One could consider, in the same vein, the New Albion Privateer. Not as tarty but costs less and is a bit more versatile. Apologies if you aren't a Merry Sales dealer but their products dovetail well with the "sensible, yet adventurous" mission and they seem to be best friends with Rivendell. Regardless it needs to be on the ever-shorter list of bikes designed for parts box builds. Keep up the good work and cheers👍
They are really difficult to find. I call a store and ask, "Do you have any Cross Check bikes?" "Uhm uhra ahh...see not really". Then they start sharing about the ones in stock. 🤷🏾
I've owned/built several Cross Checks over the years. I've put about 20,000 miles on all of them combined. I sold them all, along with about a dozen other bikes last year when the selling was good. I have a new one I started late last year, but only rode it a couple of times. Still tweaking it and the parts I want are hard to find right now.
Timely topic, Chris. I built up a Cross Check last season after watching a ground mustard frame collect dust at the shop. I’ve been quite surprised at how much I like the bike - it’s become my preferred “fast” city bike. It’s ideal for whipping around town, running errands and commuting. The responsive handling is essential for avoiding idiot drivers and rust-belt potholes (Buffalo has plenty of both). I find, however, that my 50 miles is about my limit; for longer rides, I grab either my Roadini or Sam Hillborne - the Rivendells are just about perfect. Glad you’re doing well down in Florida; I’m getting a fair bit of pressure from family to pack up and head to St. Petersburg. Don’t know if I’m quite ready for the steamy summers.
@@ThePsychicDerailleur Agreed! I’m getting close to trading cold, dark winters for hot, sunny summers. From a business perspective, it would be a welcome shift to a 12-month cycling season as opposed to the 5 months in Buffalo.
The Cross Check is sweet! I have the disc brake version. :) Master of none means it’s very responsive for dodging obstacles yet comfortably stable at 40mph. You bet I use 50mm of spacers under the stem. Yes, toe overlap is a thing with this bike. Still a wonderfully versatile contraption.
I was really curious about the Gorilla Monsoon but after I started looking at all the components I would need to make it work, I quickly lost interest. I don't own a thru-axle or a headset larger than 1". I have a bunch of quill stems and all kinds of components that work on non-disc, non-thru-axle, traditional frames with standard English, 68mm bottom brackets. I guess I really am just a cranky old man...
Surlys are expensive (at least 30% over US prices) here in India and frankly speaking, full builds rival some really good alu road bikes. I have been thinking about getting the frame but the main reason stopping me is that i will have to buy the 42 size which looks very different due to the fact that it also runs 700c wheels. That said, I gotta say it the most "Surly" of all Surly bikes. Hands down.
I received the impression you feel the Surly CC being of Cycle Cross heritage isn't the best bet for a serious commuter. That said, thinking along the lines of a steel frame, caliper brakes and 11 speeds and under gearing, what are your thoughts for great commuter?
You’ll forgive me if I don’t remember exactly what I said in this video, but I can’t imagine not recommending a CC for commuting. It’s a great use for that bike. As far as other rim brake bikes? They’re few, and far between at this point. Any Rivendell would be an obvious choice. The the gears are irrelevant. Most bikes out there will be compatible with most gearing options.
I have been so close on pulling the trigger on a cross check multiple times. I personally like the higher bottom bracket and non disc brakes so it can be fixed single or geared. Hope all is well Chris, will you be around the shop any during Christmas or a few days after? Any rides planned? Im gonna be in the area and would love to see the new shop or do a casual ride. Great vid as always! Shane Somerset
Any Rivendell. Past that, the Disc Trucker should be automatic. The important thing is to communicate that up front. Between that and knowing what your saddle height measurement should make it easy peasey.
I like the “parts bin bike” concept! Great stuff. Thanks!
One could consider, in the same vein, the New Albion Privateer. Not as tarty but costs less and is a bit more versatile. Apologies if you aren't a Merry Sales dealer but their products dovetail well with the "sensible, yet adventurous" mission and they seem to be best friends with Rivendell.
Regardless it needs to be on the ever-shorter list of bikes designed for parts box builds.
Keep up the good work and cheers👍
They are really difficult to find. I call a store and ask, "Do you have any Cross Check bikes?" "Uhm uhra ahh...see not really". Then they start sharing about the ones in stock. 🤷🏾
Everything began as a Cross Check! That headtube length..!
Just got my cx and I have it set up as a cargo bike. Love it!!!!!
We have one in our stable, hubby use's for long day rides........loves it. Stay Safe!!
Thank you Sheila!
Always enjoyable to catch your Monday episodes. I hope you are doing well. Best, Rob
I appreciate that Rob
I've owned/built several Cross Checks over the years. I've put about 20,000 miles on all of them combined. I sold them all, along with about a dozen other bikes last year when the selling was good. I have a new one I started late last year, but only rode it a couple of times. Still tweaking it and the parts I want are hard to find right now.
Found your channel because I was doing research on the surly cx. I love your content man. Subbed 🤙
Appreciate that!
Timely topic, Chris. I built up a Cross Check last season after watching a ground mustard frame collect dust at the shop. I’ve been quite surprised at how much I like the bike - it’s become my preferred “fast” city bike. It’s ideal for whipping around town, running errands and commuting. The responsive handling is essential for avoiding idiot drivers and rust-belt potholes (Buffalo has plenty of both). I find, however, that my 50 miles is about my limit; for longer rides, I grab either my Roadini or Sam Hillborne - the Rivendells are just about perfect.
Glad you’re doing well down in Florida; I’m getting a fair bit of pressure from family to pack up and head to St. Petersburg. Don’t know if I’m quite ready for the steamy summers.
It’s a fair point. When I got here in early September it was HOT. Talked to some friends the other day and it was 17 at home. I’ll take the trade. 😉
@@ThePsychicDerailleur Agreed! I’m getting close to trading cold, dark winters for hot, sunny summers. From a business perspective, it would be a welcome shift to a 12-month cycling season as opposed to the 5 months in Buffalo.
The Cross Check is sweet! I have the disc brake version. :) Master of none means it’s very responsive for dodging obstacles yet comfortably stable at 40mph. You bet I use 50mm of spacers under the stem. Yes, toe overlap is a thing with this bike. Still a wonderfully versatile contraption.
Disc brake version? I wasn't aware of the existence of one. Or is it called something other than Cross Check?
There is no disc brake X Check. Pretty sure he’s talking about the Stragger.
@@ThePsychicDerailleur Thanks, that's what I thought. Not sure if the Straggler will accept a Internal gear hub like the CC.
I was really curious about the Gorilla Monsoon but after I started looking at all the components I would need to make it work, I quickly lost interest. I don't own a thru-axle or a headset larger than 1". I have a bunch of quill stems and all kinds of components that work on non-disc, non-thru-axle, traditional frames with standard English, 68mm bottom brackets. I guess I really am just a cranky old man...
I'm not a retrogrouch, I'm a retro*enthusiast*. :-D
We're not retro-grouches, we're retro-*enthusiasts*. :-D
Surlys are expensive (at least 30% over US prices) here in India and frankly speaking, full builds rival some really good alu road bikes. I have been thinking about getting the frame but the main reason stopping me is that i will have to buy the 42 size which looks very different due to the fact that it also runs 700c wheels. That said, I gotta say it the most "Surly" of all Surly bikes. Hands down.
Wayyyyy….TOOOOO………SLOWWWWWW. THANKS, ANYWAY. BEST OF LUCK
Slow is the new fast.
I received the impression you feel the Surly CC being of Cycle Cross heritage isn't the best bet for a serious commuter. That said, thinking along the lines of a steel frame, caliper brakes and 11 speeds and under gearing, what are your thoughts for great commuter?
You’ll forgive me if I don’t remember exactly what I said in this video, but I can’t imagine not recommending a CC for commuting. It’s a great use for that bike. As far as other rim brake bikes? They’re few, and far between at this point. Any Rivendell would be an obvious choice. The the gears are irrelevant. Most bikes out there will be compatible with most gearing options.
Thanks for the information. The comments I was referring to were at 3:36 on. @@ThePsychicDerailleur
I have been so close on pulling the trigger on a cross check multiple times. I personally like the higher bottom bracket and non disc brakes so it can be fixed single or geared.
Hope all is well Chris, will you be around the shop any during Christmas or a few days after? Any rides planned? Im gonna be in the area and would love to see the new shop or do a casual ride. Great vid as always!
Shane Somerset
Shane. I’ll be around. Just give me a call. I’d be happy to meet up. Chris
@@ThePsychicDerailleur sounds great!
The Cross Check was twitchy to me. The quick steering and toe overlap were too much for me.
Thanks for sharing your ruminations! What is a good high handlebar position bike? I like them above the seat level for sure.
Any Rivendell. Past that, the Disc Trucker should be automatic. The important thing is to communicate that up front. Between that and knowing what your saddle height measurement should make it easy peasey.
Which surly do you think the best frame is to build up for a commuter for an upright position with alt bars?
I would say it depends on the tires you want to run. Personally? Disc Trucker. Straggler, Bridge Club and Cross Check would also work just fine.
@@ThePsychicDerailleur thanks for your channel,
Tart!
how dare you
@@ThePsychicDerailleur 😆
You missed my comment? Oh! Be Well.
You too James!