divtag

A used CC in my size range (maybe one too small) came up for sale on CL. What I like about it is that it is the old grey color. I can't stand beefy gravy and black is just OK. I was looking to buy a new black complete and know that it has decent components, but this was built up and I don't know anything about what is good or not. I am going to be using for commuting, groceries, weekend rides, maybe a bit of dirt, and maybe a tour from Vancouver to Orange County in a year or two.

Here is the ad copy (he clarified it is a 50 cm):

"up for sale is an 08 surly crosscheck complete bike. 51cm size, grey color. steel frame and fork is almost new condition, never rode off road only on streets. alloy handlebars, alloy/carbon seatpost, alloy stem. dura ace cranks 53/39 172.5, octalink bottom bracket, ultegra 9 speed rear derailleur, 9 speed dura ace bar end shifters, cane creek black brake levers, dura ace front der. new black wheels generic sealed hubs with mavic cxp 22 rims. vittoria zaffiro red tires."

Also, a couple of pics:

cubs1982

I would be all over that. I soooo want a cross check myself. I'm kicking myself for getting a road bike instead of a cross

Andy_K 

Those components are better than you'd get with a Cross Check complete. The crankset is a little old and looks like the teeth may be starting to shark-fin, but that's a small issue. I'd want to replace the tires too for commuting.

Andy_K 

I should add, however, that a bike that doesn't fit is never a bargain.

divtag

I am going to test ride, but i think the fit should pretty close. i am just over 5'6". The Surly's run a bit big. It was between a 50 and a 52 new and I haven't been sure which since no shops have one built. I think it is ab the right size though. The guy is asking $950 obo. I figure i can get that down a couple hundred, I just don't know about the parts. It looks to be setup more as a roadie back, but I can swap some things out on the cheap maybe. I am thinking lower gearing, different bars, add cyclo cross brakes on the top, and maybe a brooks.

kylecrispin

I'll trade you my misty mountain grey 2008 50 cm cross check for it

If it fits I think that will be a really nice bike for whatever you want to do.

Andy_K 

I'm 5'9" and ride a 52cm Kona Jake (slightly shorter TT length than the 52cm Cross Check), so it does sound like the 50 cm will probably work for you.

I had thought about the gearing. You'll be able to put a 12-27 cassette on cheap enough, but you'll likely be stuck with a 39-tooth small chainring unless you swap out the crankset. Nashbar has got an FSA Gossamer ISIS compact double for $80 right now.

Bearsong

If it fits, that's a great deal. I wouldn't be so sure about getting it for a few hundred less than he's asking, its worth what he is asking. Try and prove me wrong and you'll have a deal of the year!

divtag

I was going to get new for 950, but would have to add tax and what not. Plus, buying new I'd get a discount on the stuff I want to swap. Like I said I don't know much about components, fairly new to riding, so how much to make it like MTB gearing or something along those lines for hills with loaded panniers?

Andy_K 

You can replace the cassette for $30-$50 depending on the quality your looking for. For climbing hills, you may be able to get by with a compact double crankset, which would be another hundred or two, between the crank and bottom bracket. You could probably get a decent return selling that Dura-Ace crankset. You may want to go with a triple, which would either mean replacing the front derailleur or using friction mode, but friction mode is probably preferable for the front anyway with a triple.

If you got the complete build new you'd be getting Tiagra components, which is like two steps down from the Ultegra on the used bike and three steps down from Dura-Ace. Having upgraded from Tiagra, I can tell you they are noticeable steps too. But the prices I guessed at above aren't for Ultegra-level replacements.

It's not an easy call. The service and intangibles you get buying from an LBS are definitely worth something, but that used Cross Check is very nice.

making

that is a sweet bike. it might actually fit you too.

divtag

Yeah I checked the Surly Long Haul Trucker & Cross-Check Owners Group and they have a spreadsheet that lists the owner's height, inseam, and frame size. I am right in between the two based on what is listed. I don't know my true inseam for biking purposes, but I wear 27" pants. I have pretty short legs.

bugly64

I think a 50 is the right size in a CC. I would be more comfy on 50 than a 52 and I am 5'7".

HardyWeinberg

I think that means you're w/in seatpost/stem adjusting range either way.