Commuting -- Volpe vs Crosscheck?
 

I've been commuting for about 2 months now on a Specialized Expedition 2000 (hybrid)! Yes, I've switched out the tires for a pair of 1.5 clearance with no knobies on it, put on fenders, and a rack. Working with the LBS to find a pair of panniers that will mount without hitting my legs. I will commute on this bike until September.

Here's my question... I'm comparing the Bianchi Volpe and the Surly Crosscheck. I test drove both Friday and loved the way the Volpe handled, loved almost everything about it except the handlebars. The LBS mentioned they could swap this out for me. Not charge for labor just the cost of the other handlebar of choice. Suggestions for handlebars anyone?

The Crosscheck I could not figure out the bar end shifters for the life of me. I asked the LBS how much to convert the bar end shifters to STI -- $150. I did not really like the seat either so another $90 approx. Total = $240/approx

True that both frames were 56 and I'm a 5-4 female... so I felt like superwoman on both of them. I think the reason I like the handlebars of the Crosscheck they seemed a little wider/bigger than the Volpe. Note: I'm used to a MTB with straight handle bars. When I mentioned to the LBS that I thought the Volpe handled better... he mentioned there was no difference in bikes, so he wasn't sure why I felt the Volpe handled better.

I'm looking at buying a bike for commuting. Currently I'm averaging about 50+ miles/week. Once I get the new bike I'm looking at about 100+ miles/week. On my way to work I'm looking at about 10 lbs in weight besides me. On my way home I usually stop and grocery shop... so another 10 lbs or so. I know I'm definately looking for a steel frame.

Open to suggestions between the Volpe or the CrossCheck. Also, open to suggestions on handlebars. Right now the Volpe is the front runner.

I thought the Volpe "handled better" too, and to me that meant more responsiveness. Comparitively, I thought the Crosscheck felt a little heavy and dead (not as supple). Don't know why, but I wouldn't agree that "there was no difference in bikes." YMMV.

Hi N.C.,



You might also reconsider what frame size to use. WrenchScience has free fitting software, see : https://www.wrenchscience.com/Login....=M&stylecode=M

You will need to register to use the software.

I am building a commuter using a Soma Double Cross frame. I rode the Cross Check. The skinny CX tires they offer on the bike are not ideal for commuting. I also did not like the handling of the Cross Check and felt the tires were part of the problem.

Michael

Thank you to both of you. So it wasn't just me imagining that the volpe handled better.

Ideas for Handlebars? If I do decide to go with the Volpe?

What an odd statement considering the same bicycle will handle differently with different tires on it.

As to the bars, we would need to know what you did not like about the stock bars to have any idea of what might work better for you.

I think the stock handlebars on the volpe felt too closed in? Almost restrictive. The crosscheck handlebars seemed bigger... for some reason I felt my hands could wrap around the bars a little better -- more comfortable.

Earlier in the month I rode a rocky mountain Solo for a group ride (18+ miles) but did not like those handlebars either.

Does that help? Keep in mind I am coming off a Hybrid.

What's to figure out? The lever clicks up and down (the left / front derailleur is simple friction) and the gear changes. The great thing is you can grab a whole handful of gear and run the cassette in one fluid motion.

Sure, it takes a moment or two to acclimate to the position but once you're used barcons you'll love em.

This makes it sound like the left and right grips are too close, causing your chest to constrict (making breathing harder). Bars are too narrow - replace with wider drop bars.

You could mean the bend of the drop bar is too tight. In which, bullhorn/cowhorn bars might be the fix.

This makes it sound like the bar diameter is too small and/or bar tape is too thin. This problem can be fixed by simply wrapping another piece of bar tape over the top of the present tape.

will look into bull/cow horn bars. Thanks for the pointer.

Well, I'm a bit confused as to why the bike shop told you that there were no differences in the bikes. They're very similar -- but the Volpe has a slightly steeper HT. Which means that it will steer somewhat quicker.

However, I would recommend taking a test ride on some more appropriately sized frames. You mentioned that you're 5' 4", and generally a 56cm is less than ideal for your height (I'm assuming that the Volpe you tested was a 55cm, which sizes out close to the 56cm Surly.)

i recently converted from a hybrid (scott sub - 2 years as main commuter) to a cross check check. i specifically went with sti shifters and 700x25 ultra gatorskins b/c stock shifters and tires were too much of a comprimise for my commute. after a few days on the cc drop bars i felt the same control as i got from the flats on the hybrid.

consider the magnitude of your change; either the volpe or the cc is going to be a notibeable improvement.

Are you sure you are riding a 56 cm frame or that you are 5'4"? I'm a 5'9" male and to some, the 56cm Crosscheck would be too big for me. You can adjust the stem and seatpost, but there is the the standover height and tob tube length problem. Unless you have really long legs and arms but a tiny torso?

I rode the Volpe and Cross Check back-to-back. The Volpe was the 57 cm frame which was a touch big for me. The Cross Check had a raised stem (Profile Design Boa, if I recall) which made the handlebars much more comfy for me than on the Volpe. I suspect variations in the handlebars, seats, and tires make a much bigger difference in handling and feel than slight frame geometry differences.

Personally I'd get the Volpe over the Cross Check since then I'd save $194 in STI conversion costs with the Surly, which would cover the cost of a comfier seat, handlebar spacers, etc. This week I'm testing out the identically priced Masi Speciale CX, which has slightly longer chainstays than the Volpe and CC do which may help my size 12 feet avoid panniers.

I do agree that a 56 frame is way to big for my size. I actually do clear the top bar. Yes, I'm one of those women with extremely long limbs and close to no torso. There's just one more store that I need to check out to see if they might have a CrossCheck or a Volpe in my size. Given that these were just test drives I had to make due with what the LBS had at hand.

One of you mentioned a "slightly steeper HT" I don't have all the lingo down just yet. What does that mean?

Keep me posted on the "Masi Speciale CX" I've not seen any of the store's here carry that brand. Looks like it's in the same class as the Volpe and the crosscheck.

You could just swap out the tires to something like the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 700X28. I did on my Cross Check and suddenly the bike was a lot more responsive, quick, and handled very well. I wouldn't pass on the Cross Check over something that is so easy to change (tires)

new bike
 

You probably should test out a 54 or 52 cm and get the bars high enough to make them comfortable for a shorter torso. I think the Bianchi has a little shorter wheelbase, lighter gauge tubing and steeper frame angles than the Crosscheck. I own a Surly LHT and its a fine machine for commuting. If you get a Surly or any bike, insist that the bike shop not cut the steer tube until you get your bars where you want them (high enough) For long legged short torsoed riders this is especially important. Mustache bars might be a nice option for a commuter bike also. The bar end shifters have some very good benefits. Don't discount them until you learn to use them. Check out www.Rivbike.com and read about bike fit, handlebars etc. they have some really insightful info that can benefit the commuter.:innocent:

56 is WAYYY too big for you. My gf is 5'2'' and fits well on a 45(or maybe 44) volpe.

you can always make the bike ride bigger with a new stem and by raising the seat tube. With a huge frame you can't make it any smaller than having the seat tube all the way dumped.

IMO you should test a 48, 50 and 52 before making any purchases.

And I liked the volpe a lot more. The STI shifters are much nicer than the bar end shifters imo, particularly if you're doing city riding.

I was referring to the heat tube angle. The volpe is 72.5 degrees and the Crosscheck 72 degrees. It's not a big difference, but it will effect the handling of the bike.

Clearing the top-tube is great, but its not determinative of fit. In fact, I wouldn't go to a shop that fit a bike based on whether or not you could clear the top tube. In terms of comfort, the top-tube is more important -- after all, most of the time on the bike is spent riding, rather than standing.

I would recommend a 52cm or MAYBE a 54cm frame -- then just adjust from there.

edit:

Rivendell fits are very... anachronistic. I think they tend to favor a method of fitting a bike that coincides with their philosophy in spite of major shortcomings.

FWIW, I have a Bianchi Volpe and I'm very pleased with it. I've had it for maybe 6 or 7 weeks now. Can't compare it to the Cross Check, but I think you could be very with the Volpe.

Of course my previous commuter is a serious POS, so anything would be a step up.

If you are having heel strike problems with the Expedition, you'll have it in spades with either the Crosscheck or the Volpe. Both are very short chainstay bikes for carrying loads, as are just about any cross bike. Something to consider before you lay down your cash.

I support the Volpe as well. Screw having to convert to STI shifters, save that money for new tires and in-line brake levers instead!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...w/DSCN2055.jpg

Thanks for all the pointers guys. Will ck out another store here soon and see what they have.

I've ridden a C-Check for two years with panniers and have never had heel strike. FWIW. I wouldn't trade my C-Check in for anything else. There is no better commuting bike, IMO.

But NewbieCommuter is already having heel strike problems with a longish bike. Going to a bike with shorter stays will only exacerbate the problem he is having now. Both bikes he is considering have shorter stays then the Expedition.

Try the Jandd Saddle Bag Panniers. They work for me on a Cross Check & a San Jose (single speed version of Volpe).

As far as the Cross Check versus the Volpe, I would choose a Cross Check over a Volpe. I have a Cross Check & a San Jose. The San Jose is the same frame as the Volpe with different braze ons & drop outs. Both are great frames. However, the Cross Check has a much tougher powder coat paint. The frame is probably built sturdier as well. Both of them handle similar or the same when fitted with the same tires, wheels, etc. The handling is excellent on both, I can't tell the difference.

I've used bar ends on my Cross Check & I personally don't like them. A cheaper alternative and definitely reliable one is to use down tube shifters.