2014 Surly Cross Check
Surly Cross Check
Frame- 4130 Chromoly Steel
Size- 52CM
Color- Blark Due
There is no such thing as one bike fits all. Different people like different types of bikes for different reasons. The Surly brand is no exception. For me, I really enjoy their philosophy on what a bike should be - a workhorse. They make some of the best quality mass-produced bikes out there. The Surly Cross Check is a great example of this. It has amazing tire/fenders clearances, great geometry, generous rear dropout space for running fixed, and can fit 130mm to 135mm hub sizes. All of these merge together and make it a great bike for commuting.
I purchased this used frame and fork to build up a commuter/gravel bike. I finished the V1 build by keeping things simple, a single-speed drivetrain, flat bars, and basket. After about a year of riding that set up, I was longing for two things, drop bars and more gears. After harvesting some parts from another bike, and raiding used parts bins, I finally found the build that ticked all the boxes for me. This bike feels right at home on the streets and in the dirt which means I usually end up taking the long way home.
BUILD LIST:
Brakes- TRP CX9 mini v
Brake levers- Sram S500
Bar Tape- Cinelli Mike Giant Edition
Basket- Wald 137 Black
Bottom Bracket- FSA Powerdrive 68x 108mm
Casette- Sunrace MX3 11-40t
Chainring- Raceface NW single 42t
Crankset- FSA Vero 165mm
Handlebars- Salsa Cowbell 2 44cm
Headset- Chris King 1-1/8 threadless
Hubs- Shimano Ultegra FH-6800
Pedals- Shimano PD-M324
Rack- Rawland Raidoverks Demiporteur
Rear Derailleur- Gevenalle Burd w/ Wolftooth Roadlink
Rims- H plus Son Archetype 36h
Saddle- Bontrager
Seatpost- Crank Brothers cobalt 2
Stem- FSA 100mm
Tires- Surly Knard 700c x 41c