Surly Cross Check Project Thread

[pwebb]

this one may stall for a while, pending a decision on whether to go for complete strip, paint, rebuild or simply quick restore warts and all:

quick test run with replacement wheels ( originals shimano and so very heavy) pedals and some quick adjustments to check frame size and general condition








am torn as to whether to renovate frame to 'as new' or keep the war wounds and patina. 1x10 drivetrain using Shimano Zee cranks and rear mech and SLX shifter - sort of budget but OK - however I think I can shave a lot of weight off and make it more vintage gravel than clunker which is what it is a.t.m.

 

[ChromeChainstay]

ready to ride

 

[pwebb]

Stripped and cleaned

 

[Woz]

That could build up to something very nice.

https://velo.outsideonline.com/gravel/gravel-culture/surly-cross-check-discontinued/

 

[pwebb]

That could build up to something very nice.

https://velo.outsideonline.com/gravel/gravel-culture/surly-cross-check-discontinued/

A good article, I concur the utilitarian nature of this frameset lends itself to many interpretations and using standard sized everything makes reusing the parts bin simpler. Many of the last 2 decades' innovations have added nothing functionally superior and just weigh more and wear out quicker. I am going to try to build this one up with zero Chinese junk and mostly retro parts.

 

[nstarmore]

Personally I would leave the paint as is but put some new decals on there since they are fairly readily available. Cross Checks are great.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Many of the last 2 decades' innovations have added nothing functionally superior and just weigh more and wear out quicker.

The tapered steerer, the oversize bar and post, push fit bb, even thru-axle is to carbonise the component list.
Counterproductive for a steel tourer where reliability, adaptability and simplicity are more beneficial than rigidity, aerodynamics and efficiency.

Surlys aren't very light though, so think of making a lightweight tractor

 

[Imlach]

Superb frames in every way, I've never not enjoyed riding on mine from its initial singlespeed v1, to 3 speed IGH to the current 1x11 iteration. Versatile and capable. Excited to see it being built up. Can go skinny dipping or be fattened up. What's not to love.

 

[pwebb]

back from Cyclone, stripped, dipped, blasted and coated. Looking shiny as a new pin







Next up - some careful prep and BB + Headset, plus those tricky little dropout adjusters...

 

[pwebb]

dropout adjusters went in aok after I used a 0.5mm tap to clean the threads, and recondition cane creek forty headset went on smoothly, these forks need a 27.0mm crown race. Also fitted square taper BB and cranks as I am experimenting with 104BCD chainset options on this bike.





Shimano CX50 Cantis cleaned up and mounted, decals on and wheels fitted. 700x35 for now, will take 40mm but I like the white contrast lettering on these. Using Microshift bar end shifter in 1x8 guise