General Cycling Discussion - Put on new componetry on Surly or buy new toruing bike.

A CD savings account recently matured. I ask myself , at this stage of life do I deserve a brand new shiny touring bike or should I put new components on a renovated Surly Cross Check frame.
About a year ago, I put most of the components from a well, worn out Scott road bike onto a new Surly Cross check frame. THe bike frame had to have over 100,000 miles on it. It was worn out.
I like my Cross CHeck, but the components are in need of being replaced. The Surly Cross check is a strong frame.
My wife had a teaching opportunity in Europe, so we are here for a few years. I might do some really long tours while here, like ride to Moscow, Lebanon or something extreme. Well, at least across Hungary and the Czech Republic. Maybe more. Got tired of US rat race jobs, so enjoying life for awhile.
Its been like 4 1/2 years since I bought a spanking, shiny brand new ( totally new bike.) THis could be my early retirement gift to myself. All those years of slavery, I tell myself I deserve the touring bike of my dreams. Would you update the almost worn out components on the Surly or buy a new touring bike.
Guess, to update my Surly would cost $500-600 with new heavy rims while my new tourer bike would probably be over $2000. ANyone completed any long tours on a Surly Cross Check. .
After I treat my wife to a trip of a boat trip on the Nile and the Red Sea, my gift to myself is my tourer.
Think a Surly be a fit bike for long distance touring. .

(a new set of touring wheels spun up on phil woods for your crosscheck would likely cost you 600 by themselves, cyclezealot)....life is short, you have the CD maturing, buy a new bike. you will enjoy it if you can get it past the wife.

Update the Surly with nicer components than you were planning on getting. So that may double your cost from $500 to $1000. Then pocket the other $1000 and spend it on your trip. Wouldn't it be nicer to have a couple of really good meals or sleep in a really nice hotel once, etc?

Or worst comes to worst, save it and reinvest it in another CD. People are living longer in retirement nowadays.

If it were mine, I would update the Suly, but I have the tools and skills to do all of the work myself. If you will have to pay someone to do the work, you are going to spend too much on labor charges and a new bike probably makes more sense.

The Surly Cross Check is a great bike and worth putting money into, just not too much money.

Personally, I would update the Surly. It's a great bike that will last you for a long time.

Appreciate others' advice. To some extent, we cycle fanatics need buy a bike at least every five years? But, there are many votes that a Surly frame is worth an upgrade investment. High end components are like $1000? Maybe half the price of a new bike? Next question, can I really get my dream touring bike for around $2000. First step I guess is to go to a bike shop I trust and get an estimate on changing out components.
Basically, think I'd change out to more compatable wheel set for touring and the drive train and shifters.

if there is a problem with the fit or condition of your surley frame or you think another frame is going to result in a huge leap in the quality of your ride, replace the bike

if you like the surly frame and how it fits, just pop some new components on it

if the cost of upgrading your surly is greater that 60% of what it would cost to buy a new bike, think harder about buying the new bike.

its a good fit on a commute, V1. No reason to think it would not be comfortable for a week long ride. Biggest downfall is it's wheels. Not fit for heavy loads, I 'd say.

I'd update the Surly. Think of all the fun you'll have researching the exact parts that you want, finding sources for them and finally installing, tuneing and shaking down your upgrades!