Surly Cross Check or Pacer

[Kerry1976]

To those of you that have a Surly Cross Check, Pacer or LHT:

What are your likes, dislikes about your bike? Know these are steel and read in some places that people think they are "heavy" - would you agree or is it really negligible. However, also know that steel absorbs road shock and that these bikes are also called "bomb proof" which I totally love.

I'm looking to get my first bike and am liking the idea of a cross bike or road bike that can handle bigger tires. I'm a short woman, so I might have to order my first bike without a real test ride - I have yet to find a shop that has a bike my size to even try.

This would be my first "big girl go fast" bike, so I'm pretty nervous about the purchase. [I currently ride a Trek Pure Lowstep - beyond "go fast" this bike will be my first where my butt will be in the saddle without my feet touching the ground and first with clipless - I'll be learning all sorts of fun new skills!]

Thanks in advance for your comments!

[indysteel]

I don't own a Surly, but I know enough about steel bikes to address some of your questions. The bikes you mentioned are, indeed, on the heavy side, but they offer the signature smooth ride of steel. They can take a fair amount of abuse.

What kind of riding do you plan to do with the bike and on what surfaces? Do you have a lot of hills to contend with? Do you plan to do any touring? Have you considered any other manufacturers?

[Kerry1976]

Indysteel - I've been all over the place with bike shopping. I've realized that since most shops around here don't have a bike for me to try in my size, there is no reason to not go used and save a little money now, learn what I do and don't want in a bike, and go new at a later date. Given that, and using the expertise of my friend Zoom-Zoom (and her amazing husband), I think I'm going to spring for something I can afford - found on ebay. Bonuses - the bike is cute, the price is right (includes free shipping) and the components are decent.

[Kerry1976]

I DID IT! Just bought the Fuji on eBay! So excited!!!!!!

[badgercat]

That Fuji is beautiful! May you have many happy miles together.

[Kerry1976]

That Fuji is beautiful! May you have many happy miles together.

Thanks! It was a "dumb luck" find. Just happened to find it on ebay today after 6 weeks of scouring ebay, craigslist, LBS's in the area, and spec-ing a ton of new bikes. I'm really excited!

[zoom-zoom]

Thanks! It was a "dumb luck" find. Just happened to find it on ebay today after 6 weeks of scouring ebay, craigslist, LBS's in the area, and spec-ing a ton of new bikes. I'm really excited!

I am so excited about this! I can't wait to see photos once you have her! *squee*

[indysteel]

That's awesome!!! Have fun with her (or is it a him?)!!!

[hebe]

Beautiful! There are so many gorgeous bikes on here I hope you have a great time riding together, good luck with all those new skills!

[Roadtrip]

I too learned on a 2010 Trek Lowstep. How very wonderful!! I've haven't been riding Stella these days, I bought a Trek FX 7.3 back in October and have been riding that, which is taking some time to get used to.

Another interesting tidbit is I too have been looking at Surly bikes as my potential entry into road-bikes, but I need to work on my fitness (namely strengthening my core) and get some miles under me before taking that leap onto a road bike.

It's kinda hard to believe in three months I've gone from doing 6mph in a flat parking lot feeling like I was going TOO fast, to bombing down my hill at nearly 30mph, hating the moment when I have to break to make my turn toward home.

Shannon

[Kerry1976]

It's kinda hard to believe in three months I've gone from doing 6mph in a flat parking lot feeling like I was going TOO fast, to bombing down my hill at nearly 30mph, hating the moment when I have to break to make my turn toward home.

Shannon

I totally look forward to that!

It is so good to see that you and so many others have kind of gone the same route - gives me more inspiration that I can do this and I will have fun doing it!

[indysteel]

I totally look forward to that!

It is so good to see that you and so many others have kind of gone the same route - gives me more inspiration that I can do this and I will have fun doing it!

I'll share my little bit o' inspiration: I bought an FX in June of 2006. My first ride was 6 miles and I did an endo over the handlebars when I grabbed my front brake too forcefully. It was a proud moment.

In July of 2007, I successfully did the Ride Across Indiana. The ride's tag line is "160 miles: One way, one day." I finished in the top third of registered riders, with a total time of about 9 1/2 hours and an average speed of 19 mph. Now that really was a proud moment.

Admittedly, there are lots of ladies on here with far more significant accomplishments, but I'm still proud of what I was able to do in a year's time. Plus, it was fun all along the way. I hope you have fun along the way, too!

[Kerry1976]

Wow, that is inspiring! Yes, my goal is to enjoy!

[eofelis]

Another interesting tidbit is I too have been looking at Surly bikes as my potential entry into road-bikes, but I need to work on my fitness (namely strengthening my core) and get some miles under me before taking that leap onto a road bike.

Shannon

The Surly Pacer was my first road bike. It's not light and fast, but it's a comfortable, stable, bombproof road bike. I think Surly frames are a great ride for the price!!

I have moved on to a carbon Specialized Ruby and a 853 steel Gunnar Sport.

I also have an LHT, it's a real workhorse. As comfortable as a couch and almost as fast! I've been keeping an eye out for a cheap Cross Check frame in my size, it just looks like a fun bike!

[Catrin]

....I have moved on to a carbon Specialized Ruby and a 853 steel Gunnar Sport......

What do you think of your Sport? I am getting a fitting for one next week