Convert road bike to cross?

[Blueberry]

I'm not sure a Cross Check would be my first choice if I had ambitions to race... I know there are lots of TE'ers who love their Cross Checks, but aren't they a tad on the heavy/clunky side for racing? Also, I know bar-cons are more durable, but STI's are so much easier to use if you're working really hard... I think there are a few other bikes out there in the $1000 neighborhood which you might be happier with.

I do love mine. Circumstances made it a good bike for me to buy (right build, right size, right time. However, I have NO ambitions to race (and don't expect to). Heavy yes, clunky - not sure what you mean, but probably no. You certainly could race it -- depending on the level, you might be able to be competitive on it. But it's heavy. A built up cross check is in the 26 lb range (maybe less with a different saddle - I have a Brooks - but not that light). With a 1x9 and a different saddle - maybe 24ish. With a different fork - 22? (I'm guessing). I know you can lighten it considerably if you put a carbon fork on it - my favorite mechanic (who is very sadly - but great for him - moving to Arizona this week weighed his fork and said it's a significant portion of the weight). And I don't think I'd race on bar ends - you can't shift and be in the position to brake at the same time. Not a problem for daily riding (where I can cover the other brake), but not safe for being on someone's wheel IMO.

Starting from scratch, I'd probably build up a Double Cross (Soma) - not sure how much it would be, though. The tubing is a couple of steps up from Surly. Don't get me wrong - I *love* my bike, and it does everything I want it to do, does it in style, and keeps me comfy. But racing (and truthfully riding cross) isn't one of those things.

CA

Edited to Add:

From Surly's site:

56cm = 4.88 lbs (2.2 kg)
Fork - uncut = 2.19 lbs (.99 kg)

From Soma's site:
4.2 lbs (54cm)

Can't find a weight on the Soma fork.