noglider 

I am still undecided on these handlebars and on the brake lever placement. I've only ridden the bike 7 miles so far. The bars have lots of positions, which is a plus, and riding the lowest position is pretty comfortable, as is riding on the hoods. And yes, I have surprisingly long fingers.

I don't really care for any of Surly's colors, but I don't care.

jstewse, the tires measure 37mm! Your results may differ, depending on your rims. I do like the way they ride. They have a very round profile, so turns are comfortable and predictable. My last ride was at 80 psi front and 90 psi rear. I'll drop it by 10 psi on each wheel next time. I really should drop them a lot more, but I'm scared to. Hmm, maybe I can try running them tubeless. People have started doing that with road tires lately. It's very cool.
Maybe I won't want these wheels on the International. I don't know. We'll see. The International doesn't seem likely to be as heavy overall. I'm sure the frameset is a good bit lighter.

noglider 

Those features make it ideal for hauling lots of weight.

But the way the Cross Check handles, it's already CLOSE to ideal for that. The cool thing about the Cross Check is its versatility. I could ride this with my fairly fast riding companions on a long Sunday ride. It's heavy, but not so heavy as to take me out of their league.

elcraft

This is almost the same build that I had intended to do with my International frameset! The only difference would be the hybrid IGH/derailleur drive train that I am intending to use. I am still stuck on which handle bar and Lever/Shifter set-up to use. I was debating on using a "chop and flop" set of old GB's with older Weinmann "cut-outs" (think "homage to Carlton-Raleigh") or some reversed Porteur-esque bars (or maybe bullhorns) with Guidonnet style levers. Mustache bars might be a possibility now that I see them in use.
On a set of drop road bars (like those found on my '75 Super Course), I usually had my hands on the curves just above the brake levers. This position was always the most comfortable for me- so I am trying to configure something that mimics this position; but with direct access to braking and shifting controls.
I am still a little confused about which lever type (direct-pull vs. canti/road style) would have the most effective cable pull for use with a SA drum brake. As for drum brake performance, my experience with drum brakes is based upon having a P200 Vespa scooter. Once the shoes were "bedded-in" the braking was superior. But the brake performance prior to "bedding-in" was always a little wimpy feeling. We tended to accelerate the process by purposely applying pressure on the brakes during one's ride. Of course this isn't terribly difficult when a two stroke engine is overcoming the drag on the brakes....
I hope you will keep us updated on your experiences with these or various other handlebar arrangements!

Bikedued

Two words.... Bamboo Fenders~~!!

Seriously gorgeous bike! Love it!,,,,BD

bradtx

I know what you mean.

So far I've discovered that these heavier, longer wheel based bikes can handle crappy drought cracked roads, can go off road (minus anything technical), tote about 25 lbs. on the rear rack with no effect, will run just as fast on a distance ride and just to be different from almost everybody else's bike on a charity ride. For this long time roadie I now know I should've had a bike like this a long time ago.

I think your CC will be a better handling bike than my Cannondale touring bike, making it even more versatile. Yes, the Panaracer tires are a bit larger than their spec. Mine almost touch the chainstays, maybe this is why at almost 190 lbs. I can run 65 PSI unladen?

Brad

Velognome 

Very nice Noglider! Looks purpose built and not from "supplies on hand". Hope you are enjoying your ride today; beautiful blue skies but what's this...ice in the windshield!!!! I'm hoping it warms up by lunch so I can ditch work for a few hours!

lostarchitect 

Awesome. When can I ride it?

noglider 

Someone stole the bike tonight, off my porch. I filed a police report.

Puget Pounder

Ah, I am sorry to hear that

jwood72

That is terrible. Hopefully the police are able to find your bike quickly and unharmed.

Ciufalon

That is awful! I hope the culprit is found somehow and that you get the bike back. What a rotten thing for someone to do. It is a real shame and I am sorry to hear this; especially since you have only recently gotten together. Let all the bike shops in the area know.

WNG

Oh man, sorry about the theft!

YoKev

LHT vs CC : 26" vs 700c

photogravity

I was going to make a similar point about the levers. Seems many like to use v-brake levers such as Avid Speed Dials and then complain about the braking performance. Admittedly for the first couple rides the brake will be a little soft, then will get stronger as the pads break in. Tom, have you checked to make sure you have caliper/cantilever levers on the bike?

EDIT: WTH? Freakin' thieves! Sorry about your misfortune Tom. Obviously, I spotted this thread too late.

marley mission

sorry to hear NG - people suck

-holiday76

that sucks Tom! Sorry to hear that. Am I remembering wrong, but this isnt the first time you've had a bike stolen off of your porch or out of your hard, yes? Might be time to invest in a lock! Or don't leave em out there.

I can't really talk as all of my bikes out of sight, but not secure at all.

bradtx

Sad to read the latest new, Tom.

Brad

noglider 

Yes, it happened a year ago, same lack of caution on my part.

And I've had lots of bikes stolen. You'd think I would learn by now. I have to set up a convenient way to secure the bikes. The reason I leave them out is that I can't bring them into the garage. The place for them is the basement, but it's awkward and strenuous to move them in and out.

photogravity, v-brake levers are something to consider if I ever use drum brakes again or get this bike back. The brakes did break in well. On Thursday, I took a ride where I went down a hill screamingly fast, around blind turns. I was able to do this because I was confident in the brakes by then. I can't say whether it was completely the breaking in or if it is also because I had learned how to use them.

Now that I think of it, I'm sure that the rear brake, a Shimano, MUST be designed for v-brake (low leverage) levers. It gave adequate braking, but only when I pulled the lever all the way to the handlebar.

Bikedued

Dang, some people just really suck, like down to the bone marrow. Hope it turns up at a pawn shop or the police find it. Keep an eye out on CL and ebay too.,,,,BD

ColonelJLloyd 

Sorry to hear of the theft, Tom.

Long Haul Truckers are also available with 700c wheels.

Velognome 

I'm sorry to hear the news Tom!

Police recovery? usually not, they will only find it if it is involved with a crime. I've had three bikes stolen while in NJ, no help from the police, even when I told them who I saw riding it!! The last bike stolen was self recovered. Offered the local punks $50 to roll on the thief. Within an hour the police met me at the suspects house and the bike was recovered. The theif was not even given a summons!!! I got the bike back and the local thieves have learned I'll go after them and have seemed to leave me alone.

Captain Blight

If you nail a length of 1x6 down one side of the basement stairs, you can just roll them up and down.

Sorry to hear about the theft. Bike thieves suck.

lostarchitect 

Really sucks. If you tend to want to leave bikes on the porch, maybe you should get a chain or U lock that will keep them there. I have a medium sized chain somewhere that I used to use for my motorcycle before I got a longer one, you can have it if you like next time we meet up. I think there's a small kryptonite lock that goes with it, if I can find the key.

Maddox

Also very very sorry to get word about the theft, Tom. I really hope you recover it.

formicaman

Soma was distributing their own branded tires by Panaracer a while back. Claim to have amazing flat protection. They ride like butter in 32.