Originally Posted by noisebeam
Is the stock built up Cross Check a good build up, or are there some items (other than fit like seat, stem, etc.) that are good to change out. I like the the ideas of the stock build up as I think I will quickly need a new commuter/firetrail bike. Unfortunately I'm not gonna be in the position to do much thought & time on a custom build-up.
I have a stock Cross Check (my LBS led me to believe that they had bought the frame and built the bike up themselves, but I just recently decided to check my bike against the Surly web site and found that it is *identical* to the stock build, so I guess that's what I've got!).
The two things that were changed out when I bought the bike were the stem and the pedals -- it had a flat stem, and after comparing the Surly with a Kona "Jake the Snake", I said that I liked the slightly more upright position on the Kona, so he switched out the stem (sorry, I don't know the specs on the new stem). And I also had them switch out the stock pedals (no idea what they were) for the Shimano SPD pedals that have a cleat receptacle on one side and a regular pedal surface on the other so you can ride with regular shoes. That was a $20 upgrade, I think. (I just looked at the Surly web site, and pedals are not included, anyway, so that factor will be up to you and your LBS).
Otherwise, I'm perfectly happy with the stock build. I've tried to figure out the logic behind the mishmash of componentry (Ritchey Logic headset, Deore hubs, Tiagra derailleurs, Salsa chainrings, Tektro brakes), and all I can figure is that they chose individual components on their own merits (price/value) vs. choosing an entire group. I've added a few lights, a Jandd rear rack and REI panniers, and it's making a great commuter ride.
One thing that may become an issue in the future is the rear wheel; I'm pretty big (230+ lbs.) and carry another 10-15 lbs. in my panniers, and I don't know if the 32 spoke wheel is going to hold up without going out of true every few weeks, but we'll see. I don't ride off-road, so that will probably help.
All in all, the worst thing about this bike is that I think it's so pretty, I'm worried about scratching it up on bike racks and such. I'm having a hard time letting my bike be a bike!
EDIT: Just wanted to add that this bike replaced a 1992 Bianchi Volpe, which I loved, and it is a very comparable ride. And the Kona Jake the Snake that I test rode was also very nice, but the steel frame on the Surly gave a nicer feel to the ride.