Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Decision Time - Cross Check or Casseroll?

Sorry for the long post, need to get my ideas written down. :D

I've been shopping for a new bike. One that fits and is comfortable. I currently have a Specialized Allez Comp with Dura Ace/Ultegra and it's a size too big. I decided that my new bike is going to be more comfortable and less aggressive. I am more interested in doing longer distance rides and maybe an overnight or two, some light camping. I am also interested in getting into Randonneuring next year.

I had narrowed things down to a Salsa Casseroll Frameset and carrying over most of my parts from the Allez. Would just need a headset, brake calipers & wanted new stem/bars. I took a 47cm (50cm Trad) out for a test ride and it was very nice. The ride was comfortable and the bike fits.

However, last night I also checked out the Surly Cross Check, a 52cm. I took it out for a spin and this too was comfortable and seemed to fit well.

I'm on the fence about what to do. Both bikes offer what I am looking for when deciding on a new frame; steel, comfortable geometry, rack mounts on rear & clearance for fenders. Some things to consider though, I was going to buy the Salsa and parts/tools needed online and assemble it myself. I have the ability to assemble the bike, just haven't learned the derailleur adjustment and how to true wheels. The Surly I would buy from the LBS, lifetime tune-ups included. As for pricing the Salsa with remaining parts would set me back about $1000, the complete Surly from the shop $1050+tax.

I am having a hard time making the decision. With the Surly, I get a complete bike for about what I was going to spend on the Salsa frame plus free tune-ups (although I'd like to learn to do this myself). Also, I would still have my complete Specialized, MAYBE get a carbon "race" frame later this year and carrying those parts to it? I could also uses this 2nd wheel set with a different tire setup to swap on the Surly when I want.

If I go with the Salsa I use most of the parts I have now and get a little bit of a lighter bike than the Surly.

I am really having a difficult time deciding. So I am seeking some advice and input from everyone here. So based on my intended usage, casual ride with the GF, long distance riding & the occasionally multi-day camping ride what would you do?

If it was my money, I'd go for the Casseroll. I personally find the steering geometry of most cx bikes to be very "floppy" and unpleasant to ride.* In addition the Casseroll will most likely give you a lighter, livelier ride as well. This can make a BIG difference in randonneuring, where you're on the bike literally all day (and then some).

SP

* FWIW, I am at the opposite end of the frame-size spectrum from you. I'd be buying the biggest frame available in either bike, and it seems that steering geometry variations are greatest at my end of the size range. In any case, bikes like the Cross Check feel to me like I'm pushing a shopping cart, not riding a bike. And this is with identical handlebar positions, so that's not the problem.

Either frame will work fine for your purposes. Fortunately, that means that as long as the bike fits, I don't think you will go wrong.

The Cross Check will have a slight edge with gravel or dirt, especially since the stock config includes cross tires. You might want to lower the gearing a little bit. The crankset is very versatile -- you can set it up as a standard double, compact double or (with a different BB) a triple.

If you go with the Cross Check though, I'd be careful with the fit. Due to the geometry, you would normally go for a smaller size frame than with a road bike; e.g. if you ride a 52cm road bike, you'd want a 50cm Cross Check.

I've owned both.
IMO The Casseroll has a smoother, faster, more stable ride on the road. However it's not suitable for loaded touring or taking off road.
OTOH the XCheck is more versatile. You can take it off road and also use it for loaded touring.
Based on your post I'd recommend the Casseroll.

My vote goes with the Casserole. I can't say I've ridden it any distance, but have tested it locally from a shop I worked at and have had happy customers. Nice, compliant ride -- more so than the Surly.

Aside from the straight fork (why?), it's a nice frame and will accommodate wide tyres. Would certainly work well for brevets, I think.

flip a coin.
they each have slight advantages, depending on how you want to pick nits.

for wide tires and overall versatility, a XC - for on road, dirt road, and mild offroad.
for a rando rig, commuter, light tourer - on dirt or paved roads, casseroll.

i have a xc. have tested a casseroll and have several friends with them. will be building one up for the wife end of this summer.


and watch the fit on the xc. mine has been tricky to get setup for comfort. by the numbers it is 'close' to my other main rides... but the geometry gets a bit odd at the smaller sizes. if i were to buy again, i'd probably buy a size UP, as i'm using it as a fixed geared road / dirt machine. for cross or woods / rough dirt, sizing should be fine as is. not sure i'd size down... try it before you buy it, for sure.