Originally Posted by
4st7lbs
I really like it. I tried out a Bianchi Volpe that I liked better, but I tried the Cross Check and liked it to and pulled the trigger when I found out it was on sale ($960). My only complaint about the Cross Check, and my understanding is this is pretty common with cyclocross bikes, is the bar-end shifters, but I'm sure I'll get used to them the more I ride it. It's a serious improvement over the Trek 4300 I was riding.
I found I got used to the bar end shifters on my cross check in about the first 3 weeks. I have actually found them to be quite nice and versatile.
In the winter, I have found it necessary to switch the rear shifter into friction mode because of poor operating conditions which is easy to do on the fly.
Also, I had a crash several weeks ago that sent me over the bars (I walked away unhurt because of heavy winter clothes and a helmet), and I mangled one of the brake levers. With brifters, this would be a pretty serious issue, but I was able to cobble it back together long enough to ride home and then replace it on the cheap.