Bicycle Mechanics - Bike frame swap possible? Novara Strada parts to Surly crosscheck

I see a Novara Strada (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48074948&parent_category_rn=4500865) 2006 version on sale. It has Shimano 105 components. It is a good deal but I want a Surley Crosscheck (http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck.html) bike. So I am thinking I could buy the Strada anyway and swap the components to the Crosscheck and sell the the Strada frame.

Noted differences between the 2006 and 2007:
fork is aluminum on 2006
brakes are also Shimano 105

The crank/bottom bracket is a FSA Gossamer Mega Exo Triple (http://www.bikesmart.com/index.cfm?menu=browse&cid=CRK&ssid=PAOHADJEEEIJHFDG&ap=179.99&StartRow=1). Will this fit in the Crosscheck?
The headset is Ritchey Logic Zero Comp (based on 2007 spec) for 1 1/8 inch threadless. It seams to match the Crosscheck.

Will the swap work? Thanks for the help. Don't know what specific things I should check for this swap.

Edit: I plan on commuting with this bike if that helps.

Hopefully you're getting the Strada for pretty cheap - it otherwise might be cheaper to just buy parts for the Cross Check frame. You might also look into the Cross Check complete (http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html) bike that Surly sells, already built-up.

All of the parts on the Novara will work on the Cross Check, except for the Novara has an integrated headset. (And if you want to sell the Novara frame anyway, you should just leave the headset in there even if it were compatible with the Cross Check.)

Cross Check has 132.5mm rear spacing and the Novara has 130mm, but 132.5 is designed to take either 130mm-spaced (road) hubs or 135mm-spaced (mtn) hubs, so you're fine there.

I am not sure the caliper brakes will work on the Cross Check. It has canti posts and room for fat tires and fenders, if you were set on caliper brakes you'd probably need long reach.

Hopefully you're getting the Strada for pretty cheap - it otherwise might be cheaper to just buy parts for the Cross Check frame. You might also look into the Cross Check complete (http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html) bike that Surly sells, already built-up.

All of the parts on the Novara will work on the Cross Check, except for the Novara has an integrated headset. (And if you want to sell the Novara frame anyway, you should just leave the headset in there even if it were compatible with the Cross Check.)

Cross Check has 132.5mm rear spacing and the Novara has 130mm, but 132.5 is designed to take either 130mm-spaced (road) hubs or 135mm-spaced (mtn) hubs, so you're fine there.

Actually, buying a complete bike to swap parts would be more economical then buying the parts individually. Trust me. Once I put my bike together last year, I looked at bikes and found that I could have saved a few hundred dollars going that route.

Trek930: The things that might not fit from one bike to another is the headset ($20 to $100 extra depending on quality), brakes (around $70 for a set), seatpost (as little as $25 to :eek: ) and, finally, the fork. This fork is for a road bike which little clearance and doesn't have cantilever mounts. Why use mixed brakes? If you want a cross bike, get a cross bike to swap parts from. You'll have clearance for wider tires and fenders.

You might be further ahead to look at either the complete Cross Check or look at the Novara Element or the Novara Randonee. Both are good bikes for commuting. The Randonee would even be a good donor bike if you already have the Cross Check.

I think getting the Crosscheck Complete would be my best bet. I can upgrade as things wear out. Just dreaming I suppose.