I'm a Cross-Check owner/rider, and while I don't use it for commuting, I could, easily. I did get it to be able to do some light touring in the future though. I love the bike. It's heavy, yes, but it's still pretty fun to ride, and is quite comfy. My LBS also sells All-City bikes, and I did have my eye on the Space Horse, but it was like $300+ more and I couldn't put that much into it. This year's CC has upgraded FD (tiagra from deore), but it lost the canti brakes. The bar-end shifters are different as well it looks like, and also, at least on the surly site, they are putting 700x41 tires on it.
You'll probably want to change the handlebars, but it's a matter of taste. I didn't care for the shape, the reach, and the flare of the salsa bell-lap bars. I put on a FSA compact bar that was also more narrow to fit me.

I've been using a Specialized Tricross Elite Disc to cover almost exactly the use case you describe, and it's performing admirably.

This is all great information. Weather permitting, I hope to test ride some bikes tomorrow!

You may wanna add the Bianchi Strada to your radar, it looks like it may suit you.

I have thought about the Bianchis, the issue is no one seems to stock them locally. I could order one, but I'd really like to test ride before taking that step. The Strada, Lupo and Volpe all look like great bikes.

My wife also had a tricross but last year was the last year they made them. You'll have to find an older one new if possible. She loves hers and it does nice

TrekCommuter-

I JUST finished my Space Horse build this week and let me tell you I could not be more happy! The frame is AMAZING and being steel it is very very nice on the road, dirt, grass, whatever. You can do ANYTHING with this bike. Check out my friend Jo's Space Horse build here.

Here is another adventure type build to check out.

I would strongly suggest this bike at stock level or a custom build or a combination of both. It's plug and play ready or perfect straight out of the box!

Here is a picture of my bike. Of you would like I can give you a run down on parts.



I hope this helps!!!

[MENTION=401963]BensonFlyer[/MENTION] Thanks for your feedback. Great looking bike!

Today my wife and I test rode the Space Horse, Straggler (no Cross Checks in stock) and the basic Crossrip. Here are my impressions...

Space Horse: Awesome ride and positive shifting. Even with the stock 35c tires, it felt very responsive. Literally the only downside I could see was the price. Especially since we will be buying two bikes. Price $1,499.00

Straggler: Seemed to only be a slight downgrade from the Space Horse, if one would even want to call it a "down grade". Great bike with a comfortable ride. Brifters worked well. 41c tires were interesting. Cross Check is definitely on my short list. Especially with Surly's $150.00 off promotion through April. I had ridden a CC previously and like the bar end shifters. Price for CC with promotion: $1,100.00.

Crossrip: This bike had a nice ride and I found it to be responsive. My major complaint was the shifting. The Claris components just felt awkward. While it was a nice price point, it wasn't worth the expenditure when my 7.2 FX shifts more positively and reliably. Nice bike, but not what I want. This bike gave my wife fits regarding the shifting. Price: $989.00


I guess now it comes down to pricing. I think I will see what my LBS can do. Between the CC and SH, I don'y think we could go wrong.

Hey! Did you figure anything out? I'm stoked to hear what you decided!

Yes, actually. And it is a somewhat different direction than what I had anticipated. I think tomorrow I am going to order two Bianchi Volpes. My wife was not crazy about the bar end shifters on the Surly and the geometry would be more relaxed on the Volpe vs the CC.

I am very excited and will post pictures once they arrive!

Is that a Velo Orange Casey's Crazy Bar? Interested in hearing how you like it, and why you chose it over a standard drop bar. Considering putting one of those on my old Trek 930.

Fantastic! I can't wait to see the new babies!

Yes they are VO Crazy Bars!

First: Why I chose them over drops. The answer for me was comfort. Sure I could have gone with a nice rando bar and I am sure I would have loved riding the bike that way as well. I was actually looking at the Jones H bar and came across the VO Crazy Bar. I ordered them and when I first held them in my hands at the shop, I instantly fell in love.

Second: How I like them. I have been riding with the bar for 2 weeks now and I could not imagine riding drops on this bike. I have yet to get the "bull horn" portion wrapped (going with leather) and I installed Ergon cork grips and my hands have been thanking me ever since. The Crazy Bar gives you so many position options as well as brake lever/shifter placement options. They do look, well, crazy, but I don't mind the look one bit. I built the Space Horse up as an adventure bike and I think the Crazy Bar fits in just fine!

Oh and funny coincidence, I own a 93 Trek 930 too! I converted it to a single speed townie! I can imagine the Crazy Bar looking sweeeet on your 930!!!

Well, I just ordered our first "road" bikes. One 2014 Volpe (wife preferred blue) and a 2015 Volpe (I preferred black). Should have them sometime in the coming week and I will post photos then. Very excited!

Well, I have my Bianchi Volpe. Check out the photos...

This is my first road bike and I love it! Rode it home from the shop and it was like butter. The stock seat was actually fairly comfortable, but I think I will put my Brooks saddle on it. I may also get a shorter stem. Other than that, she is perfect. This will also be my first foray into SPD pedals/shoes, hence the SPD/platform pedals.

Thanks for all the insight from everyone and I will do a full review once I have more miles under my belt. Today's maiden voyage was perfect.

AC Space Horse is such a cool bike. Anybody got one built up as a fixed gear commuter?

How's the 52 working out for you? Mind sharing your height/inseam and what you normally ride? Girlfriend is having a debate on sizing for a SH and seeking all opinions. Thanks!

It's working out great still. I've since put on more of an upright stem on, and using 35x700 tires for a comfortable commute. I'm about 5'10', with a 31" inseam. Although, I do find my arms are proportionately shorter than my legs, so I have a hard time finding good fits. I'm still loving the SH as my everyday bike, whether commuting to work, or sticking the little one on the back.

Awesome. Glad you're liking it - such a good looking bike, likely going to pick one up myself. What size stem are you running? How's your standover clearance with a 31" inseam?