The Cross-Check is a great bike. It was the third frame we ever offered, and we offered it as a complete bike a year after the introduction of the frame. Neither the frame nor the component spec of the bike have changed much since we introduced it almost a decade ago because…well, why should it? We have made a few changes and updates over the years when those changes were either necessary or just plain a good idea. For instance, this year we’ve added mid-blade eyelets to the fork for mounting a front rack. This isn’t a touring bike per se, but it will handle lighter touring loads, and a front rack can make that easier.
Rear Dropouts: Long horizontal dropouts with adjusters feature single-speed compatibility, wheelbase adjustability and our exclusive Gnot-rite 132.5mm spacing to easily fit 130mm road or 135mm MTB hubs.
Tire Clearance: Proprietary FFF (Fatties Fit Fine) chainstays and our custom fork give room for tires up to 700x45c with mud and fender clearance left over.
Chainring Clearance: Though we haven't yet tried a '56', we manipulated the chainstays heavily so you can fit whatever size rings you want.
Submitted by
riiz
a Weekend Warrior
from San Bernardino, CA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2011
Strengths: Versatile, great ride quailty, great geo that affords great control and speed despite the weight penalty.
Weaknesses: A bit on the heavy side, but it makes you faster in the long run, hehe.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this frameset when the 2011 frameset/complete bikes were finally available, the reason for the unbelievable price. But I would purchase this at full-price in a heartbeat, but the price got to completion faster.
The complete bikes are also very nice, but I decided to build my own, since that is one part of the enjoyment I get from cycling sports.
Bike Setup: Bicycle Wheel Warehouse Pure Tour w/ 105 hub wheelset, Sram rival drivetrain, and Avid Single Digit V-brakes(for if it ever it sees dirt or future cyclocross), and Easton EA50 cockpit(stem, handlebars, seatpost).
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Submitted by
prairie_plow
a Cross Country Rider
from Bismarck, ND
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2011
Strengths: Best ride ever! It's like a multi-tool with wheels. duhhhh.....
Weaknesses: Tektro brakes and stock build doesn't come with cross brakes. Stock saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is hands down the best bike i have out of many. I ride it on road, gravel, mud, snow, and single track. How many bikes can you take out for a 50 mile rides and hit everything in and out of town while going fast on road and single track. I have 6 friends that have cross checks. They have all seen different phases of saddles, wheelsets, geared, single speed, skinny tires, fat tires, drop bars, flat bars, and etc. I need to change out the tektro brakes for some trp's but other than that it's a solid go anywhere do anything bike. Best bike purchase i've made and all my friends will agree. Oh yeah, and insert 'steel chromoly slogan here'.
Similar Products Used: Motobecane cross bike, hard tails, full suspensions, bar cruisers, yada yada.
Bike Setup: Stock except brook b-17 saddle, thomson seatpost, salsa cross levers, and surly nice rack.
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Submitted by
tlewis
a Weekend Warrior
from brooklyn, ny
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2010
Strengths: versatile beyond belief
Weaknesses: not a weight weenies bike
Bottom Line:
this is a very versatile bike, which i use primarly as a commuter. i run it with a 7 speed casette at the rear and a single crank up front, and the bike carries me and my stuff, via the ortliebs, 7 miles each way, to work 3 times a week. it is not as light as my road bike but handles everything a road bike will not. fenders offer excellent protection in the rain, and lights assure everyone sees me as I cross their path, making transit around nyc a much more enjoyable experience. it is also not too bling for me to lock up for short stints.
the bike is great, the subaru station wagon (the sporty one) of the bike world. after switching from ritchey speed max tires to the panaracer tservs, the bike rides and handles very well and the shorty's stop it quickly.
Bike Setup: 20 year old shimano 105 rear deraileur with bar end shifter (from donor bike), avid shorty 6's,single cog, sugino crank, 15 yr old 16 spoke rolf vector wheels with panaracer t serv 28c tires, selle san marco regal seat, bull horn bars, fenders, lights, racks, bell, ortlieb panniers
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Submitted by
Cschiffer
a Weekend Warrior
from Faribault, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2010
Strengths: Strong frame, flexible design, high value parts selection, both nimble and smooth riding.
Weaknesses: No disk brakes mounts.
Bottom Line:
This is my new commuter, and I have to say it is a nice step up from an older Cannondale Hybrid (Silk Path 400) that I have been using. I love the Salsa Moto Ace Bell-Lap bars, and I am getting used to the bar end shifters fairly quickly. Despite being a steel bike, it is a bit lighter than the aluminum Cannondale, and is surprisingly quick and a good climbing bike. I haven't had a chance to take it off road yet, but on road the stock Ritchey tires are fine and fairly fast. When looking for a new bike I compared this with the Tricross, and after giving both a couple of test rides this past fall, the Surly clearly had a nicer feel, and was a better fit. I also love the idea of how customizable this frame is. Horizontal rear dropouts make a SS, fixed gear, or internally geared hub easy to do, and the ability to take 700X45c tires has its appeal. Add in the fender and rack mounts and you have one flexible frame. As noted, the one piece of modernization really needed is mounts for disk brakes, but this is the only fault I can find with this frame. The stock canti brakes felt a little soft at first, but have shown themselves to be more than adequate so far. The odd "Andel" brand crank is fine, functions well, has a handsome look, and was easy to add the granny gear to. It is another example of Surly making a good high value parts selection, even though "Andel" isn't a well known brand.
Bike Setup: Stock except Brooks Flyer saddle, granny gear, and Planet Bike Fenders. SPD pedals. "Gravy Brown" color.
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Submitted by
dbh
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2009
Strengths: Solid as a rock. Great city commuter that can handle any urban road. Absorbs road shocks easily. Bar end shifters perfect for urban riding
Weaknesses: Imagine it's a little on the heavy side for cross racing -- but can't imagine serious cross racers would consider a frame made from such heavy steel.
Bottom Line:
I use my cross check for commuting to work (10 miles round trip daily) rain or shine all year round. This thing is perfect for the urban commuter. With front and rear eyelets, fitting a rack and fenders is very easy. I put a pair of 32mm puncture resistant slicks on it and feel comfortable riding on rough pavement and gravel paths.
I was skeptical of bar end shifters at first, but they are perfect for city riding. All my road bikes have either Shimano STI or Campy Ergo, and it can be a pain to constantly have move my hand to upshift or downshift into multiple gears. With bar end indexing, I can shift through the entire cassette with one flick of my hand -- and it's far less finicky than brifters. I've found the stock wheelset and Tiagra gruppo perfectly adequate for riding around town or longer recreational rides. I use Dura Ace and Chorus on my other roadbikes, so I've got something to compare my Cross Check setup to, and I think it's perfectly adequate. Would I want to be shifting Tiagra through a peloton at 25mph? No -- but that's not what I bought this bike for. One slight word of caution, don't be surprised by the weight. If you're even a bit of a weight weenie, be warned that this thing ain't light -- nor should it be. Don't compare this to an aluminum/carbon cross bike. It's a totally different animal -- for the better.
Bike Setup: Stock setup with exception of rear rack, full funders, brooks saddle, and slick tires.
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Submitted by
MartinSurlyMan
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009
Strengths: Steel frame, flexibility, fun ride, strength
Weaknesses: colour beef gravy isn't everyone taste but it was on offer and I dont really like black.
Bottom Line:
I spent six months looking for a new bike. I have been riding mountain bikes for the last 15 years, and before this I was riding BMX's.
I need a 700 wheel road/hybrid bike. Looked at all the built up options at Evans, Cycle surgery etc. None of them satisfied me, component spec was just too poor for asking prices.
I decided on a Surly after chatting to the guys at London Fields Cycles. I carry a lot of weight and a steel frame can handle the load. I then found the frame cheaper online.
I have made mine into a flat bar commuter bike, for the regular 16 mile commute. Its relaxed and fast, rides the potholes well, turns round corners better than anything I have ridden before. Rode it on London to Brighton this year and I left a lot of alloy bikes behind, even with the panniers on.
Great adaptable bike that I can see me using for whatever I need for the next 10-20 years.
Bike Setup: Ritchey XC flat bars, Truvativ XR stem, Crane Creek Headset, LX V brakes and levers, LX mechs, Truvativ Touro cranks (50-39t), Ritchey wheel set, Continental Ultra sport 700cx23, FSA SL-280 seat post
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Submitted by
Roborobbie
a Weekend Warrior
from Brighton UK
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2009
Strengths: Quality - Comfort - Strength - Steel
Weaknesses: Errr None?
Bottom Line:
Let me start by saying that I rarely feel compelled to write reviews on a purchase, however, in this instance I actually owe my (unseen) bike choice on so many other’s advice, that I thought I prudent to return the favour; this is for anybody else in the Surly Cross Check “buy or not to buy” predicament.
I used to be an avid 20 mile a day all weather commuter, “used to” being the operative phrase(!), well I haven’t ridden in anger for 7 odd years - the overwhelming urge to get back in the saddle for my commute, including nursery run with my little person on the back, weekend jaunts, and hopefully a little light touring; well that was the remit, it therefore has to be strong, it has to last, and has to be comfortable – I was previously obsessed with the best groups set’s & components, and saving weight was more important than comfort; with this being much less significant now (maybe I’m getting old), several weeks of research later, I narrowed my choice down to the wonderfully engineered and cost effective Surly CC
My brilliant LBS (Baker.St Bikes in Brighton) ordered me the 58cm Cross-Check in Beef Gravy Brown, I spanked most of the build on the beautiful British made ‘Hope Hubs’ “tic tic tic tic” with Mavic rims, the bike is built with a miss-match of old XT parts (brake/levers etc) with new Deore chain set, and the O’So lovely Brooks B17. I thought I’d get the wheels and the saddle right from the start, with the rest being upgradeable when the cash or need allows.
I seriously had a sleepless night over the sizing e.g. 56 or 58 – it’s hard to advice, but I’m 6ft with a rough 87cm PBH and the 58cm is just perfect for me on the road, really comfortable, don’t get me wrong there’s not allot top-tube distance from the ‘money makers’ when flat footed, but with a slightly higher saddle to bar, I could stay on the Brooks all day long, I never truly realised a bike could be so comfortable. I’m also amazed and delighted at how quickly I got back into that lovely rhythm where you and the bike become one. This bike will certainly allow me to get fit again as it just works so well.
If you appreciate engineering, want something that lasts, is comfortable, handles delightfully, can basically do anything you ask of it … well you catch my drift... it’s the most endearing (slightly quirky) all rounder, and I really couldn’t be happier.
Similar Products Used: Many mountain/road bikes - Most recently M1000 Cannondale hybrid(ish)
Bike Setup: Straight Richey Bars, Mavic319's, Hope Hubs, Doere Cassette/Front & Back Mech, Crane Creek HS, LX Bot Brack, Brooks B17, XT levers/Shifters V-Brakes
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Submitted by
L.K.
a Cross Country Rider
from Delta BC Canada
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2008
Strengths: Very versatile and in-expensive frame. Fits my 700C x 42's. Long wheelbase, smooth, comfortable ride. Rack mounts.
Weaknesses: Frame on the heavy side. No disc brake mounts.
Bottom Line:
This really is the swiss army knife of bikes. I've set it up with shimano 16 spoke race wheels, tires, and fenders for fast winter club ridess and commuting. I've mounted heavier wheels and 35mm hybrid tires and racks for touring, and I've stripped it down and mounted 42mm knobbies for some great off road action, and plan to cyclocross race it this year just for kicks. Smooth, comfortable and stable riding frame, very verstaile as mentioned above. Yes it's heavy, but so what. If I could only keep one bike, this would be it. If you want a cutting edge, light weight race bike look elsewhere. But the light race bike will not ride like this machine and will cost more. Versatility and value sum it up.
Bike Setup: Multiple setups from 700c x 23's 16 spoke shimano race wheels to 700 x 42 knobbies. Bar end shifters, LX 9 spd d's, v-brakes, Nitto 46 cm noodle bar.
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Submitted by
Kevin Buddy
a Cross Country Rider
from San Bruno, CA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2008
Strengths: The bike is very versatile. It can br equipped with whatever size of tires (fatties fit fine)and it has braze ons for racks and fenders. I originally wanted a touring frame but decided to get a cross frame because the geometry is pretty close and I kinda wanted a cross bike. This bike can double as a weekend road bike, a touring bike (equipped with fenders and racks), a fixed gear, a singlespeed, or just a full blown cross bike. It handles really well both on trails and road. The geometry is not too slack, resulting in a not too sluggish turns. Well, this is my very first cross bike. But in terms of road handling and performance, this bike is pretty good. It can go uphills okay, not as snappy as my fast road bike but I'm not complaining, it actually rides pretty good.
Weaknesses: Frame is tad bit heavy compared to Soma Doublecross. But considering Crosscheck is $100 cheaper (Soma costs 375 without fork. Also, Surly sent me a 58 (i measured the tubes) although I ordered a 56. This was the second time they sent me a wrong sized frame as I ordered a Surly Steamroller in size 54 four months before and they sent me a 56. This is my only complaint, I ordered directly from the distributor (wink wink QBP) and the box was marked by the size. I dunno if they usually have a size bigger or what but I dont care anymore because both bikes ride awesomely and the long top tube can always be remedied with a short stem. Another thing, I think it would be nice if the cantilever housing stops are welded onto the frame, not with that silly thing that attaches to the seatpost..
Bottom Line:
This frame is solid. It handles and rides great, the steel frame smoothes out the road and takes the vibration out of the trails really well. And for its price, I cant really mitch about how heavy the frame is. Its one of those bikes that can transform into various forms which I mentioned above. You can go singlespeed or geared and equip it with road tires or cross tires, and just go balls out either on the trail or on the road.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Roubaix, De Rosa, my old Peugeot.
Bike Setup: 105 shifters and rear derailleur, Ultegra front der, FSA Gossamer cranks, Ultegra hubs on MA3, Avid Shorty 6, King headset, IRD Crossfire tires
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Submitted by
Jim Findlay
a Cross Country Rider
from Jefferson City
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Strengths: Great ride characteristics, handles consistently
Weaknesses: Heavy
Bottom Line:
I use this bike primarily as my commuter and rails to trails bike. It rides great and is a blast to do anything with. Weight weenies need not apply. This bike rocks.
Strengths: Superb all around geometry, lots of eyelets for fenders and all that lot, excellent climber, low center of gravity works well in the streets and when touring
Weaknesses: Toe overlap with a 700x45c tire plus a fender
Strengths: Product design, component setup, speed and versatility. Also, quite sexy in black.
Weaknesses: None yet. could foresee some component changes (triple chainring up front, interuptor levers)
Bottom Line:
Just got this bike. already I can tell it's the best bike I've ever owned. Great for commuting in NYC. Take it for laps around prospect park, take it off-road onto the single track, this thing just flies.
Handling is a bit squirly for me, this might be due to the super-wide bars it comes with. I don't mind the bar-end shifters, but I think I would prefer STI-type levers. It's not a problem on the road, but I could see if you took this thing on trails a lot, you would want the shifting at your fingertips. However, all this is just components that can be changed. The ride is superb. Looking forward to this bike for winter riding, short touring, pretty much everything. I'm sold.
Strengths: My urban assault machine for the last 365 days. After more than 2500 hundred miles, I say f$#k cars. Plows through ruts, responsive handling, smooth ride.
Weaknesses: It's a tank.
Bottom Line:
Brother gifted me this to replace my car. I've never looked back. Kick ass commuter and fully confident on trails. Feels a little weird with the drops at first but it rips right thru single tracks. After a year of pavement, I just rode on dirt last week and can't wait for more. BOTTOM LINE: A great all around bike, enjoy.
Bike Setup: Stock as stock. It's one of those beautifully ugly green 531 tubed frames and Surly's budget-cutting mix of XT, Mavic and whatever else they had in surplus.
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Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from southwick, mass
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005
Strengths: versatile, cheap.
Weaknesses: heavy (doesn't really bother me), ugly (imo) surly graphics.
Bottom Line:
i've got the bike built up as a commuter/day-weekend tourer/roadbike. i love it. i ride it as often as i can. it's comfortable for all day rides. it's versatile and strong enough to be a roadbike one day, and a pseudo 29" mtb the next. i love it. i see a very long future for this bike in my stable.
