Now that I am LBS-employed the low low price of a cross check is quite enticing.
Not to mention it sounds like the perfect do-everything utilitarian bicycle frame.

My planned build is a mix of old and new, so I'm curious to see any C&V takes on these that might be out there: who rides one?
Please share even if it is stock, or very similar modern bike but not made by Surly.

too new for me

I know I'm pushing it here, sorry

But I bet I can build one that would please most of the c&v crowd.

I think they're cool -- the DT shifter bosses and horizontal dropouts are certainly C&V-approved. Only thing that bugs me is the propensity for people to buy too small of a frame and then use a foot of headset spacers to make them fit. They seem to do that with LHTs, too.

I rode to and from work for over a year on mine.

Great commuter.

Fun errand bike.

Heck, I have friends that race these in local cross events.

SS no less.

Remember Sofia, it's the engine that counts!

How is it different than the MTB to Dropbar configurations? I kinda see the Cross Check in same light so I expect to see miles of seatpost and tall stems

It's not so different, and I mostly kid. Both have relatively long top tubes and high bottom brackets, so it's something to be expected.

I love mine, it's my most used, most versatile bike.

Decidedly not C&V, but it's just fun.

Untitled by jstews, on Flickr
My LBS owner has a black one with VO fenders and a bunch of other classy looking bits, and it looks the part!

I'd say go for it, build it up as you please.

I have one set up with a Nexus 7 rear hub that I commute to school on frequently. Its a solid, boring, easy bike. I love it.

jim

Was it boring before the Nexus?



I kid. Kind of.

I love the idea of IGH but I built up a Nexus-equipped bike for the shop I work at the other day and then test rode it... wasn't into it.

Seriously. Need to get on that as soon as the Merckx is ready.

Unless you can't find a basic 4130 chromoly frame to work with go for it. I don't think Surly is all that great. It's very expensive considering you can find 80's frames of chromoly or even lighter tange...

I honestly think 26 inch with drops is better than running cross tires...Wider tires offer great control and make burning calories a delightful chore. That being said if you get the frame new for under 300$ I'd consider it.

I'm having these thoughts too. It is $300 though.

Bought mine off of the local CL.

Frameset and Open Pros for $375.

Black frame, so I built it solid black.

Again, fun bike.

I rode it within an inch of its life.

I never cared a whit if I scratched it.

That alone was freeing.

That's (ironically?) worth some $$ in my book.

Once I actually have some money to spend it probably won't be a tough choice.

However: 'hospital' green or black?

Green. They look great with black and/or silver parts.

Yep, if I would start from new, green would wind my binder.

Green + silver parts + TA cranks + custom painted racks a la Woodville...

?

Have you looked at the All City frames?

Yes. Also tempting. Runner up is the Space Horse. I like the look of the Macho Man but hidden eyelets mean no loaded racks.

Yeah, I think I would buy a Space Horse over a Cross Check personally.

That is nice. How do the prices compare? If its close, my vote goes to the all city.

The Space Horse is probably well under $100 more from the distributor.

Yeah, yeah. IGH is not the answer to all questions. I really notice the added weight back there. And it does limit gear range. But slogging 19 miles on a cold morning, or 19 miles on a rainy evening, its nice to have a solid horse that one never doubts. Maybe it says more about my lack of resolve, but I appreciate the bone-headed ease of use of this set up on these type of rides.

The CC itself is not light and not terribly nimble. But for me its a comfortable and stable ride. Mine has fenders, racks, and panniers, and my ample girth astride it, so it needs a bit of beef.

jim

Wicked!!