How did I do this?

So Rapid Cycler (my DP) has been thinking about getting a commuter. I work closer to our house than she does and I've been thinking about it, too. Tonight, she shows me an auction for a cool looking Surly Cross Check saying that it's a 50cm.

Neat, I think, she's found a good bike for herself. (She rides a 49 or 50, I ride a 53 or 54). No, she's showing it to me. Why? Well duh, 'cross bikes run big. I check the dimensions. Seems just right.

Here's the thing, she shows it to me with less than an hour to go in the auction! Do I have time to really think? No, no I do not.

Should I bid? We discuss. Seems like a good bike for what I want. Commuting? Yep. Fitness riding? Sure. Maybe even a fire road? No problem. Good enough that if it suits me, I may even want to sell my LeMond Zurich and go to an all-steel stable. (My mountain bike is a Gunnar Rock Hound). Hmm.

So, here tonight, when I wasn't even thinking about a new (however used) bike, I got myself a new Surly. Woo Hoo.

Congratulations!

I have a 52 cm Surly Cross Check. I love this bike. My DP wants to get a Surly also. She had a fabulous time riding a 42 cm Surly Long Haul Trucker. We both have custom steel bikes (Mondonico and Waterford) and romp-around steel bikes (GT and Kona). We like steel! Be sure to check out the Surly LHT and CC group: www.surlyville.net

PS: yes, these critters do seem to run big. I'm 5'8" with a 32 or so inseam and the 52cm CC fits fabulously. DP usually rides a 46 cm, and the 42 cm LHT fit her perfectly.

PPS: my Waterford salutes your Gunnar!