it's here!!

Oh girls! My new bike has arrived! I think it's a boy, even though I keep calling it "her".

And it just so happened that we had a big storm the night before, so the bike path was completely flooded, muddy and debris-strewn. In other words, it was not in a road-bikeable state. At first, I didn't want to take my new shiny pretty bike through that stuff.

But then I realized: that's why I have a freaking CROSS CHECK now, rather than a dainty pretty road bike. So, we came back soaked to the bone and covered in mud and my cheeks hurt from grinning like a maniac.

So, here he is! Meet Jack Blacktacular, the Surly Cross Check of awesomeness.

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I'm going to take him for one more rack-less ride, then we're going to prepare add some panniers and try out a grocery trip!

I love it! What is the design on your bar tape?

You're kitty is a big ham, by the way!

Nice looker, that Mr Blacktacular!

Surly's are made for days like that. My Pacer salutes Jack's christening--its christening was a slushy wintery day. Oooh....how nice it was to be able to ride in weather with a bike built to handle it.

May you have many more wet and muddy rides together.

Wow- every time I see one of these, it makes me want it all the more. BEAUTIFUL!!!! I'm glad you christened him the right way- with wet, mud, and obstacles. :)

Nice!

And I like how your cat matches your bike. Color coordination is good.

In a word, classy.

Love that bar tape!

Many happy miles!!!!

Awesome bike! Great bar tape! Sassy bag! Very cute kitty :) Yes, the cross check is perfect for those wet, muddy, icky days... congrats! Tell us more about that bar tape...

What a great bike! Congrats!

Congratulations-thats a lovely bike! I get a chance to test ride one this weekend and I can't wait!
I'm a little distracted though...your cat is pretty too and looks a little bit like one of ours:

haha! Thanks all! I love how this is turning into a cat doppelganger thread!

Fortunately (unfortunately), we don't get very many wet days here in Arizona, so I'm glad I got to take advantage of it. But something is always under construction, so it's helpful to have something a little beefier.

The tape is Salsa brand, and has little chili peppers on it. The Salsa Bell handlebars came with the bike, so I just asked the bike guys to switch out brown for black.

The Brooks saddle is on order! Whoo hoo!!

Oh, I would so love to have a Surly!!!! For the name alone . . .

Very nice bike!! Very classy, love the black.

My black Surly Cross Check salutes your black Surly Cross Check!

Congratulations!

That bike is completely fantastic and I'm completely wanting one. Sometimes I think that I should have purchased a cross bike--I really like to play in the mud and that would give me a great excuse.

I love your Surly and you have great bar tape and a nice bag. Sounds like you had a terrific day for a great ride. Post more as you ride your Surly. My LHT and me salute you and your new Crosscheck!