Originally Posted by Daily Commute
My stock cross check was $750 at the LBS last fall. I think that was $100 mark-off from the list price. Then I added pedals, a rack, saddlebags, reflectors, front and rear lights, and fenders. It might be tought to do all the add-ons under $1K, but you might be able to, especially if you use a messenger back instead of the rack and saddlebags. I haven't had any problems with the bar-end shifters. You'll get used to them. It shouldn't have any problems with 210 lbs.
Thanks - the cross check is the bike I want based on paper only evaluation. But once I get seriously into looking into options and actually trying them out, I'll see. Unfortunately there is no LBS around here that has the cross check in stock - 10day delivery time. I will be very surprised if they will quote less than $900+pedals. I already have all the accessories I need, so its the stock bike cost only I care about.
Al