[LowCel]

Well I was planning on buying a Redline Conquest but now I'm not so sure about getting the all aluminum frame/fork. I can get a Surly Cross Check for about $40 more so I am looking at it as well. The thing that I don't like about the Surly is the bar end shifters. I can always change the shifters though so I can get by that part.

I am planning on using this bike primarily for fire roads to help me get into shape for mountain bike racing. I am also planning on putting my road bike wheelset on it and using it as a road bike some until my new road bike frame arrives (another 6-8 weeks :) ) I'm also planning on trying a couple of cyclocross races later this year.

Anyway, if you had to decide between these two bikes which would you buy?

[The BikeForums Team]

This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.

Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
- http://www.performancebike.com (you can find the latest performance bike coupons in this thread)

Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net

[Chop]

I bought my Cross-Check about a month ago. I wanted a steel frame. My first three choices, the Bianchi Volpe, LeMond Poprad & Jamis Nova were not available from the manufacturers due to a shortage of Shimano components.

My LBS located a Surly in my size. After changing the stem, saddle & seat post the bike fits great. I'm happy with it so far.

[MrEWorm]

The cross check complete may have the bar ends. If you buy the frame, you can have it built any way you want.

[velocipedio]

if you plan to race, i'd suggest going with a the redline. it's not the best race rig out there, but it's a bit lighter than a built-up surly and the surly's i've tried are a bit slow on the tight turns [though they carve sweeping turns quite nicely]. my main complain about the surly [as a race bike] is that the bb is a bit noodly.

[LowCel]

Thanks for the opinions everyone. I decided that I'm really not all that crazy about the way the surly is spec'ed when buying it as a complete bike. I'm just not a fan of the bar end shifters plus the wheelset really isn't all that impressive. I figure to just keep everything simple the redline will probably be better for me right now. If I end up enjoying cyclocross then I will have no problem justifying buying a better bike later on this year. Right now it's just a little tough on me since I just ordered a titanium independent fabrication crown jewel frameset. I still need to buy my dura ace 10 components for it so money is just a little tight right now.