I searched, but the search function um, well, sucks.

I need to build up a bike for commuting to school, to use as a rain bike on some training rides and essentially to do everything that my road bike and fixed gear can, or do not. Naturally, I thought Surly Cross Check.

I'm wondering if the bike a) can take standard road brakes (not long reach) and b) whether there would be any clearance for some type of fender running regular brakes and 700 x 25 tires.

I ask only as I have come into a complete group, and would rather use those brakes than find long reach ones if I can help it. I'd also prefer to say with road brakes over cantis etc.

Thanks all!

The fork is designed to take as big as a 40mm tire with fenders... there's a huge gap between the crown and the rim.
With 28mm tires, I had to makeshift an extra long hanger for my front fender so there wasn't a huge gap between the tire and fender. I don't think you can get away with a standard reach caliper for that frame.

Considering the canti studs aren't removable, I think you should stick with the cantis. Tektro CR720's are the bomb.

I once tossed some cheap Tektro calipers (no idea on model, don't have 'em anymore) on my CC and they worked fine. I couldn't run my Planet Bike 32cc fenders in them. cliftonGK1 is right. Stick with what is on there or upgrade to the 720's. They are great.

Ok - thanks guys.

Just thought I'd add another voice here. I have Campy Centaur brifters pulling on a set of Tektro Oryx canti's on my Cross-check. You won't miss road calipers much at all, they pull plenty of cable to stop you.