Touring - Buying my first bike tomorrow (Surly)!

Well first touring bike, and first bike over $100!

Going around the LBS I couldnt justify getting the trek 520 or either cannondale model. Just too expensive.

So I am going to get the Surly CrossCheck, I guess its not really a touring bike, but it will get the job done. I am pretty excited. I really liked what I read about the CrossCheck from members here and thats what I decided on.

What do you guys think? I guess my only worry is it holding up to fully loaded touring.

Well first touring bike,Good for you.
and first bike over $100! Definitely good for you.




So I am going to get the Surly CrossCheck, I guess its not really a touring bike, but it will get the job done. It'll do fine, they're very versatile bikes. :beer:

It will make a fine commuter and many people seem to be touring on them with no problem. I would keep your weight down on the cross check when touring, but I think that is a good idea even if you have a really over built touring bike. More gear won't make your tour better, but it can definitely cause you grief.

What parts/wheels are you getting?

I take my CrossCheck everywhere. Great choice!

What are you crazy? You're really inviting people to plant seeds of doubt!

I won't -well hopefully not. My only question to you would be that of cost -have you priced out ALL of the components you need for a build up including any labor (if you don't do it yourself)? Buying a frame and then components is usually more expensive than buying a pre-built bike due to volume discounting by the manufacturer. Your comment of "just too expensive" referring to the Trek and Cannondale in this light was puzzling.....

I just got back from the place. I talked to the owner of the LBS because the sales guy I previously talked to wasnt there. Anyway the CrossCheck is going to run at about a grand. Thats right around my budget, the guy then said that if I am using it for touring I should get the LHT frame (I know, I know but I didnt want to build it, and probalby cant afford it).

Anyway, he is going to work with some numbers and see how much it will cost to build up the LHT and call me tomorrow. So I guess we will wait another day.

Everyone seems to love their LHT. I'm very happy with my Cross-check, though I haven't toured on it yet. I do carry a bunch of stuff to work which is similar. One thing to consider is where you will ride. If it is all on roads then the LHT might be a better choice if the money works out. If you want to go offroad at all, I hear the low BB on the LHT can be a problem.

Ok, for those that don't know, Ive been checking out this forum, gathering information, asking questions, going to LBSs, basically doing it all trying to find the perfect tour bike for 6 or 7 months now.

A timeline as to my thinking of what bike I wanted:

1st I wanted a Trek 520
Then a Cannondale T2000
Then a Cannondale T800
Then Windsor Cyclist
Then Fuji Tourist
Then a 1998 Trek 520
Then a Surly CrossCheck
Then a built up LHT


And low and behold, what bike did I buy today?????? Drum roll please...............................


Biachi Volpe!!!!!!!!

I am pumped! The bike felt amazing. I had been so wrapped up in trying to find the perfect specs that I had basically elimated anything with anything less than 440 chainstays. When I told the LBS that I wanted the Cross Check for touring, he told me to try out the Volpe (something he didnt have to do as it is half the price). I'm glad I did, man what a smooth bike.

I rode it around and after about 3 minutes knew I was going to buy it. My only question was if my heels would make contact with panniers when fully loaded. So he loaded it up for me, there was plenty of room for clearance.

I will need to switch out some components, but I figure I can do that over time and eventually build my way up to the LHT.

So, now that I have completed the hardest part touring (buying your first real bike) my advice to others would be:

GO OUT AND BUY A BIKE. Dont obsess over every detail, get out and get out and ride, you can always make changes, and worse case scenario is you dont like it and have to put it on ebay where it virtually sells for the same price.