet. 4,500 dollars sweet.). If you can get a frame for 150 you should, and use the money you save to get some sweet parts.

alas the frame was swiped from under my nose, so now it's back to square one. I'm leaning toward the factory built and change components as needed. Unless another great deal comes my way on a check frame.

good idea. Mine started as a built bike and I just replaced as needed. Onlt thing thats left is the bar-end shifers and the bars.

It's a great bike, you can also find frames cheap on ebay sometimes and just part your together piece by piece -

Here's mine:


It's pretty much set up as a 29er at this point - Paul hubs, Raceface Cranks, and a pair of 700x43s for winter off-roading.