I was looking for a versatile and durable frame that would suit the long distance randoneur rides that I plan on participating in this year (100, 200, 300 km events). The bike would also serve duty as a commuter, winter bike, and I may possibly throw on some knobbies and test my skill in a few fall cyclocross races. It will also be my ride on a 390 km adventure from Vancouver to Kelowna this summer. Criteria for my new ride was - Durable, versatile, and cost effective frame. - Longer wheelbase with relaxed head angle for a comfortable, stable ride with a rear rack and rack bag. - Clearance for larger tires and fenders. - Better brakes in the wet than typical road brakes. - Rear rack mounts. - Downtube shifter bosses. In my search I stumbled onto the Surly website and found that the crosscheck matched my needs perfectly. Half the fun is hand picking the parts...so I started with the frame in 58 CM, added a wonderfully comfortable Nitto Noodle bar in 46 cm width, Shimano RD560 wheels known as a fairly reliable wheelset, and Continental 700C x 25mm 2000 tires. I added additional spare parts I had lying around including 8 speed shimano shifting with downtube shifters, Tektro Brake levers to match the linear pull V-Brakes, and a comfortable Selle Italia Max Flite Trans Am Saddle.

Future upgrades include 9 speed Dura-Ace bar end shifters and 12-27 casette, rear rack and GPS mount.

She is a little heavy but exhibits a nice solid, stable, and comfortable ride as I had hoped. Made it to the top of the climbs first on it's first outing during our weekly 95 km Saturday hammerfest.

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Thanks

LK

L.krisch@dccnet.com