Cyclocross - San Jose or Cross Check

Hi Guys,

I can't decide on these two and was wondering if I can get any input. I'm going to be doing alot of offroading. I like the price point of the San Jose but in the past i've built up all my bikes from the ground up. So I guess you could say i'm hesitant to buy a factory complete. I've ran a search and seems like these two bikes keep popping up for single speed offroad use. Any advice or are they both pretty evenly matched? TIA!

i don't think the cross check comes complete as a single speed, does it? so if you want single speed and a cross check, you might have to build it up yourself. i think if i wanted a ss id go for the bianchi...i like how they look...

They don't come complete as a SS setup. I guess the main thing i'm asking is, is the Bianchi spec component decent for it's price? I've found an 07 model for $579 at a local shop. I'll be doing tons of single track up here in the bay area and don't want the components, especially the wheelset to take a poop on the first ride out.

I think the San Jose stock components are fine. The Cane Creek brakes and levers are quite nice. The wheels should be fine. The spokes might need to be properly tensioned and stress-relieved (some shops do this as a matter of course). The stock gearing might be a bit high, might want to factor in getting a new smaller chainring.

The Cross Check is more versatile, but building it up would be far less economical unless you already have the parts lying around or some inside track.

I rode an 07 San Jose all last year and loved it. The wheels are heavy but pretty much bombproof. I rode single track, rocky jeep roads, and jumped lots of curbs and never busted a spoke (I'm 6'3 and 195). The only thing you might do is replace the stock brake pads with kool stops, or something similar. The stock pads caused a lot of fork shudder for the first month I had it. But, for under $600, the San Jose is pretty hard to pass up.

Awesome, thanks for your help fellas. decided to go with the San Jose.

I've had both..... I liked the San Jose better.