climbhoser

I can't fit my Xcheck, I just can't. Even with an 80mm stem and shallow drops (Ritchey Biomax) it's just too long, at least by an inch, if not more.

Going down 1 size to the 54 only gives me 1cm of TT, effective and actual, but takes my ST down 2cm. The Volpe 55 would give me a 55 actual TT, with a "virtual" TT of 56, but a ST of 55...sounds much more accomodating to my long legs and short arm syndrome.

So what do people like about them?

By the way, my Crosscheck is all custom...so I'll be transferring what I like to the Volpe like my XTR rear der., my Ultegra/Open Pros, my V-brakes, etc...

What do you think?

Oh yeah, and is there anyway to get just a frameset? Shops around say no, but you guys might know.

idcruiserman

My wife has a Volpe, and I like it. I was in the same boat as you with a cross check. I sold it.

climbhoser

What did you get?

idcruiserman

Since the cross check I got a used Raleigh Team Cross and a new Country Road Bob. The Raleigh fits me well.

DataJunkie

Does the geometry of the salsa casserole work? Can't wait for mine to be delivered on Monday.

climbhoser

Looks good to me! 56 cm traditional ST size, with a 55cm TT on the 53! My only problem with it is no canti posts, otherwise I'd be all over it.

DataJunkie

My frame will be here on Monday. I don't run wide tires and don't particularly like cantis so it's a good choice for me. It is going to be my new fixed gear. The only issue is that it will be too nice to lock up outside when my office moves. I am sure that will be another excuse for a different bike.

I am thinking about using long reach road calipers like https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...+Calipers.aspx

Gibbygoo

I've not been comfortable on my Cross Check either. The reach is a bit much. Currently using a 100mm stem. I went with a 60cm and I'm 6'2". Maybe I should have tried a 58. I am intrigued by the Cassaroll though. I might just sell my Cross Check and try the Salsa.

climbhoser

I took a look at yours and you could definitely try a shorter stem. That sucker is way out there, and I bet even trying a 90 would much improve the feel. Hardcore roadies debate all the time about it, and some argue that anything less than 120 or 110 is indicative of a stem too short. Well, I think that's bubkis, especially since no two people are alike, and we can't all afford custom frames.

Others say 80 is the min of acceptable stem length. I'm on an 80 and it isn't a problem, other than what some folks might argue as an aesthetic point.

Bad news, too...I just realized my "too reachy" Cross Check IS a 54! I'm 5'10" but with short arms. Most folks my height would be on 56-58 depending on the bike, but I'm on a 54 (with a 56 TT) and it's still too long!

I dunno what the heck I should do now, but I don't even think the Volpe is an option. Maybe I'll just suffer until I can afford a Waterford

DataJunkie

You could look for a local custom builder. Moots comes to mind but you may need a second mortgage to afford it. With popular cycling is around here there must be a decent custom builder or two. Hopefully, affordable.

Gibbygoo

Since that picture I switched from the 120 to a 100. I might try a 90 for a bit.

JHarris

When I was shopping for a bike I had it down to the Crosscheck and the Volpe. I ended up buying the Volpe. The sizing I was looking at was similar as well. 55 in the Volpe vs 56 in the Crosscheck. The Volpe just felt like a better fit, with less of a feeling of being stretched out. What finalized the decision was the fact that they had a 55 in last year's colors for $150 less. After that it was a forgone conclusion.

The only regret I had was a minor one. People who own a Crosscheck speak very highly of them. You don't really hear it as loudly with Volpe owners. Maybe it's just a brand loyalty thing?

climbhoser

I saw the most beautiful Volpe downtown a few weeks ago in the old colors. Honey Brooks and matching bar tape (prolly cloth shellac-ed), Tubus rear rack and Ortliebs, low rider front rack....just beautiful! It made me want one, for sure.

Weirdest part was I saw it just locked to a stop sign in what is an alright neighborhood bordering a not so alright neighborhood.

I'm going to test a Volpe today and see what I thinks.

Spider

I am also 6'2". I also got a 60cm Cross Check. It was also too big for me. I swapped it with a 58, which fits me perfectly.

ok_commuter

Since you clearly love it so much you'll just have to get over the canti thing and GO DISC!

the casseroll fit was better to me than the crosscheck, but i have the opposite problem of the OP -- 6'1, but long body, short legs...

climbhoser

I finally made a decision and now I'm just counting pennies.

Masi Speciale CX. Shorter TT, canti posts, eyelets and rear braze ons, steel....mmmm, makes me happy!

KeatonR

I love the Volpe (and most Bianchis, for that matter). I was looking hard for a used one to for the ultimate commuter/town bike, but ended up with a Surly LHT instead. I still think the Volpe would have made a more nimble choice, and I'm now looking for a used one for my wife. Beautiful bikes.

meaculpa

I always speak up for the Volpe. It was my own personal 'Best of Testrides 2006'. If it changes things, every shop set me up with a 56cm frame (tricross, aurora, portland, crosscheck) but the last shop which had a 56cm Volpe frame judged that to be a smidge too small & put me on a 58cm frame.

It turned out to be my best ride, and two years & 3000miles later I still like this bike very much. But I totally concur with Climbhoser, it seems no one gushes about this frame.

ok_commuter

I rode that one and liked it too. Who knows what might have happened had I ridden one my size... (the frame I rode was too small, but it's clearly a great bike)

tarwheel 

If you like the Casseroll but not the brakes, check out the Salsa La Cruz. Its geometry is very similar to the Casseroll but it uses disc brakes. It also comes in a cool metallic orange color. I would be all over the La Cruz, except I want a commuter bike with standard reach brakes but could settle for cantis, but don't want discs.

Also check out the Pake C'Mute. It is very inexpensive, only about $360 for the frame and fork. Uses canti brakes and has plenty of clearance for larger tires, but only comes in one color (mint green).

climbhoser

I was almost completely settled on the Pake C'Mute, and you can get it from Outdoor Outfitters for less than $300 not including shipping (which is ridiculously cheap through them). It's heavy, though, and not enough of an improvement in geometry. The Masi is a ridiculous improvement. I could actually get on a 53 TT with just a few extra cm of spacing on the steer tube. So, I'm pretty stoked, and it has everything else I need, with the exception of fork lowrider braze-ons.