Surly Cross Check Lovefest
08-29-11, 11:05 AM
#127
GATC
08-31-11, 12:47 PM
#131
ride for a change
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Bikes: Surly Cross-check & Moonlander, Pivot Mach 429, Ted Wojcik Sof-Trac, Ridley Orion. Santa Cruz Stigmata
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Hey modernjess - What is it like to switch between the SS and IGH? I've been going back and forth on whether or not I want to pick up an IGH wheel for some flexibility in my CC. While I like the idea of the IGH, i honestly like riding fixed so would want to change the wheel out 1-2 times a month. Is it too much of a PIA to do this?
I have 2 set ups. Drop bars and Albatross. Each set has bars, stem, brake levers, barrel adjusters and pre cut and cables and housings so I can go with either set up and either wheelset in a jiffy. I use a J-Tek (barcon style)shifter that I can swap to either set of bars instantly. If you switch to SS or FG you can always leave the shifter on, and just throw an extra zip tie on the chain stay to keep the cable from flapping about, or just cut the zip ties and pull it off. (you go throw a fe more zip ties that way but WTH)
The horizontal drops on the CC are long enough that I don't have to change the chain length. I run a 42T front chain ring and that will work with my 16T or 17T SS cog and with the stock Alfine IGH gear (20T??) Honestly I can swap wheelsets in about 5 minutes, and entire bar/wheel shifter set ups in less than 20.
I rode it for 3 years as a SS, but I realized that in the winter cold with the studded tires, I (and my knees) really appreciate having some gears to use. The Alfine IGH is flawless in the winter, and I really like it in the summer sometimes too.
So bottom line, it's easy if you set yourself up right.
08-31-11, 03:47 PM
#132
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08-31-11, 04:32 PM
#133
sniffin' glue
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Bikes: Surly crosscheck ssfg, Custom vintage french racing bike, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road
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Modernjess - As I read online the alfine 11 has a chainline of 42 mm, which is what I have now with my shimano 600 crankset. Can you confirm the chainline on the alfine?
The chainline was the one thing I was a little worried about as far as switching it out.
I am also using a 42T chainring and 17T cog....
The chainline was the one thing I was a little worried about as far as switching it out.
I am also using a 42T chainring and 17T cog....
08-31-11, 04:47 PM
#134
GATC
09-01-11, 09:47 AM
#137
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Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
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How and why did you put discs on a Cross Check. You must have done some custom fabrication? That does not even look like a Cross Check frame, the cable routing is under the top tube. Cross bikes are supposed to be on top?
09-16-11, 01:12 PM
#138
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Which Velo Orange front racks are compatible with the 2011 Cross Check?
09-16-11, 02:55 PM
#139
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09-22-11, 08:08 AM
#140
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Bikes: Surly Cross Check | IRO Mark V fixed | Mercier Kilo TT SS | '74 Viscount
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Some pictures from the last week or so.
Camping in Michigan:
More camping:
Grocery run:
Camping in Michigan:
More camping:
Grocery run:
09-23-11, 11:23 PM
#142
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Possibly. Actually, I was thinking of putting the stock WTB saddle back on for the winter. I heard El Nino is back this winter and that means gobs of rain. I'd like to not have to worry about the rain. Can anyone suggest a better non-leather saddle? I kinda like the looks of the Soma saddles.
09-23-11, 11:26 PM
#143
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09-23-11, 11:29 PM
#144
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Sold it. It was nice but i wanted something lighter at the time. Perhaps with different components I would have been happier. I've had two really nice cross bikes. This cross check and a Curtlo True Temper OX platinum tubing cross bike. Neither really floated my boat. Guess cross geometry just isn't for me.
09-23-11, 11:43 PM
#146
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This is a 46cm CC? How do you like it? My sister is getting this size but some people told me that the geometry of a smaller bike with 700c wheels isn't very good. Are you happy with yours? Also, how tall are you?
09-23-11, 11:48 PM
#147
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I agree. I almost got this color, actually I really didn't like it and the 2010 Cross Checks didn't have rack eyelets on the fork. I wanted to take it on tour so I got the black 2011, but beef gravy is a very distinctive color. The robins egg blue is nice, too....but I did read a review from the UK of all places that said the white decals on the black Surly popped like white rabbits across a mine-field, so there is something to be said about classic black.
09-24-11, 12:02 AM
#148
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Wow. Not a single bike without spacers and a high rise stem.
Has anyone considered buying a frame that actually fits them correctly?
[edit] I see one owner who made the decision. Long top tubes and short head tubes are for race bikes. Add in a high bottom bracket and it's suitable for next to nothing.
Has anyone considered buying a frame that actually fits them correctly?
[edit] I see one owner who made the decision. Long top tubes and short head tubes are for race bikes. Add in a high bottom bracket and it's suitable for next to nothing.
What's your favorite bike and what do you use it for?
09-24-11, 12:15 AM
#149
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Love that robin's egg blue. I've always wanted a Surly to replace my Specialized Tarmac for commuting but I just wonder how much of a difference there would be when I have to hit some of those high hills in the Atlanta area. Right now my Tarmac is like a billy goat up the hills, but I want something more durable for inner city commutes.
09-25-11, 02:45 PM
#150
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