Cross Check Build Component Options?

Hi everyone -

I've finally ordered a 42cm Surly Cross-Check Frame - Hooray! First decision down, now to the build specs - eeek more decisions...

Aims
I'm building this bike up to be my Sport Tourer / Recreational Road Bike for all day rides.

Aiming to create a fast bike that is comfortable for centuries, and can cope with some seriously big mountain climbs. Mainly on-road, but who knows - the attractiveness of the CC was that it can cope with almost anything.

I'd like to keep the weight down wherever possible so it can be fast when I want, and so its not rediculously heavy when fully loaded. I plan to use this for a long trip around Italy next year which will involve a few days of loaded travel in between stops (4 paniers max)

Shorty Preferences
I'm 5.1" so I'll be looking to kit this out with short reach tektros brakes, 165mm cranks and any other WSD options.

Has anyone found STI's that are good for tiny hands or should I stick with tektros? I have tried the Shimano brifters, but found my fingers were too short to shift properly without braking a little due to the reach. I'm not against barcons, but I'd rather brifters if I can find some that fit confortably.

Triple vs Compact Double?:confused:

I love my current Trek's 28-38-48 triple, with 11-32 cassette (especially on the hills ;)) So I'm looking for something with a similar range - has anyone tried the Strong Light 28-38-50? (mmm... extra speed on the flat)

Also considering a compact triple to save a bit of weight. For the mathmatically minded among you - Can I get the same granny-gear ratio using a compact double up front with a wider range on the back? Don't think I could do without my easy gear!


I would have been happy to buy the complete build Cross Check and tweek it a little, however I will save alot by buying the frame and parts online while the exchange rate is good (complete Surly's are over $2000K here in Australia, but the frame only cost me $480 including shipping to Australia on wiggle - instead of $1030 at LBS!) so I figure the hassle is worth it for the learning experience and the fun of being able to choose the parts.

So, what do you love about your Cross Check or favourite do-all bike, what would you do differently, and what should I avoid?

Thanks for your suggestions and advice! :)

Ok, so I've spent some quality time with Sheldon's gear calculator and my spreadsheet ... and the results are in on my gearing options;

Current bike (Trek 7.3): Triple 28-38-48 with 11-32 = Gain Ratio 1.8 / Gear Inches 23.6

SRAM APEX Group: Compact double 34-50 with 11-32 = Ratio 2.1 / Gear inches 28.7

Ultegra 6700: Triple 30-39-52 with 11-28 Cassette = Ratio 2.2 / Inches 28.7

So I guess I'll lose the bottom 2 gears from my current set up (bad news in the Alps) however, DH reakons the more agressive position on the new bike and a better pair of shoes will make a noticable difference.

(Plus there will be 2 harder gears for me to build some muscles with :D)

Now I'm leaning towards Ultegra 6700 because the shifters are small enough. I tried the Campy's and although I really liked the comfort of the hoods, I just couldn't stretch to the thumb button. :(

I've read the old thread on small hand shifters, the newer Ultegra (not mentioned there) is apparently more ergo than the small hand Shimano ST-700s... has anyone tried both?

A bit late to the thread (new to the forum), but how did you get on with your Cross Check? Did you look at SRAM brifters at all, they are apparently better for smaller hands?

Fwiw, I have older 10-speed Ultegra on my road bikes and have no problem with my short fingers, though they are mounted quite low on the bars so I can reach them better when in the drops. Specialized sells some adapters/shorteners as well that come standard on their small WSD bikes I believe -- maybe look into those?

Mind if I ask what your measurements are? (inseam, reach etc.) How do you find the Cross Check? I'm considering the 42cm as a frame upgrade that I will build up myself with various bits and pieces. Came very close to a Kona Jake but even the 47cm frame is too big I think. Redlines, Ridleys, Specialized, etc. all a bit too much standover.

I've got an Ultegra triple and recently changed the 30T inner sprocket for a 26T Sugino ring. The spacing was a little different (inner ring sat closer to the middle ring) but it works fine after a derailleur adjustment. The smaller ring is a good option for loaded touring.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DebW

The smaller ring is a good option for loaded touring.

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Hijack: got a tour planned, Deb?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

Hijack: got a tour planned, Deb?

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Right now just a 60 mile ride to and from a weekend event for Memorial Day. Hmmm, should we start planning something? When do you get the custom bike?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DebW

Right now just a 60 mile ride to and from a weekend event for Memorial Day. Hmmm, should we start planning something? When do you get the custom bike?

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not sure yet. He seems to be having trouble focusing on nailing down the mixte frame design.

I'm up for a tour later this year or next.