ToddDav

I know there are a ton of these posts, but I read a few and can't find the information I am looking for. Feeel frre to mock me.

I commute about 12 miles each way in Philadelphia, PA. My ride is on city streets, bike paths, packed gravel, and some big hills. My current bike is a hybrid with an upright stance. I am looking to trade up toward a cyclocross style road bike. I am looking for something with a steel frame that will take a beating (I am 6'5 and about 240lb.) that is not too heavy to ride in the occasional century.

So far the front runner is the Bianchi Volpe. I looked at the Surly Cross Check and was almost hooked until I realized that is geared a bit too high for the trip home when I am going up hill a lot. The Volpe has a hard to love color scheme and I am wondering if y'all can point me to some bike that I have not heard of.

I know enough to know that I do not know enough, so I would welcome suggestions.

nashcommguy

This may be what you're looking for: https://www.bikesdirect.com/motobecan...m_cross_cx.htm It's not as expensive and the componentry is just above entry level, but the ride is superb. You may want to swap out the 30mm cross tires for some road 28s. I've got 28mm Nu-Teck 130 psi airless on the way, but the 30mm cyclocross have done the job overinflated to 110 lbs. BD advertises a 16 spd, but I was shipped a 2x9. The frame's aluminum(I know you said 'steel'), w/cro/mo fork, but the ride is very comfortable. I've got almost 2000 mi on mine in 2 mos and must say, for the money it's a heck of a buy. And no shipping. I ordered mine on Saturday and it was delivered the following Wednesday. 50-36 front and 26x12 back has close ratio amd good range. I swapped my 36 for a 40 and haven't had to use it yet. It comes 90% assembled. Has braze-ons for rack and fenders. Good luck on whatever you decide

stevage

Well if the gearing is the only problem on the cross check, it's probably easy to fix at the LBS at the time you buy it. They made need to order a part in, but it's pretty easy.

Other possibilities:
- Specialized Tricross Sport (I have one, and absolutely love it), but it's aluminimum/carbon, not steel.
- Kona Jake and Jake the Snake (also aluminium I think, also the colour schemes range from ugly to hideous)

If you're set on a steel cyclocross bike, the cross check seems the obvious choice.

Steve

Torrilin

IIRC, the Cross Check is set up with a double that can be turned into a triple. Since it's also set up for friction shifting, the upgrade should be pretty cheap.

10 Wheels

Get the bike you like, that fits you and have a lower tooth gear put on for the hills.
Did that with mine. Went from a 30t to a 24 t on the small ring. Cost $26.

tarwheel 

You're on the right track looking for a cyclocross bike. The Volpe would be a fine choice, but I wouldn't rule out the Surley based on the gearing. That is an easy fix for any bike shop merely by changing the rear cassette or perhaps the crankset. Here are some other good options for cross bikes:
-- Salsa La Cruz (requires disc brakes)
-- Salsa Casseroll (not a cross bike but can handle wider tires and fenders, racks)
-- Soma Double Cross
-- Soma Smoothie or ES (same comments as Casseroll_
-- Pake C'Mute (the best bargain)
-- LeMond Poprad

I would pick a bike based on which has the best fit or geometry for you. Although the Surley Cross Check has lots of fans (and deservedly so), it's geometry is not ideal for many cyclists. Many find that its top tube is too long and its head tube too short, which is actually a problem with many cross frames if you don't like a low, stretched out position.