[MMcG]

I had a Jamis Quest that was serving duty as my road bike, but I sold it a month ago to raise some short term cash at the time.

I'm now without a road bike. I was thinking of building up a Cross Check and was hoping to get some feedback from fellow owners as to how you built your Cross Checks up - sizing (I'm sort of on the fence between a 52 and a 54cm frame - and I'm 5'9" tall with a 30" inseam - was recently fitted via some computerized fitting thing at a local shop and they recommended a 52cm center to center frame for me.) etc. etc.

For reference I fit well on a 53cm Lemond frame they had in the shop.

I was thinking the Cross Check could serve well as a bike that can do some 30 plus weekly rides, a few half century charity rides, a few commutes in to work every now and then etc. etc.

I'd want to run gears. Would a Pacer make more sense than a Cross Check?

I'm currently a Karate Monkey owner so it would be kinda cool to add a second Surly to the stable.

I welcome any input, advice, recommendations you could share with me.

Thanks!

 

[2farfwd]

My Thoughts

I think the Cross Check would be an ideal choice! As far as fit goes, I can't be much help. However, I personally do not by into the whole "buy the smallest frame you can ride" thing. If you are not racing, then larger frames are more comfortable to ride in my opinion and stand over clearance is not something I worry about on either a mountain or road/cx frame.

For the riding you described, I think the Cross Check would fully meet your expectations and give you the option of also doing some light trail riding, singlespeeding, fixed gear riding, fenders with bigger tires, etc. if you should ever want to switch it up a little. The Pacer is nice, but I think the Cross Check is more versatile.

I run mine as a singlespeed, but have a couple derailleurs and another wheelset in the garage if I want to change to gears. Best all around bike money can buy in my opinion.

Good luck!

 

[MMcG]

I wish they still made that color - I love that color.

 

[2farfwd]

Red

I wish they still made that color - I love that color.

Earlier this year I supposedly got the last 62cm "blood clot"red colored frame. I consider myself lucky as I love the red too.

 

[MMcG]

Earlier this year I supposedly got the last 62cm "blood clot"red colored frame. I consider myself lucky as I love the red too.

Are those One One Midge Bars?

 

[2farfwd]

Yes sir....Midge Bars

Are those One One Midge Bars?

The Midge bars are very nice for riding road to offroad and back again. I like riding in the drops offroad, but the bars are still not high enough to ride 100% of the time in the drops. So I use the brake hoods, the tops, and the drops for road riding. If I were only going to be road riding I would probably put regular road bars or Salsa Bell Lap cx bars on and lower the height a bit. For regular road riding I like to have the bars a bit lower and utilize the tops and hoods more than the drops..... Do I make any sense?

 

[Polk]

For frame sizing, seat tube length is almost meaningless unless it's too long or short to get proper leg extension (not likely). Go by top tube length. That fancy computer sizing dealy should give recommended top tube length and stem length. If you like being more stretched out then go with the larger frame; if you want to be a little more upright than go with the smaller frame. To some extent you can make the same adjustments with stem length.

As someone else mentioned, a Cross Check frmae is more versatile than a Pacer. Unless you are sure you want a dedicated road bike I would recommend the Cross Check.

 

[TwistedCrank]

That fancy computer sizing dealy should give recommended top tube length and stem length.QUOTE]
What fancy computer sizing dealy? It seems to me I saw a web site that did it but I can't recall the link. Is that what you're talking about? Please inform. I'm in a sizing quandry nowadays.

 

[Polk]

That fancy computer sizing dealy should give recommended top tube length and stem length.QUOTE]
What fancy computer sizing dealy? It seems to me I saw a web site that did it but I can't recall the link. Is that what you're talking about? Please inform. I'm in a sizing quandry nowadays.

The one you mentioned in the original post. "...and I'm 5'9" tall with a 30" inseam - was recently fitted via some computerized fitting thing at a local shop and they recommended a 52cm center to center frame for me.) etc. etc." It sounds like MMcG had himself sized up with a fit kit at a shop. I do seem to remember seeing a web page that does a lot the same thing, though. But I don't remember where...I think it was one of the bigger custom builders like IF or Dean. If I find it I will post it up here.

 

[Polk]

OK, I did a quick search for some fitting info on the internet. I have not tried them so enter at your own risk. But it could be fun/insightful. Enjoy!

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/BikeFit/index.cfm#A

http://www.bsn.com/Cycling/ergobike.html

 

[l-dub1]

Maybe some help

Hey -
I have a Cross-Check so I figured that I'd chime in. With respect to the sizing question: I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam and average arm length. I could fit either the 54 or 56CM frame and I went with the 54 based on the top tube measurement; it was closer to what I was used to. You're going to be in the same boat it sounds like, so go with the frame that matches the dimensions of your other bikes that fit. You can also contact the Surly guys off of their blog-site for sizing help. They did a great job helping me out.
As for the ride of the bike I honestly don't think that it can be understated for the money; it's just that good. My XC started life as a fully geared bike that was perfect for the local roadie group rides over 45 miles of hilly terrain at a race like clip. I'd hit fire roads / parks / and moderate trails from time to time and basically rolled a pair of Ritchey 32C Speed-Max tires for all occasions. The bike then became an off-road singlespeed complete with Midge bars and 44C Mutano Raptor tires; what a blast! Since early 2005 the bike has been set-up for fixed on and off road use and I find myself riding the dirt more than ever and having a blast. My plan is to race the XC in a few endurance MTB races this coming summer: Off Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell - Wilderness 101. Sure, riding a fixed gear cyclocross bike is not optimal but it's a freak'in blast IMO!
If you have any doubts about the ability of the bike, just read this: Link courtesy of Rider-X
It's a great bike… get one and you won't regret it.

 

[godsend]

Sizing example.

Hey There. I too am about 5'10" with a 30 inch inseam. Short legs, long torso. My bike shop sent me home with a 52 cm Cross Check. The size feels just about right.

I run it as a fully-fendered 18-speed, with a rear rack. It's a great bike. It mainly stays on city streets, but everyonce in a while I'll hit a dirt road or two. The only "problem" that I've noticed (and heard a few others complain about), is heel strike with paniers. I have a set of big-boxy grocery-bag style paniers, and if I'm not careful about it, my heels will occasionally hit them. It doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me. If that bugs you, also check into the Long Haul Trucker. I think, just as versitle, but with longer chainstays.

Good Luck!

 

[MMcG]

Hey There. I too am about 5'10" with a 30 inch inseam. Short legs, long torso. My bike shop sent me home with a 52 cm Cross Check. The size feels just about right.

I run it as a fully-fendered 18-speed, with a rear rack. It's a great bike. It mainly stays on city streets, but everyonce in a while I'll hit a dirt road or two. The only "problem" that I've noticed (and heard a few others complain about), is heel strike with paniers. I have a set of big-boxy grocery-bag style paniers, and if I'm not careful about it, my heels will occasionally hit them. It doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me. If that bugs you, also check into the Long Haul Trucker. I think, just as versitle, but with longer chainstays.

Good Luck!

Thanks. I think a 52 is probably the best fit for me according to tt length that I've had on other bikes.

 

[dobber]

Thanks. I think a 52 is probably the best fit for me according to tt length that I've had on other bikes.

Just to muddy the waters a bit, I'm 5'-9" with a true inseam of 32" (floor to pubic bone). I ride a 54cm Fixed Gear Cross Check with a 105° 120mm stem.

I also ride a 55cm LeMond (99 Alpe Huez).

I prefer a more stretched out feeling though.

 

[MMcG]

Just to muddy the waters a bit, I'm 5'-9" with a true inseam of 32" (floor to pubic bone). I ride a 54cm Fixed Gear Cross Check with a 105° 120mm stem.

I also ride a 55cm LeMond (99 Alpe Huez).

I prefer a more stretched out feeling though.

Thanks that actually helps me out quite a bit. You see a 55cm Lemond is too big for me - I fit better on a 53cm Lemond.

I think a 52 Cross Check will give me the most comfortable fit.

Now to find one - preferrably used.