I am going to buy a new complete Surly Cross Check and was wondering if there is any difference between the 2011 and 2010 model specifications? I didn't notice anything, but wanted to check before I made a purchase.

Also, what are peoples general opinions on the beef gravy brown cross check? I can't decide if it is an interesting color or if the black color is a better way to go.

Thanks for any and all help.

I love the Beef Gravy Brown; much better than the new Robin's Egg Blue. I'm looking at Cross Checks as well, if I can't find a nicely fitting 2010 Brown I'll have to get a 2011 Black.

The only thing different (other then the color) that I know is the fork has rack mounts mid way. Like the LHT, and other touring bikes. Making the bike that much more versatile.

The Vassago Fisticuff is available in a similar colour. Direct words from their website: "Available as a frame set in Shart Brown."


That said, I love my Cross Check... in gloss black.

Surly (QBP) is not into changing a formula that works for them. Pretty much the only thing that changes significantly from year to year is the color. That said, the Cross Check is an excellent bike; choose the color you want and feel confident that you'll be getting a very good bike for the money.

I have a 2009 in glossy black, but I do pine for a gravy brown from time to time. The black frame does look really classy with a myriad of black components flanked by 1 or 2 in shiny aluminum, but only when its nice and clean. Which mine never is.

I'm pretty sure the 2011 has rack mounts on the front forks and the 2010 does not

Brown is cool...unique and looks much better in person.

Photo just after building it up...


i didn't really care about front fork rack mounts as I have another bike with them, and I don't like that blue...

This photo has better lighting.

I love my Beef Gravy Brown Cross Check:

The only change I see for 2011 is that Beef Gravy Brown was replaced with Robins Egg Blue.

that and the new fork

it has a new fork? What changed?

-- sorry, just noticed I typed 2001 instead of 2011 above

it's such a pile of steel. Heavy for light riders, not heavy enough for heavy touring loads, but oh so right for tossing around. I've got mine set up with 34/48 chainrings and thinking of taking it back to the 30/44/chainguard that I had before. Something about the outer ring protected just looks right.

Besides the fork nothing much has changed besides the color. I personally never liked the brown color or some of their other color choices on their bikes. I think they are starting to look for color choices that are more appealing to a broader audience.

I have a 2011 in black, the wife has a 2010 in BGB. We like the brown a lot, but I didn't want the same color and couldn't get my brain around the blue. The fork change is the only change between the two minus the color.

the 2011 has rack mount bosses on the front fork. I've seen the a browned out Surly on campus with green Brooks handlebar tape and a black B17 and I thought it looked awesome. Seems to nice age nicely. My black one tends to show the dust more obviously.