blujosh

so, i just had my 50cm Cross Check that was built up as a rack+pannier commuter/tourer (with added granny ring to match the gearing of a LHT) stolen from me recently
so i've been forced back into the market for another bike that will fill that role.

to be more specific, i'm looking for a bike that will spend:
80% of it's duty as a rear rack+pannier commuter
10% for longish weekend rides (also w/ rear panniers)
10% as light/medium loaded tourer (hopefully increasing the touring time in the years to come)

for all of the above, i'd say 90% of my riding is on the pavement, 10% on gravel/trails.

for reference, i'm 5'7.5" tall and 140lbs, and tend to prefer drop bars that are about level with my saddle or ~1cm lower, and like 32c-35c tires.

so far, i've been considering the following options as a replacement to my old CC:

~ 52cm Surly LHT complete (w/ 26" wheels) https://surlybikes.com/bikes/long_haul_trucker/geometry
~ 50cm New Albion Privateer frameset (w/ 700c wheels, built up similarly to a LHT/CC in terms of gearing+shifters) https://newalbioncycles.com/privateer1/
or
~ replicating my old 50cm Surly CC as described above (also 700c) https://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check/geometry

i'm kinda leaning towards the LHT or Privateer, since in the end, i basically built up the CC to be more like a tourer than CX bike (ie. adding racks+fenders, adding a longer/higher stem, pulling the wheel all the way back in the dropouts to emulate an extended chainstay etc)

with all of that info in mind, what are your opinions, pros/cons on the following options mentioned above? i'm also open to other options that are in the same ballpark in terms of price/budget/quality..

thanks!

TransitBiker

Any interest in this?

Fuji Bikes | LIFESTYLE | CROSS TERRAIN | TOURING

If i had to pick from the above 2 i'd go with the second.

- Andy

noglider 

I had a Cross Check and a Bianchi Volpe at the same time and liked the Bianchi a heck of a lot more. Try one. I sold the Cross Check and ride the Volpe often. It is also lighter.

PennyTheDog

in my opinion, the biggest part of the answer is that you've picked an overall type of bike where you can't really go wrong. You could pick any of these, or the Volpe, or the Jamis Aurora, or the All City Spacehorse, or ... and be perfectly happy. Most of the difference will come from how you build it up.

bikemig 

+ 1. Still if I had to choose between the 2 bikes the OP listed, a complete bike tends to be more cost effective than building up a frame.

OneLessFixie

Terribly sorry for your loss. If you want to stick with the Cross-Check, here's an option:

Save up to 60% off new Cyclocross Road Bikes - Motobecane Fantom CX Clearance

It's the exact same frame as a Cross-Check with better components at less than half of the grossly inflated LBS prices. I have one, it's my daily commuter and I've put close to 1,000 miles on it with zero problems. And they still have 52s left.

(No, I am not a BD shill, just a satisfied customer. And no, I'm not trying to start a flamewar, but what can I do if somebody gets butthurt when I point out how their LBS is robbing them blind?)

blujosh

that Fuji looks pretty good in terms of geometry and price.
anyone out there own one or have any opinions on it, especially in comparison to the other bikes mentioned?

noglider 

The price is surprisingly low. I haven't seen one, so check it out.

I hadn't heard of the All-City Spacehorse. My wife has an All-City Macho Man. A very impressive bike. Take a look at the Spacehorse if you get a chance. Probably too expensive though.

blujosh

what do you think of the stock components on that Fuji? are they as good as the stock parts on the complete Cross Check/LHT?

noglider 

OK, I took a look at the spec sheets for you. You're welcome. I compared the Fuji with the Cross Check. The Surly comes with more expensive stuff. I can't say whether it would make a practical difference to you. I ride lots of bikes with low end stuff, and I'm fine with that. The Surly has 10-speed in the rear, whereas the Fuji has 9-speed. The Fuji is more of a bargain bike, which isn't bad. I just wouldn't expect it to be top quality.

MileHighMark

The Privateer rides much nicer than the price would indicate. I haven't spent as much time on the LHT or CC, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Privateer's ride quality.

JustinC

I just finished my new Cross Check build. It's built for rando/commuter riding. I hope to do some overnight trips as well. I think a LHT is worth a good look as well.

Here's my build:
Justin Velo

Leebo

The new Surly straggler has disc brakes.

fietsbob

Trek has a 520 Disc for 2015 .

TransitBiker

Yea, it has mount points for front rack and front/rear fenders, and has a spare spoke holder on the seat stay. I would love to own one of these fully tricked out including a frame bag...... go ride to the beach n stuff.

- Andy