Picking up a new ride for the BF

[Reesha]

He's only partially aware. I already put platform pedals on my cushy full suspension mountain bike so he can ride around, but I've got my eye on a Cross Check that someone is selling for $525 bucks. I'll have to switch it to flat bars and trigger shifters or something. Probably throw a double back on too.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2434883242.html

What would you pay for that bike? Do you think it's a fair price?

I've asked him what his height and inseam is to get a feel for whether it would fit my 5'9", 30" inseam BF. I can always adjust the saddle and swap the stem.

Otherwise, this is exactly the bike I envision for him. Something sturdy, non-flashy and fairly indestructible that we can take on trail rides and that he could (maybe one day ;) ) ride to work.

[Biciclista]

that's a great price for a great bike!!! I wouldn't walk away from that bike. i wish I had one myself! A friend and I went to Bike shop the other day to try out bikes and the surly was the #1 choice out of all the bikes in the shop. good luck.

[pll]

Oh, what a great idea. How about some 'bullhorn' type handlebars (http://store.somafab.com/puba.html) instead? They look cool; just in case, the link points to the Soma Fabrications web store.

[Reesha]

He'd probably run the other way! He hasn't been on a bike since he was a wee teen ;)

Great thought though!

[Reesha]

Ooo so it looks like this guy has a very similar build to James! 5'10, 30" inseam. James is really about 5' 9.5". He also just told me he'd pitch in half :D I *would* pay for all of it, because I know it would be a life-changing gift, but I'm glad he wants to contribute.

If I can get it all worked out, he might be a new crosscheck owner tonight!

[Biciclista]

sweet! keep us posted.

[Cataboo]

YOu might want to see if he has all the parts that he took off that.

He's basically got it as a 10 speed bike. YOur BF is likely going to want it as either a double or triple on the front crankset. So in addition to the shifters you're talking about buying, the flat bar - if you don't get the parts he took off, you're talking about a new front derailleur and a new crankset.

At that point, it's not a bargain for $500, given that you're gonna be putting a few hundred in parts & labor.

[redrhodie]

YOu might want to see if he has all the parts that he took off that.

He's basically got it as a 10 speed bike. YOur BF is likely going to want it as either a double or triple on the front crankset. So in addition to the shifters you're talking about buying, the flat bar - if you don't get the parts he took off, you're talking about a new front derailleur and a new crankset.

At that point, it's not a bargain for $500, given that you're gonna be putting a few hundred in parts & labor.

That's a good point, but he may be happy with it as a 10 speed, too. Maybe just switch the chain ring to a 39T if he has trouble going uphill. It's hard to tell from his description what's on there, but it sounds like a 42T. I run my Soma as a 10 speed, and although sometimes I wish I had a higher gear or two so I can pedal harder on descents, with the 39T, climbing is fine. I think my cassette is a 12-25.

[Reesha]

yeah, i think he means it's got a 42T cog. typo!

He's going to look around for his double, but he doesn't think he's got the derailleur anymore (rats). We've got a pretty good FS section in our St. Louis bike forum and I have a neighbor that might be able to help swap some things out.

Much to my surprise, when James looked at the bike, he was not averse to the drops (esp once I told him I could put on yellow bar tape lol). I still wonder how he'll fare with bar end shifters though... hmmm.

[ASammy1]

I still wonder how he'll fare with bar end shifters though... hmmm.

I have the bar end shifter on my LHT and was a bit nervous at first. I was VERY comfortable with them after my second time out on them. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Reesha]

We bought the Surly Cross Check and had a jolly good time riding around the park 5 miles or so. Damn him and his strength, he beat me up the big climb in the park :D (proud, though!). I still think he'd prefer flat bars for the comfort, but he did great with the 'rams horns' as he calls them. Still not shifting yet though.

We had a fantastic time and I look forward to many more days on the road with him! :)

Edit: I forgot to mention that he named it Gus II after our chicken that ran away. lol!

[Velocivixen]

Congratulations on what sounds like a great purchase! You're encouraging him to do something fun and healthy. I test rode the cross check and in just a couple of minutes was able to reach down and shift. It took some practice though. Maybe you could rotate the handlebars so the hoods/brakes are up a little higher. Know what I mean? That might make him a bit more comfortable.

Glad it all worked out!

[Reesha]

I adjusted the handlebars before we actually purchased it to make it more comfortable for him... it was set up more aggressively for cross racing. He'll get used to it... but he hasn't been on a bike in 12 years or so :D