Crosscheck or Long Haul Trucker?
#1
Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 170
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Giant OCR-1, and a 1996 Raleigh M60 MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Crosscheck or Long Haul Trucker?
Hi everyone, it has been a while for me on here. Here is my question, and you may have already covered this. I now know what my riding style is. I live my Giant OCR 1 (about 4 years old) but I think it is trying to be race and touring. I will never race, I ride 19-40 miles at a time and enjoy centuries. I may start commuting close to 30 miles round trip a day. I am a constant 240-255# 6'5" 37yr old guy.
Has there been any discussion about Clydesdale and these two bikes? I live in MN and love the brand and that it is local, but should I be looking at something else?
What is an OCR 1 worth anyway?
Has there been any discussion about Clydesdale and these two bikes? I live in MN and love the brand and that it is local, but should I be looking at something else?
What is an OCR 1 worth anyway?
#2
Downtown Spanky Brown
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Enola, Pennsyltucky
Posts: 2,108
Bikes: Motobecane Phantom Cross Pro Kona Lana'I
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
An OCR-1 is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for it. Being that it is four years old, I think 33% of it's MSRP is a reasonable asking price if it's in good shape. Local markets will vary, check your local craigslist for an idea what bikes are selling for.
Both bikes are fine for a Clyde. The Cross Check is a bit more sporty than the LHT. The concern with the Cross Check when it comes to commuting and touring is that it has shorter chain stays. If you have large feet, you might run into problems with heal strike. That is when your heal strikes your panniers. If you're using a trailer or a trunk bag which sits on top of your rack, this is a non-issue. Both are great bikes, you won't go wrong with either on them. Test ride them both and see which one feels best to you.
Both bikes are fine for a Clyde. The Cross Check is a bit more sporty than the LHT. The concern with the Cross Check when it comes to commuting and touring is that it has shorter chain stays. If you have large feet, you might run into problems with heal strike. That is when your heal strikes your panniers. If you're using a trailer or a trunk bag which sits on top of your rack, this is a non-issue. Both are great bikes, you won't go wrong with either on them. Test ride them both and see which one feels best to you.
#3
Senior Member
Archinutt, The Cross Check is a light duty touring or CX bike that bridges the road frame and the touring frame. Either would be an excellant all around bicycle. If you plan to ride extended tours with camping the LHT would be a better choice.
Brad
Brad
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,059
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18320 Post(s)
Liked 15,298 Times
in
7,231 Posts
That sums it up nicely. Note that the LHT has a triple while the CC does not. That may be important to you.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times
in
6,054 Posts
It sounds like the LHT might be a slightly better bike for you. You said you don't race, so the somewhat more sporty frame and double crank aren't likely to matter so much to you. On the other hand, you like doing centuries, and plan on commuting 30 miles. Commuting tends to mean carrying lots of stuff, from a complete fix it kit and change of clothes to ballast. It would be hard to go wrong with either bike, but the LHT sounds like a better match for your riding style.
But you should test ride both, in case one speaks to you.
But you should test ride both, in case one speaks to you.
#6
2nd Amendment Cyclist
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 1,036
Bikes: Schwinn 2010 World Street, Handsome Speedy w/ SRAM Apex
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
From Surly's FAQ
IMO, if you're not going to do loaded touring, I'd avoid the LHT. People in the LD forum that get it for unloaded distance riding tend to regret it.
The CC is THE quintessential Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of None. They make excellent commuters, for example.
The Pacer is what I was going to build up as a long-distance bike. Very nice bike, but if you ever want to run racks, it's not for you. Can handle a front handlebar bag, and/or an underseat bag, but that's about it.
Should I get the Cross-check, Long Haul Trucker, or Pacer?
Think about it this way:
Pacer – club rider, backpack commuter, gravel racer. The Pacer does not have as many braze-ons for mounting racks and bags as the others, plus the geometry is not designed with fully-loaded touring in mind, so while it will handle long distances well with lower weight cargo, heavier loads will affect it’s handling and your heels are more likely to hit rear panniers on this model.
Cross Check – light duty tourer, pannier commuter, and versatility for practically any build you dream up. Versatile as all get out, but somewhere between touring and ‘road’ geometry.
Long Haul Trucker- cross country tourer, heavy duty commuter, practically begs you to bring the kitchen sink. All the bells and whistles. Low BB and long stays make it good for racks and bags but not as good for technical off-road trails.
Sure, there’s a lot of cross-over between them in what they CAN do – they all make excellent commuters for example. They simply excel a bit more in one area or the other than the next.
Think about it this way:
Pacer – club rider, backpack commuter, gravel racer. The Pacer does not have as many braze-ons for mounting racks and bags as the others, plus the geometry is not designed with fully-loaded touring in mind, so while it will handle long distances well with lower weight cargo, heavier loads will affect it’s handling and your heels are more likely to hit rear panniers on this model.
Cross Check – light duty tourer, pannier commuter, and versatility for practically any build you dream up. Versatile as all get out, but somewhere between touring and ‘road’ geometry.
Long Haul Trucker- cross country tourer, heavy duty commuter, practically begs you to bring the kitchen sink. All the bells and whistles. Low BB and long stays make it good for racks and bags but not as good for technical off-road trails.
Sure, there’s a lot of cross-over between them in what they CAN do – they all make excellent commuters for example. They simply excel a bit more in one area or the other than the next.
The CC is THE quintessential Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of None. They make excellent commuters, for example.
The Pacer is what I was going to build up as a long-distance bike. Very nice bike, but if you ever want to run racks, it's not for you. Can handle a front handlebar bag, and/or an underseat bag, but that's about it.
#7
29er Rider
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Central Minnesota
Posts: 169
Bikes: Gary Fisher ARC Pro, Cannondale Caffein 29er Lefty hardtail, building a Kona Major One, Custom steel frame from early 80's with Campy Nuovo Record
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
From Surly's FAQ
IMO, if you're not going to do loaded touring, I'd avoid the LHT. People in the LD forum that get it for unloaded distance riding tend to regret it.
The CC is THE quintessential Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of None. They make excellent commuters, for example.
The Pacer is what I was going to build up as a long-distance bike. Very nice bike, but if you ever want to run racks, it's not for you. Can handle a front handlebar bag, and/or an underseat bag, but that's about it.
IMO, if you're not going to do loaded touring, I'd avoid the LHT. People in the LD forum that get it for unloaded distance riding tend to regret it.
The CC is THE quintessential Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of None. They make excellent commuters, for example.
The Pacer is what I was going to build up as a long-distance bike. Very nice bike, but if you ever want to run racks, it's not for you. Can handle a front handlebar bag, and/or an underseat bag, but that's about it.
#8
Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 170
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Giant OCR-1, and a 1996 Raleigh M60 MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Thanks for all the input. Kind of where I am at. I think either would work. Are there any other similiar bikes I should look at? I am pretty sure I would be happy with the LHB, but I wonder if I would ever pack super heavy loads, like for camping.
Has anyone transistioned from the integrated shifters to the bar ends? On my super quick test ride of the LHB the bar ends were much better than I thought the would be. It would be nice if the whole system were a little less finicky than the 105 (although I think they are great).
Cyclocross would be fun. I used to do a lot of mountian biking in the ozarks. Would be fun to have both options.
Has anyone transistioned from the integrated shifters to the bar ends? On my super quick test ride of the LHB the bar ends were much better than I thought the would be. It would be nice if the whole system were a little less finicky than the 105 (although I think they are great).
Cyclocross would be fun. I used to do a lot of mountian biking in the ozarks. Would be fun to have both options.
#9
Senior Member
Archinutt, The simplicity and reliability of a down tube shifter in a convenient location that also allows the fitment of a handle bar bag make bar ends the number one choice among tourers. I've had most of the shifter designs at one time or another and I can't fault bar ends. Reads like the Cross Check maybe dearer to your heart.
Brad
Brad
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Thomaston, Georgia
Posts: 217
Bikes: 2013 Raleigh Clubman, 2010 Schwinn LeTour, 2012 Raleigh Sojourn, 2011 Schwinn Voyaguer 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for asking this question as it helps me to understanded what I want in a bike.
The Surly CrossCheck sounds like a neat option if only it came with a Long Range Derailleur that was already compatible with an extended range cassette. I do a lot of hill climbs and the minimum Gain Ration for the 36 x 25 gear is 2.9. That is still too high a gear ratio for the engine on my bike to comfortably push over the long hauls.
I know such things can be changed after the fact but I want to ride to be a mechanic and don't have access to a LBS mechanic that likes modifying factory bikes.
The Surly CrossCheck sounds like a neat option if only it came with a Long Range Derailleur that was already compatible with an extended range cassette. I do a lot of hill climbs and the minimum Gain Ration for the 36 x 25 gear is 2.9. That is still too high a gear ratio for the engine on my bike to comfortably push over the long hauls.
I know such things can be changed after the fact but I want to ride to be a mechanic and don't have access to a LBS mechanic that likes modifying factory bikes.
#11
already soaked
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 286
Bikes: 2011 Surly Crosscheck, 2014 Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have about 1500 miles on my CC now and I like it for what it does. I have a big rack on it so I don't have to worry about heel strike and I can commute very quickly and go on fun fast rides. I feel comfortable riding it long distance as well (74mi is my longest so far) but I do notice some comfort issues with it. You lean a little more forward than a touring bike. Like people say, it doesn't have a triple though...it hasn't been an issue for me, though.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times
in
6,054 Posts
On the other hand, she loves it. She said it took about a week to get used to after STI brifters. Now, she says, it's second nature. Apparently you don't have to move your hands very far at all, and it's pretty easy if you're riding in the drops, especially near the ends of the bars. She said she wouldn't even think twice about the bar ends if she needed a bike or was going to recommend one.
#13
Banned.
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,095
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i LOVE my nashbar touring frame. very inexpensive and I was able to custom build it up just how I like it. Unfortunately, it got stolen this weekend from my apt building's locked boiler room. hopefully insurance comes thru for me. one drawback is that it is aluminum frame but run it with 32c tires and the comfort will be fine. I hooked mine up with the carbon cyclocross fork and ran a disc brake on the front.
this frame sells between 75-100 bucks, buy it and swap all the parts off of your OCR and you are in business for short money. The carbon cyclocross fork was another $125 and is great for commuting because you can run front disc brake and not worry about wet weather stopping. IT's a VERY different geometry from a race bike. my other bike is a motobecane grand sprint so also an aluminum kinesis made frame but the geometry is far more aggressive. the nashbar frame is very well made and gives you plenty of options such as 132.5mm dropouts in the rear to use road or MTB hubs. 3 sets of braze ons for bottle cages, long chain stays to negate the heel strike issue, TONS of clearance. I think you can run 700x40 tires and fenders on this frame if you wanted to
this frame sells between 75-100 bucks, buy it and swap all the parts off of your OCR and you are in business for short money. The carbon cyclocross fork was another $125 and is great for commuting because you can run front disc brake and not worry about wet weather stopping. IT's a VERY different geometry from a race bike. my other bike is a motobecane grand sprint so also an aluminum kinesis made frame but the geometry is far more aggressive. the nashbar frame is very well made and gives you plenty of options such as 132.5mm dropouts in the rear to use road or MTB hubs. 3 sets of braze ons for bottle cages, long chain stays to negate the heel strike issue, TONS of clearance. I think you can run 700x40 tires and fenders on this frame if you wanted to
Last edited by motobecane69; 08-22-11 at 02:16 PM.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2578 Post(s)
Liked 1,901 Times
in
1,193 Posts
I enjoy the freedom the bar-ends give me to shift my hands around, as compared to the default on-the-brifters location toward which I always seem to gravitate.
#15
Senior Member
The crosscheck is an awesome do-all bike. Only reason I got rid of mine is because I needed a travel frame.
If heel strike is an issue you just mount the rack on an extender, end of problem.
I used mine for commuting, century rides, double metrics, bad weather, good weather, carrying stuff (case and a half of soda for the snack fund at work) and everything in between. Trust me, it can carry a load.
If heel strike is an issue you just mount the rack on an extender, end of problem.
I used mine for commuting, century rides, double metrics, bad weather, good weather, carrying stuff (case and a half of soda for the snack fund at work) and everything in between. Trust me, it can carry a load.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Greencastle, PA
Posts: 255
Bikes: 2010 Jamis Aurora, 2005 Trek 7500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm admittedly biased and inexperienced, but I love my Jamis Aurora so far.
#17
already soaked
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 286
Bikes: 2011 Surly Crosscheck, 2014 Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Has anyone transistioned from the integrated shifters to the bar ends?
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lexington KY
Posts: 476
Bikes: Salsa Casseroll for Street and Airborne Hobgoblin for dirt
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you have not yet decided you may want to give the Salsa Casserole a look see. I just finished building one up and it has the all day comfort potential a century rider needs. I tested the CC and the LHT and liked them both but when I started looking at frame specs the casserole seemed to fit the bill and now I am happy with it. Of the two I liked the CC better.
#19
Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 170
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Giant OCR-1, and a 1996 Raleigh M60 MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
You guys are just so awesome. Another friend mentioned a Salso casserole today. I look for to two long test rides of the CC and LHT.
#20
Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 170
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Giant OCR-1, and a 1996 Raleigh M60 MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
It occured to me with this conversation that I could possibly get rid of my 1998 Raliegh M60 (I am all about simplification of stuff these days) that never sees the light of day, and it did it would be pretty tame trail riding. A friend of mine wants me to come down and ride the Katy trail for a few days. i hated the thought of a few days on my mountian bike, but hated the thought of my rode bike on gravel for that long. I hope I like the ride of this CC because it sounds like that might fit the bill. i would miss my triple tho, but I guess i could get one.
I am assuming cyclocross means it can take reasonable single track and gravel roads pretty well.
have any of you big guys that put pressure on the frame had any issues? I had a TriLite that was just too much flex
I am assuming cyclocross means it can take reasonable single track and gravel roads pretty well.
have any of you big guys that put pressure on the frame had any issues? I had a TriLite that was just too much flex
#21
Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 170
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Giant OCR-1, and a 1996 Raleigh M60 MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Would the LHT be any slower with the same effort? Not that I can't step it up, but it occurs to me that everyone I ride with is on a race type bike.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
At roughly your stats last season (6'6", 235 - 245) I was doing at least a 200k once a month, and my season included 3x 300k (one with 15 miles of forest service road loose gravel) and a 400k. It's been a phenominal all weather commuter and randonneuring bike for me. I chose the CC over the Pacer because the Pacer maxes out at 28mm tires with fenders, and even then it's a tight fit depending on the fender and tire combo. I use Carradice and Berthoud luggage so I don't suffer the issues of heel strike on shorter stays. The stock equipment is alright, but if you like low gears I'd swap out the rd for a Deore long cage ($50) and throw a 9spd MTB cassette on there (11 - 32). Maybe even a 34/48 up front instead of the stock 36/48 rings. The stock Vero crank wears out quick, but there are good, inexpensive replacements: Sugino XD700 if you wanna stick with square taper. SRAM S300 CX if you decide to go outboard with a GXP bottom bracket. Both are around the $110 price point. I've used both and they rock.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 186 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
166 Posts
If you jump it too high while riding on the hoods, the bars will slip down in the stem upon landing. That is when I know I need to back off a little bit. My crankset wore out pretty quick like the above poster, but the one on it now has been on it for a few years.
Last edited by c_m_shooter; 08-22-11 at 10:51 PM.
#24
Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 170
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Giant OCR-1, and a 1996 Raleigh M60 MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Thanks for the pictures. Now I am truly curious. I will let everyone know how the test ride goes on both.
#25
Senior Member
If I was going to buy one bike for all purposes, it would be the Cross Check. You'll like the way it handles compared to the LHT in traffic. If you go touring on it, use front bags on lowriders to avoid the heel strike.
Marc
Marc