Getting a Surly Cross Check — some questions

[StopMeansStop]

When I first started riding last year it was on my old MTB. I quickly discovered that for Arlington trails and roads this was not a comfortable ride. I did an entry level upgrade to a Giant Hybrid. Most of my rides are around 10-20 miles, but I’ve noticed a ton of wind resitance and “position fatigue” from being upright so much.

After seeing people here rave about the Cross Check (and looking at other sites) I’ve decided the “swiss army knife of bikes” is what I want. Versatility!

The LBS is getting two in for me to check out, a 54 and 56. What should I look out for when selecting between the two sizes? My main concern at this point is banging my boys on the bar if I have to jump off the sadle.

As I said, most of my rides are in the 10-20 mile range doing the Heart of Arlington or Grand Loop of Arlington routes. No commuting here, but I currently have a rack on my Giant and use it quite a bit for fetching groceries home after a ride. One of my concerns about the CC is that you really can’t put a kickstand on it. How do you guys load a bike up w/o a kickstand?

[Joe Chapline]

I use a rear-mounted kickstand on my Specialized hybrid. It looks like it might work on the Cross Check frame.

[DaveK]

Because of the higher bottom bracket relative to road bikes, the sizing on Cross Checks runs a little different than your average road bike. For example, I ride a 54cm road bike and a 52cm Cross Check (I’m 5’9″ and 31 inseam). You need to size the bike by the top tube length, not just the height of the top tube when standing over it. Have the LBS put the bikes on a trainer and spend some time working out a quick position on both, then take them both for a ride. If they balk at the idea, go elsewhere. The “don’t touch my junk” test isn’t nearly enough to properly fit a bike.

When in doubt go for the smaller size – you can always change the stem length and saddle height but there’s only so much you can do for a frame that’s too big for you.

[StopMeansStop]

@DaveK 4060 wrote:

Because of the higher bottom bracket relative to road bikes, the sizing on Cross Checks runs a little different than your average road bike. For example, I ride a 54cm road bike and a 52cm Cross Check (I’m 5’9″ and 31 inseam). You need to size the bike by the top tube length, not just the height of the top tube when standing over it. Have the LBS put the bikes on a trainer and spend some time working out a quick position on both, then take them both for a ride. If they balk at the idea, go elsewhere. The “don’t touch my junk” test isn’t nearly enough to properly fit a bike.

When in doubt go for the smaller size – you can always change the stem length and saddle height but there’s only so much you can do for a frame that’s too big for you.

I’m 5’8 with a 29 inseam (need to remeasure that again). So i probably should try a 52 as well?

[CCrew]

@StopMeansStop 4062 wrote:

I’m 5’8 with a 29 inseam (need to remeasure that again). So i probably should try a 52 as well?

Keep in mind that pants inseam isn’t the same as cycling inseam. Cycling inseam is essentially pbh (pubic bone height) . Best way to measure is to stand against a wall and pull the spine of a book up as high as you can physically get it then measure to the floor. It’s a much more accurate measure when trying to gauge standover height.

Good fit calculator here:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

[StopMeansStop]

I think I might bike on up to Contes and let them think I’m interested in an 8k bike. I guess they will measure me.

REI told me I can order 2 sizes and they will sell the other on the floor. Bonus, I get 10% off for my dividend!

[DaveK]

@StopMeansStop 4062 wrote:

I’m 5’8 with a 29 inseam (need to remeasure that again). So i probably should try a 52 as well?

It depends on your torso and arm length, but I’d say almost without a doubt that a 56 Cross Check will be too big for you. You should try a 52 and a 54.

[Mark Blacknell]

I think I might bike on up to Contes and let them think I’m interested in an 8k bike. I guess they will measure me.

I know this was probably meant in jest, but please don’t do that. One of the reasons that we can get excellent service at places like Revolution and Conte’s (and comparatively blank stares at places like Performance and REI) is that Revolution and Conte’s pay for knowledgeable staff. When folks take that for free, and then go spend at a place that doesn’t provide it, it just not cool.

[StopMeansStop]

@Mark Blacknell 4078 wrote:

I know this was probably meant in jest, but please don’t do that. One of the reasons that we can get excellent service at places like Revolution and Conte’s (and comparatively blank stares at places like Performance and REI) is that Revolution and Conte’s pay for knowledgeable staff. When folks take that for free, and then go spend at a place that doesn’t provide it, it just not cool.

Only sort of joking. I wouldn’t pull that on Revolution. As for Contes, I wish someone would buy the building and turn it into s Waffle House.

@DaveK

I tried a 54 road bike today and was told it was a good torso fit. A employee also confirmed dropping a size for the CC.

Alas, none are in stock so I have to wait.

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