Cross Check for Touring?
04-09-13, 01:39 PM
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Good to know. Yes, after I thought it through I figured I'd stick on a 2x9 at least for a while and see where to go from there. Really leaning towards cross-check right now, and think I may pull the trigger as soon as this mountain bike sells (which is another story).
And just to be certain - a cross check would be able to handle me (145 lbs) + a rack, tent, and 2 full panniers? I plan to do touring/camping trips for the most part.
Last edited by mvallejo; 04-09-13 at 01:44 PM.
04-09-13, 02:06 PM
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Good to know. Yes, after I thought it through I figured I'd stick on a 2x9 at least for a while and see where to go from there. Really leaning towards cross-check right now, and think I may pull the trigger as soon as this mountain bike sells (which is another story).
And just to be certain - a cross check would be able to handle me (145 lbs) + a rack, tent, and 2 full panniers? I plan to do touring/camping trips for the most part.
And just to be certain - a cross check would be able to handle me (145 lbs) + a rack, tent, and 2 full panniers? I plan to do touring/camping trips for the most part.
How fit are you? I think a CX double + a MTB cassette will get you most anywhere this side of the rockies. You may have to upgrade your rear derailleur but that is cheaper than a new crank.
04-09-13, 02:11 PM
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My $.02 is to get regular sized front panniers to mount front or back and not mondo big rear panniers. The 11-32 cassette with 36-48 has insanely high gears and ok low gears for a young person. If you want lower consider this
https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...-crankset.html
$106, crank puller and pedal wrench for about $30 and you get some good low gears and a chain ring protector!
I've got a 44/30 on my CrossCheck.
04-09-13, 02:30 PM
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LeeG, how tough would it be to simply set up a standard compact crank 50-34 and then use a 11 x 36 cassette? Seems like a cheap option since compact cranks are a dime a dozen.
04-09-13, 03:10 PM
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I don't think it would be tough but if the op is looking for the low gears of a triple why go for high gears useless for touring with big jumps everywhere when for the same amount of money get a cheap triple set up as a double with decent jump between chain rings and close ratio for road riding?
04-09-13, 04:58 PM
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So - if you do have problems with heal strike, might be worth trying disc racks (whether you have disc brakes or not), as the extra width moves the bags a little out the way of your heals.
04-09-13, 06:41 PM
#33
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Have toured with both, week to ten day trips with a light load. Each had lower gearing than stock. The 520 was obviously stiffer with a load and tracked better on a long ride vs. the cross check slightly quicker handling and more flexible frame. While the cross check is set up as a compact double, I believe the stock crank is a triple - you could add a 30 t chainring and probably be able to shift with the stock FD. Another approach is to replace the stock crankset with a mountain - many bike shops will make the swap for a small exp, the FD would need to be adjusted. IHHO, for your indicated needs, which ever bike is a better fit - should be a big decision factor. Both bikes have slightly long top tubes and short head tubes, especially for touring - get what fits better.
04-09-13, 10:02 PM
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I'm at your level of mechanical skill--finishing an LHT Disc Trucker build. Had LBS put on the headset & crankset since I was having them face the BB shell & head tube. New to discs & other little details like cables etc I had to keep going back to check for info (BikeForums helps a lot!). Taken some extra time but solved all problems so far. One can always put the bike together & then have a good mechanic check the derailleurs etc. Disc Trucker was (AFAIK) a bit unusual in that buying components separately was about the same price as their stock kit, so I figured why not have the luxury of choosing the details.
04-11-13, 08:43 AM
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Wow. I was about to pull the trigger on the cross check. Finally sold my mountain bike so I can buy my touring bike now. Cross Check $1150 at REI + the dividend savings is $100 at the end of the year. The rep even told me they can add the granny ring onto the cross check without too much labor/parts and would be around $50. Was going to go to the store today to buy it, and then I see this:
https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/bik/3689339891.html
Brand new Trek 520 for $1100 on Craigs List. Just when I thought I had a decision made! Only thing I'm worried about is he purchased it from a store a pretty far away (150 miles), and I'm pretty sure the service and warranty isnt offered on resale.
Thoughts? Seems like a killer deal for that bike.
https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/bik/3689339891.html
Brand new Trek 520 for $1100 on Craigs List. Just when I thought I had a decision made! Only thing I'm worried about is he purchased it from a store a pretty far away (150 miles), and I'm pretty sure the service and warranty isnt offered on resale.
Thoughts? Seems like a killer deal for that bike.
04-11-13, 09:09 AM
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Had myself measured yesterday and I am a 52 for the cross check, and the rep actually mentioned I may fit a 50 (im a small dude). The 51 Trek would likely fit I imagine. But yes, you are correct, the fit would definitely be make/break. Only thing I'm truly worried about is not having the shop service and warranty available.
04-11-13, 09:26 AM
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Wow. I was about to pull the trigger on the cross check. Finally sold my mountain bike so I can buy my touring bike now. Cross Check $1150 at REI + the dividend savings is $100 at the end of the year. The rep even told me they can add the granny ring onto the cross check without too much labor/parts and would be around $50. Was going to go to the store today to buy it, and then I see this:
https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/bik/3689339891.html
Brand new Trek 520 for $1100 on Craigs List. Just when I thought I had a decision made! Only thing I'm worried about is he purchased it from a store a pretty far away (150 miles), and I'm pretty sure the service and warranty isnt offered on resale.
Thoughts? Seems like a killer deal for that bike.
https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/bik/3689339891.html
Brand new Trek 520 for $1100 on Craigs List. Just when I thought I had a decision made! Only thing I'm worried about is he purchased it from a store a pretty far away (150 miles), and I'm pretty sure the service and warranty isnt offered on resale.
Thoughts? Seems like a killer deal for that bike.
The service and warranty from REI is worth money.
Buying an expensive used bike you should KNOW everything is right with it.
04-11-13, 11:51 AM
#39
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mvallejo, I'd be all over that Trek. The lifetime warranty is for two parts, frame and fork, that are not likely to ever fail outside of an accident and accidental damage isn't covered.
Brad
Brad
04-11-13, 10:32 PM
#40
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I agree with Brad - that 520 looks great and I'd be all over it if it's your size. I had one and regret selling it - worked great as my only road bike (first) that could really do it all. And they have a really smo-o-o-oth ride, too.
04-15-13, 11:37 AM
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Good to know. Yes, after I thought it through I figured I'd stick on a 2x9 at least for a while and see where to go from there. Really leaning towards cross-check right now, and think I may pull the trigger as soon as this mountain bike sells (which is another story).
And just to be certain - a cross check would be able to handle me (145 lbs) + a rack, tent, and 2 full panniers? I plan to do touring/camping trips for the most part.
And just to be certain - a cross check would be able to handle me (145 lbs) + a rack, tent, and 2 full panniers? I plan to do touring/camping trips for the most part.
05-07-13, 08:23 AM
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Finally pulled the trigger and went with the cross check. Got it from REI and the service guy was awesome. Helped me out with some modifications for pretty darn cheap.
- 3x9 drivetrain
- Schwalbe Marathon Tires
- Switched stem to 80mm
- Topeak Explorer Rear rack
Pretty much good to go for my first light tour. Got the panniers too, just need to get me a tent now.
- 3x9 drivetrain
- Schwalbe Marathon Tires
- Switched stem to 80mm
- Topeak Explorer Rear rack
Pretty much good to go for my first light tour. Got the panniers too, just need to get me a tent now.
05-07-13, 11:25 AM
#45
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A few years back someone posted a link to a blog or website of some folks who rode loaded Cross Checks on a bike tour circumnavigating the whole US. 8000 miles. Seems they did fine. Maybe you can find it with a web search.
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05-07-13, 12:44 PM
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That's a very nice looking bike!
Did the steerer tube come that short when you bought it or did you have them cut it based on your riding preferences?
Did the steerer tube come that short when you bought it or did you have them cut it based on your riding preferences?
Finally pulled the trigger and went with the cross check. Got it from REI and the service guy was awesome. Helped me out with some modifications for pretty darn cheap.
- 3x9 drivetrain
- Schwalbe Marathon Tires
- Switched stem to 80mm
- Topeak Explorer Rear rack
Pretty much good to go for my first light tour. Got the panniers too, just need to get me a tent now.
- 3x9 drivetrain
- Schwalbe Marathon Tires
- Switched stem to 80mm
- Topeak Explorer Rear rack
Pretty much good to go for my first light tour. Got the panniers too, just need to get me a tent now.
05-13-13, 07:07 AM
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05-14-13, 12:07 PM
#48
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Thank you Lee, this is all very helpful. To clarify a bit....
I am 5'8 and weight 145 lbs. I plan to do tours probably averaging around 500. I do not plan on doing credit card tours, and plan to bring a small tent, a few pieces of clothing, some light cooking gear, tools, and a little bit of food (i will have some money to buy food to cook or eat occasionally). I was originally looking at the LHT when I went to the bike shop, but the fact that it is not offered in my size (52 or 54) with 700c wheels turned me off. I plan to use it also as a commuter and regular town bike, so I'd really like the 700c wheels. The rep at the shop told me the cross-check can work for touring as well, so I decided to do my research and ask about it.
I am really leaning towards the cross check, and I'd think my smaller stature would allow the bike to carry more, I just wanted to get some thoughts first and make sure it can still handle the job. I was also really considering the 520, but the additional $ spent really makes me want to get the CrossCheck to work for me.
Thanks again.
I am 5'8 and weight 145 lbs. I plan to do tours probably averaging around 500. I do not plan on doing credit card tours, and plan to bring a small tent, a few pieces of clothing, some light cooking gear, tools, and a little bit of food (i will have some money to buy food to cook or eat occasionally). I was originally looking at the LHT when I went to the bike shop, but the fact that it is not offered in my size (52 or 54) with 700c wheels turned me off. I plan to use it also as a commuter and regular town bike, so I'd really like the 700c wheels. The rep at the shop told me the cross-check can work for touring as well, so I decided to do my research and ask about it.
I am really leaning towards the cross check, and I'd think my smaller stature would allow the bike to carry more, I just wanted to get some thoughts first and make sure it can still handle the job. I was also really considering the 520, but the additional $ spent really makes me want to get the CrossCheck to work for me.
Thanks again.
So pick a wheel diameter that tickles your fancy or pick the bike & brand first based on other criteria and don't worry about it one way or the other. Both the LHT and the CC make great touring bikes (LHT more so by a fair margin, but I would prefer the upright bars of the CC on the frame of the LHT) with the add of appropriate touring equipment (lighting, power sources, racks, bags, tent, rations, stove, etc.). Each of those pose interesting choices also.
BTW; I see LHT frames on Amazon in the sizes you note as NOT AVAILABLE. And the main site for Surly shows LHT in 26" wheels from 42–62cm frame sizes, and with 700c wheels in 56–64cm. So you LBS could order in what you need or you can go it alone and do some credit card shopping on the net.
/K
Last edited by ksisler; 05-14-13 at 12:11 PM.
05-14-13, 12:16 PM
#49
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One of our Warmshowers guests last year rode a Cross-Check from Georgia up the east coast, then rode across to Minnesota, then took Amtrak to Glacier, and rode the rest of the way to Puget Sound. She even had kitty litter bucket panniers and as far as I know her bike worked fine for her.
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