Crosscheck for racing?

[outofthesaddle]

Is the Crosscheck a legitimate 'cross racer or just too much of a boat anchor? Even though this is related to the previous thread regarding the Crosscheck weight, I didn't want to hijack that thread so I'm posting this seperately. I had a Bianchi San Jose that I bought earlier this year intending to use it as a commuter/rain bike. A couple of weeks ago I decided that I wanted gears so I sold it. I'm thinking about building up a Crosscheck as a replacement. The CC seems to be the perfect choice, durable steel frame with the option of gears or fixed/ss. The problem I'm having is that this bike will also be a pit bike for races. I'm just a weekend warrior racing Master Bs so a pound or so isn't life or death but some of the built weights I've seen quoted or the CC are around 25# - which seems really heavy for racing. Any thoughts?

[peter74]

I'm racing mine this year...I don't expect to be competitive since its going to be equipped SS style but I expect to have fun regardless. I say go for it. I love mine.

[bitterken]

I raced one last year. It was fine, but it was a little heavy. I sold it because I just didn't like the fit and the dropouts made lining up the rear wheel too much of a PITA. A buddy of mine still races his. I seem to recall the Canadian Women's champ winning the title on hers...

[outofthesaddle]

Seems like the bottom line is that for a back-up bike, the negative of the weight is probably offset by versatility outside of racing.