Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Got A Cross Check

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Got A Cross Check

Old 02-22-09, 09:00 AM
  #1  
Random Rider
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rochester N.Y.
Posts: 39

Bikes: Trek 7100

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Got A Cross Check

I have been commuting for almost a year on a Hybrid (Trek 7100) and through the winter as well. and I just got My Cross check in. I just rode it home and it's a big change lol. I was reading some people complaining it was heavy which means they must have been comparing it to some other bikes because to me it's way lighter then my hybrid. Anyways, it's pretty bare right now and I am looking for suggestions on what kind of rack/fenders to put on it. Also, even though i ride alot i am still pretty clueless about bike mechanics. Why does my hybrid have different gearing then the cross-check? Advice is appreciated.
Random Rider is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 09:07 AM
  #2  
cyclezealot
Senior Member
 
cyclezealot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Fallbrook,Calif./Palau del Vidre, France
Posts: 13,230

Bikes: Klein QP, Fuji touring, Surly Cross Check, BCH City bike

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1485 Post(s)
Liked 73 Times in 64 Posts
Compared to my tourer bike , my Cross Check in light. I think those who think the Cross Check heavy are race types. For carrying stuff, one needs a heavier bike. Usually , when commuting some where, speed / racing is hardly a concern.
__________________
Pray for the Dead and Fight like Hell for the Living










^ Since January 1, 2012
cyclezealot is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 10:02 AM
  #3  
dirty tiger
Mostly Harmless
 
dirty tiger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: COLORADO
Posts: 295
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Congratz on the Cross Check! I just picked one up as well, couldn't be happier.

Which color did you pick.
dirty tiger is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 10:06 AM
  #4  
Random Rider
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rochester N.Y.
Posts: 39

Bikes: Trek 7100

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I got the brown. For some reason i wanted that. People told me to get the black but it's mine and I'm sick of black. Guess i'm an Odd Duck. Grats on your cross-check as well.
Random Rider is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 10:19 AM
  #5  
jgedwa
surly old man
 
jgedwa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Carlisle, PA
Posts: 3,393

Bikes: IRO Mark V, Karate Monkey half fat, Trek 620 IGH, Cannondale 26/24 MTB, Amp Research B3, and more.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times in 18 Posts
I have a CC, and I dearly love it.

Is it light? Well, for its type (steel framed CX bike) it is not all that light. I am not terribly concerned about it, given how I use it, but frankly it could be made of better tubing than it is. For the price, I think this would not be an unreasonable expectation of it. So, I consider the criticism of its weight to be legitimate.

However, its many virtues are real and substantial. That bike is practically my best friend.

jim
__________________
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever
jgedwa is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 10:23 AM
  #6  
cyclezealot
Senior Member
 
cyclezealot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Fallbrook,Calif./Palau del Vidre, France
Posts: 13,230

Bikes: Klein QP, Fuji touring, Surly Cross Check, BCH City bike

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1485 Post(s)
Liked 73 Times in 64 Posts
I had a mechanic go to bat for me.. I contacted Surly on my own. There were no red CC frames left. I told the mechanic at the shop I wanted red. He ordered red and I got red.
__________________
Pray for the Dead and Fight like Hell for the Living










^ Since January 1, 2012
cyclezealot is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 10:28 AM
  #7  
dirty tiger
Mostly Harmless
 
dirty tiger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: COLORADO
Posts: 295
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Brown IS Down!

Originally Posted by Random Rider
I got the brown. For some reason i wanted that. People told me to get the black but it's mine and I'm sick of black. Guess i'm an Odd Duck. Grats on your cross-check as well.
I went with Beef Gravy Brown also. It's a really cool color, very masculine.
dirty tiger is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 11:02 AM
  #8  
crhilton
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Boston
Posts: 4,556
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
The frame is a bit over 4lbs. That's not terribly heavy. But the cross check ships with pretty heavy wheels and inexpensive components. Don't blame the frame!

My cross check is heavy because I carry 6lbs of locks. Plus my stuff! I can still throw it back and forth up a hill which is more than I could say for the aluminum mountain bike I used to commute on.
crhilton is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 01:56 PM
  #9  
Random Rider
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rochester N.Y.
Posts: 39

Bikes: Trek 7100

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
So any advice on Racks or fenders? I never got a rack with the other bike cuz i kept putting it off. I kept using my bookbag but that has got to come to an end.
Random Rider is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 04:24 PM
  #10  
bugly64
Share the road.
 
bugly64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Marysville, CA
Posts: 1,256

Bikes: 1992 Rocky Mountain Fusion, Yuba Mundo, 2008 Brompton M3L, 2021 Espin Nero

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Liked 42 Times in 22 Posts
Welcome to the Cross Check world. I have the dark green one. I bought it frame/fork and put it together over time.
Currently I rock the Topeak explorer rack with grocery bag panniers made by Detours and sometimes I roll with the trunk bag that came as part of the rack deal. I would suggest the Tubus logo rack. It has the pannier bar lower than the top bar so you can put a wide bag on top. I have one on order.
bugly64 is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 04:29 PM
  #11  
Yan 
Senior Member
 
Yan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,878
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1840 Post(s)
Liked 583 Times in 404 Posts
I recommend Planet Bike Cascadia touring fenders. Due to the generous clearances on the Cross Check, you'll need to come up with some creative solutions to make the fenders sit parallel to the circumference of the tire. This is purely an issue to aesthetics. See my signature for my solution.
Yan is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 05:36 PM
  #12  
redvespablur
Senior Member
 
redvespablur's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 372
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have the dark green CC. Came from Jamis Hybrid and the CC was way lighter than that. My gearing was quite different going to the CC- I have a compact double Campy setup versus a pretty generic shimano thingy on the Jamis. Jamis I was always in the top gear and felt like it was not enough on flats, the CC rarely in top gear except for the descents. I just got a Brooks Flyer b/c my ass was missing the suspension seat post - the missing link.

Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
redvespablur is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 08:52 PM
  #13  
Caleab
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 272

Bikes: Trek 7200

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
All you folks riding a CrossCheck...
I got a question. I'm in that (as someone stated in another thread) "selection paralysis" phase of hunting for a new bike.

I've looked at a few bikes that have the barend shifters (like the CC, another being the Masi Speciale Randonneur https://www.masibikes.com/tab4_subNav2.php )

How do the barend shifters work during in-town commutes? I'm concerned that I would be driving single handed most of the time (I feel like I usually shift alot to keep cadence).
Caleab is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 09:46 PM
  #14  
Mr_Finster
Rather-be-riding...
 
Mr_Finster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: H-town, TX
Posts: 48

Bikes: Merlin X-light, Surly Cross-Check, Bianchi Pista Concept 2006, C-dale RT1000

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Way cool. I had a green one that I bought 4 years ago. Got hit on my way to work two weeks ago. Just got my replacement... another Cross-Check. Bummed that the green is no longer available, so went with black. Not a bad looking frame.

regarding accessories: any sturdy rack will do. Fenders: SKS 35mm are good, but if you need beefy tires, go with the wider fenders. I have attached quite a bit of reflective tape to the rims, crank and frame for night-time visibility (commute when it's dark). Suggest bright blinkies and strong head-light.

As for shifters, I still use down-tube shifters on my CC, unless I have it as fixed-gear.
Mr_Finster is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 11:32 PM
  #15  
bragi
bragi
 
bragi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: seattle, WA
Posts: 2,911

Bikes: LHT

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by Caleab
All you folks riding a CrossCheck...
I got a question. I'm in that (as someone stated in another thread) "selection paralysis" phase of hunting for a new bike.

I've looked at a few bikes that have the barend shifters (like the CC, another being the Masi Speciale Randonneur https://www.masibikes.com/tab4_subNav2.php )

How do the barend shifters work during in-town commutes? I'm concerned that I would be driving single handed most of the time (I feel like I usually shift alot to keep cadence).
I don't have a CC, but I do have bar-end shifters, and I love them. They do take a bit of getting used to, though. I shift a lot, too, due to my hilly commute, and I've noticed that if you hold on to the end of the bar while you're shifting, you still have a lot of control, and still get to shift pretty much at will. Also, get used to the friction shifting mode; it requires a lot less maintenance than indexed, and, once you become accustomed to it, allows for more efficient and nuanced shifting.
bragi is offline  
Old 02-22-09, 11:59 PM
  #16  
nashcommguy
nashcommguy
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: nashville, tn
Posts: 2,499

Bikes: Commuters: Fuji Delray road, Fuji Discovery mtb...Touring: Softride Traveler...Road: C-dale SR300

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Random Rider
So any advice on Racks or fenders? I never got a rack with the other bike cuz i kept putting it off. I kept using my bookbag but that has got to come to an end.
Delta Universal Mega Rack. Bombproof. My bags are Jandd Saddlebags...not a lot of room and aren't waterproof. Ortliebs would be the choice, but they're pricey. Worth it, though. Will be getting them for my tourer. My fenders are SKS Raceblades as I swap them from bike to bike as needed. They're not GREAT, but will keep the 'upsplash' off somewhat.
nashcommguy is offline  
Old 02-23-09, 05:18 AM
  #17  
hopperja
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 953
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 31 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times in 22 Posts
Fenders: without a doubt, Planet Bike Freddy Fenders. They are durable, offer good coverage, and fit well on the Cross Check.

Rack: I have a Jandd Expedition rack. It fits and works well on the Cross Check. It is a longer rack than most, so for those concerned about heel-strike issues (given that the Cross Check has shorter stays than a touring bike), the Jandd Expedition rack works well.

Given that, if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't even get a rack. In fact, I don't even use my Jandd Expedition because I got a Nelson Longflap and no longer need the rack (though I'm hanging onto it for now). I've done over 2000 commuting miles on my Cross Check, about half of which was without the rack but with the Longflap. I've found the Longflap is the ideal commuter bag (at least for me).
hopperja is offline  
Old 02-23-09, 06:11 AM
  #18  
mjw16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,096

Bikes: IRO Model 19, Surly Crosscheck, 1989 Arnie Nashbar, Cannondale CAADX, Niner Air 9

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have a green frame, it's about 4 years old and replaced the "blood red" one I had before. I have Planet Bike fenders and Dura Ace downtube shifters also, just replaced the drive train this weekend-sweet.
mjw16 is offline  
Old 02-23-09, 09:11 AM
  #19  
Pscyclepath
LCI #1853
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Scott. Arkansas
Posts: 663

Bikes: Trek Madone 5.2, Fisher Caliber 29er, Orbea Onix

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Caleab
All you folks riding a CrossCheck...
I got a question. I'm in that (as someone stated in another thread) "selection paralysis" phase of hunting for a new bike.

How do the barend shifters work during in-town commutes? I'm concerned that I would be driving single handed most of the time (I feel like I usually shift a lot to keep cadence).
I ride a grey '08 Cross-Check, with the "as issued" gearing and shifters. I really like the bar-ends. I dodn't think I would at first, but it only took a few minutes to fall in love with them. I ride it about equally in-town as my "city bike" and commuter as well as being my touring bike.
Pscyclepath is offline  
Old 02-23-09, 11:46 AM
  #20  
JT52
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Highlands Ranch, Colordao
Posts: 137

Bikes: '84 Peugeot PSV-10, '00 Schwinn Moab 2, '01 Airborne Valkyrie, '04 Surly Cross-Check

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've had my Cross-Check since '04 and it's essentially replaced my ti road bike as my bike of choice, simply because I can take it anywhere. Yes, it's heavier than my Airborne Valkyrie, but that's because I have a rear rack, a pack and fenders. When I take that stuff off for cleaning or whatever, it feels pretty reasonable.

As far as bar-end shifters, like a lot of folks posting here, I wasn't sure I'd like them but I was wrong. I find them remarkably easy to deal with - move hand, shift, move hand back, all in the course of a second or two. Plus you can feather the derailleur when the chainrings rub - I love that capability.

Cross-Check's a great bike, congratulations and enjoy!
JT52 is offline  
Old 02-23-09, 02:20 PM
  #21  
daveF
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 736
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Random Rider
So any advice on Racks or fenders? I never got a rack with the other bike cuz i kept putting it off. I kept using my bookbag but that has got to come to an end.
I have a CC as well. I've used both a Jannd Standard rack & their Expedition rack. I like both, but the Expedition is definitely my favorite. It is about 3 inches longer & will hold a trunk better due to the extra length. I've used a generator taillight attached to both racks & some trunks will hang over the edge of the standard & put weight on the light.

As far as fenders, I have Planet Bike Hardcore 45's. They work ok for tires up to about 38mm. I would prefer something else. The Cascadias are definetly nicer.

Best wishes with the CC. I ordered mine as a frame/fork only & built it up. It has been in several different configurations from 9 speed (down tube shifters) road race, cyclo cross, & now it is setup as an 8 speed commuting bike with riser bars, fenders, rack, and B&M bottle generator & led lights. It may be a little heavy (as far as frame & fork), but it is very well built and versatile.
daveF is offline  
Old 02-23-09, 02:21 PM
  #22  
HardyWeinberg
GATC
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: south Puget Sound
Posts: 8,728
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 464 Post(s)
Liked 49 Times in 27 Posts
I'm starting to covet a traveller's check. For purely recreational purposes, nothing to do w/ commuting.
HardyWeinberg is offline  
Old 02-23-09, 04:35 PM
  #23  
DrakeSuperbus
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 120
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I put a Tubus Cargo rack on my Crosscheck. I picked it up from Wayne at TheTouringStore.com on the recommendation of many BFers.
DrakeSuperbus is offline  
Old 02-23-09, 06:23 PM
  #24  
roseskunk
Senior Member
 
roseskunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 631
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Honjo's and Nitto.
roseskunk is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.