General Cycling Discussion - Custom off the rack Surly Cross Check

I've been wondering if anyone did this, and found the following on a LBS web site.
http://centurycycles.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=1&id=2064

Any opinions on the parts spec, value for dollar, and relative performance of this?

Been thinking of getting something in the cyclocross/sport touring range, the elusive perfect do it all type bike. I ride pretty much every surface, some longer distances, hoping to get around to credit card touring eventually, so looking for something versatile, tough, but not too laid back.

Thanks in advance for any opinions, wisdom, insight.

There have been NUMEROUS threads on the Cross Check. That being said, I have one. I absolutely love it. I built it up myself. It is THE ultimate do-it-all bike. I have knobbies and might put a flat bar on it for the winter. I'll have touring/commuting type tires in the spring/fall and can put skinny road tires and drops on it if I want to do weekend rides (with my Ultegra hubs). I commute and am planning to tour with it. It's awesome. It's aggresive enough to hang with roadies, but could be comfortable on a long tour (again with the right configuration of handlebars and tires, etc.)

I would just say, check out the specs to make sure you're getting a good build, then buy one. You can customize it for your needs from there. BTW, I am not affiliated with Surly in any way.

I would just say, check out the specs to make sure you're getting a good build, then buy one.

I was asking to see if anyone thought this was a good build, it's not the standard, off the rack build Surly supplies, but a custom build by this shop. I'm pretty newb and was looking for some more experienced feedback. I'm pretty familiar with the Surly reputation.

Thanks

No for the price they are wanting its not worth it, You can get a 105 equiped Trek XO1 for less then that.

You might want to check in with the commuting forum. There are a lot of Cross Check owners there.

No for the price they are wanting its not worth it, You can get a 105 equiped Trek XO1 for less then that.

That might be true for the Trek. In this case you are paying for the service. Century is an excellent shop. They have lots of full time employees. Not like your typical shop staffed with transient college kids. Their service is absolutley excellent. I have frequented lots of shops in N. Ohio. Century is one of the best. You can be assured that anything they do, is done correct.

Tim

Thanks for the replies. Parts spec seemed a bit odd for the price, but all other things being considered...
still got till spring to shop, so we'll see.

What it really comes down to is whether or not that's the bike that you think you want.

You can compare with other brands and theorize about value for the money endlessly. The truth is that, a year from now, even if you save yourself $100, you won't remember what you spent the difference on but you'll still have the bike. If you like the bike you'll be happy with your purchase, if you have something that you don't like quite so well you won't be so happy.

What it really comes down to is whether or not that's the bike that you think you want.

You can compare with other brands and theorize about value for the money endlessly. The truth is that, a year from now, even if you save yourself $100, you won't remember what you spent the difference on but you'll still have the bike. If you like the bike you'll be happy with your purchase, if you have something that you don't like quite so well you won't be so happy.

I agree.

Geez, all this sensible advice, what's a dreamer to do.
Seriously, thanks for that, not sure I'd know that's the bike or not. Haven't been riding long enough to be able to divine a bikes riding style by it's build, or by the usual short test ride, so been cruising the forums for wisdom and waiting for winter to end. Your right, $100 either way won't change a thing. I did get an excellent response from the LBS, so we'll see what happens.
Cheers


What it really comes down to is whether or not that's the bike that you think you want.

You can compare with other brands and theorize about value for the money endlessly. The truth is that, a year from now, even if you save yourself $100, you won't remember what you spent the difference on but you'll still have the bike. If you like the bike you'll be happy with your purchase, if you have something that you don't like quite so well you won't be so happy.