Please help me select components for a Cross Check build
03-23-12 | 02:10 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Watching and waiting.
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,023
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From: Mattoon,Ill
Bikes: Trek 7300 Trek Madone 4.5 Surly Cross Check
Please help me select components for a Cross Check build
I'm a regular poster on the Clyde Forum but I'm not getting any traction on a Cross Check build. I need some help selecting components for my first build. I'm 55, around 230 and have no desire to go below 225.
I have the frameset and I'm having the head tube and bottom bracket machined true. The LBS will then install a Crane Creek Model 40 External Cup headset. I'm looking for durable 10 speed bike with a double front. I want brifters and wheels to handle up to 35mm tires with fenders. No plans to tour however I can see a possibility of a credit card tour. Price is secondary to trouble free service.
I have a Trek 4.5 Madone so light weight/speed is not what this is about. I also have an Xtracycle conversion so hauling big loads (other than me) is not an issue either.
So what would you do with a relatively clean slate?
I have the frameset and I'm having the head tube and bottom bracket machined true. The LBS will then install a Crane Creek Model 40 External Cup headset. I'm looking for durable 10 speed bike with a double front. I want brifters and wheels to handle up to 35mm tires with fenders. No plans to tour however I can see a possibility of a credit card tour. Price is secondary to trouble free service.
I have a Trek 4.5 Madone so light weight/speed is not what this is about. I also have an Xtracycle conversion so hauling big loads (other than me) is not an issue either.
So what would you do with a relatively clean slate?
03-23-12 | 02:54 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
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From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
Do you prefer Shimano, SRAM or Campy?
I start over with my Cross Check all the time. Most recently I put it together as a singlespeed using nothing but parts I had lying around that I took off of other bikes -- a Matrix Aurora wheelset from a 2001 LeMond Nevada City, with cog and spacers from an old Performance singlespeed conversion kit, Ultegra 6500 brifters that I gutted and converted to pure brake levers, an Origin-8 crank, etc. I'm detailing it this way because I think the Cross Check is well suited to this sort of build. At heart, it's a utility bike and so it works well with a utility build. Give it solid components of any sort and you'll be happy. You can buy high end parts, but they won't turn it into a high end bike so I don't think it's worth while.
So, given your specifications, here's what I think I'd get:
Brifters, derailleurs and cassette: Tiagra 4600, a very solid group at a very reasonable price. If you prefer SRAM, substitute Apex. I've got a 12-30 Tiagra cassette, which I like a lot.
Chain: SRAM PC-1050, the PowerLink makes me choose this over Shimano
Crankset: I've been happy with FSA Gossamer cranks, which are often available very cheap. The bottom brackets wear out quickly, but can be replaced with Shimano when that happens. For your purposes, I think 46-36 gearing makes a lot of sense. I use 46-34 because I have a very steep hill to climb daily.
Brakes: This is a quandry. I lean toward Avid SD7's with Travel Agents, because cantilever brakes are almost never trouble free. If you don't mind a tight squeeze over fenders, TRP CX9's are a great option.
Wheels: Tiagra hubs laced to Velocity A23 rims, maybe 32h front and 36h rear.
Handlebars: I love Salsa Bell Lap bars. I might try their Cowbells at some point.
Stem: Profile Design Aris
I start over with my Cross Check all the time. Most recently I put it together as a singlespeed using nothing but parts I had lying around that I took off of other bikes -- a Matrix Aurora wheelset from a 2001 LeMond Nevada City, with cog and spacers from an old Performance singlespeed conversion kit, Ultegra 6500 brifters that I gutted and converted to pure brake levers, an Origin-8 crank, etc. I'm detailing it this way because I think the Cross Check is well suited to this sort of build. At heart, it's a utility bike and so it works well with a utility build. Give it solid components of any sort and you'll be happy. You can buy high end parts, but they won't turn it into a high end bike so I don't think it's worth while.
So, given your specifications, here's what I think I'd get:
Brifters, derailleurs and cassette: Tiagra 4600, a very solid group at a very reasonable price. If you prefer SRAM, substitute Apex. I've got a 12-30 Tiagra cassette, which I like a lot.
Chain: SRAM PC-1050, the PowerLink makes me choose this over Shimano
Crankset: I've been happy with FSA Gossamer cranks, which are often available very cheap. The bottom brackets wear out quickly, but can be replaced with Shimano when that happens. For your purposes, I think 46-36 gearing makes a lot of sense. I use 46-34 because I have a very steep hill to climb daily.
Brakes: This is a quandry. I lean toward Avid SD7's with Travel Agents, because cantilever brakes are almost never trouble free. If you don't mind a tight squeeze over fenders, TRP CX9's are a great option.
Wheels: Tiagra hubs laced to Velocity A23 rims, maybe 32h front and 36h rear.
Handlebars: I love Salsa Bell Lap bars. I might try their Cowbells at some point.
Stem: Profile Design Aris
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03-23-12 | 05:36 PM
#4
Mirror slap survivor
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Sunny Florida
Bikes: Gunnar Sport, Surly Pacer, Access MTB, Ibex Corrida, one day a Simple City
The only suggestion I can make is to go with the Nitto Model 177(Noodle) handlebar. It's wide, comfortable, and keeps you from sliding forward onto the hoods, reducing weight carried on your hands.
https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/hb1.htm
Why the ten speed rear, if you don't mind me asking? It's not a race bike, and if you plan to tour, you want a strong wheel. I understand that 10 speed requires such a deeply dished wheel that it sacrifices strength. Plus, it's more expensive and the chain will wear sooner.
Oh, and get a Brooks B17. Had to say that...
https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/hb1.htm
Why the ten speed rear, if you don't mind me asking? It's not a race bike, and if you plan to tour, you want a strong wheel. I understand that 10 speed requires such a deeply dished wheel that it sacrifices strength. Plus, it's more expensive and the chain will wear sooner.
Oh, and get a Brooks B17. Had to say that...
03-23-12 | 06:31 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Watching and waiting.
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,023
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From: Mattoon,Ill
Bikes: Trek 7300 Trek Madone 4.5 Surly Cross Check
I guess I should have stated some other parts I have.
1.) A 46 cm wide Easton 50 series dropbar.
2.)A Brooks B17 Saddle.
3.) A 110mm 7 degree stem.
4.) An Easton 50 series seatpost. May not have enough setback for a Brooks. If not then I'll get a Velo Orange seatpost.
The 10 speed is mainly a commonality of wheels. My Madone has 24 spoke wheels and I have to keep on top of them to keep then true. Being able to Change tires and put them on the Madone has an appeal. I'm not going to race this and I can see the dishing issue, but lets face it Shimano and Sram are moving away from 9 speeds. Does Sram even offer a 9 speed now? I kinda like the Velocity A23's, looks like a good find. I'd go with a 36 spoke 3 cross 2.0/1.8 stainless spokes and brass nipples. I think I'd stay with a Shimano Hub. Probaby Ultegra.
I like how the Nitto is available in 48 cm. My shoulders Measure 47cm at the bones. I don't know about the sweep in the drops. I ride down in the drops often.(It's windy in the Great Corn And Soybean Desert)
1.) A 46 cm wide Easton 50 series dropbar.
2.)A Brooks B17 Saddle.
3.) A 110mm 7 degree stem.
4.) An Easton 50 series seatpost. May not have enough setback for a Brooks. If not then I'll get a Velo Orange seatpost.
The 10 speed is mainly a commonality of wheels. My Madone has 24 spoke wheels and I have to keep on top of them to keep then true. Being able to Change tires and put them on the Madone has an appeal. I'm not going to race this and I can see the dishing issue, but lets face it Shimano and Sram are moving away from 9 speeds. Does Sram even offer a 9 speed now? I kinda like the Velocity A23's, looks like a good find. I'd go with a 36 spoke 3 cross 2.0/1.8 stainless spokes and brass nipples. I think I'd stay with a Shimano Hub. Probaby Ultegra.
I like how the Nitto is available in 48 cm. My shoulders Measure 47cm at the bones. I don't know about the sweep in the drops. I ride down in the drops often.(It's windy in the Great Corn And Soybean Desert)
Last edited by jethro56; 03-23-12 at 06:36 PM.
