I could not agree more with those who posted above.

I recently mangled my hybrid into the back of a stationary Hyundai!!

The result was I bought a Cross-Check and canablised what I could off the wrek onto the Cross-Check.

Unless you have done this before you will not believe how much work it is. I now have a new found respect for good bike mechanics. I wanted to build as I am a DIY fiend but no sonner have I finished my bike and done a few hundred miles I still want a mechanic to check it over.

In hindsight I am glad I built the bike and am proud of the task, but hells bells I would love to have all those hours back or rather have spent them in the saddle.

Buy complete and fiddle as you go.

I am running the Shimano BR-R550 brakes, no idea if they are any better.

PS: Could not enjoy this bike more, go Surly!

PS PS: wait till you see how much decent tools cost!!!