Surly Cross Check is this a good deal?
 

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/2375483620.html

the ad reads:
"Testing the waters for the sale of my Surly Crosscheck. Purchased towards end of last summer and built up for my gf but it was ridden only a handful of times by me so it's basically brand new just needs a good dusting. Completely de-badged and stealthy. Great premium build: Full Dura Ace 9 speed group(except crankset is 105). Fulcrum R5 wheelset. for this price I am including lots of extras. Full SKS fenders. Two sets of Continental Contact tires 28c(pictured) and 38c. I will install a rack as well and include a pannier. Cateye wireless computer, fr+r lights. Also have a helmet I can throw in if you need it. All for this price. I would like to keep my pedals so bring your own"


I've been researching this particular bike for the last few days and wanted to get some second opinions.

What are your thoughts? Fair pricing? Too much? Components ok? This is my first touring/cyclocross bike (first geared bike in 6 years).

I'd pass. The dura ace parts on it are old. Not sure what else on it was pulled from another bike. I bought a new crosscheck frame last year and built it up with new 105 components and new DT swiss R1800 wheels and didn't pay much more than his asking price.

You can get a brand new one for just a few bucks more. Not worth it.

But can you get a brand new one with 9 speed Dura Ace(even if it's not brand new), fenders, a rack, pannier, two sets of tires, front and rear lights, bottle cage, and a helmet? Seems like a pretty decent deal, actually. You'll be spending a couple hundred bucks to outfit a new CC for commuting, easily.

If it was a 2nd hand bike that you were buying from a shop and came with some sort of warranty then maybe it would be a good price, but even then it seems steep.

The fenders look new but the cassette and derailleur appear to have some mileage on them. I'm guessing all the extras he's throwing in is just stuff he had sitting around. If it's of good quality and things you might have bought anyway then maybe but I'd rather get the bike for a few hundred less and buy my own tires + accessories.

this is spot on - the components are roughly 10 years old, and the guy selling this to me works at a big/reputable bike show here in manhattan.

I was thinking of offering $800 for everything

Even $800 seems steep.

I personally would pass. Go for a new one with warranty and just add on as necessary.

Are you in CA or NY? I'm with the others about passing on it. I'm also uneasy when someone posts "Testing the waters". Does that mean if he gets enough bids he will repost and raise the price?

I don't know...... $800 seems fair as long as the components aren't too ragged out and it's a good fit.

I built up a Surly Cross Check frame with all new components for $1400. The frame was used $250 on Craig's List. I went SRAM Rival 10sp and didn't skimp on other stuff like Honjo fenders, Paul brakes, Jandd Rack, Thomson seat post, Carradice pannier, etc. I already had the wheelset (Velocity Deep V/Shimano 105) so that would add a few hundred dollars to the build. I could have spent significantly less if I bought all the components used or on clearance.

PASS. Build up your own and you will not only learn a lot you will also appreciate it more.