Thursday, May 13, 2010

STI-equipped Surly Cross-Check Available

We get a lot of people intersted in buying a Surly Cross-Check complete bike, but aren't crazy about the bar-end shifters that come stock on it. We decided to try a little experiment to see how it goes over--we took a stock Cross-Check (54cm frame, Gloss Black) and swapped on a pair of Shimano Tiagra STI brake/shift levers. The bike can be yours for $1,299.99. (normally $1,049.99 for the bar-end shifter version).

"Can I get a 105, or Ultegra, or Dura-Ace version?" you may ask. Yes, but not as easily. Tiagra-level components are now the top-of-the-line for Shimano 9-speed compatible drive trains; 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace are now only made in 10-speed compatible versions. To upgrade a Cross-Check to 10-speed, in addition to the brake/shift levers, you'd also need to upgrade the chain, derailleurs, and crankset. Cha-ching!

This bike is currently in the Century Cycles store in Peninsula; give us a call if you want to check it out in Rocky River or Medina.



5 comments:

  1. I can honestly say that Tiagra on this bike is really not bad at all. Mine shifts great! (Better than my road bike sometimes.) Although, I think I miss that last gear (my road bike's a 10-speed). This is a great bike--very beefy, very fun!

    ReplyDelete
  2. 9-speed is still a more versatile system than 10 due to the compatibility with mountain bike rear derailleurs and cassette cogs. We can get up to 34 tooth cogs on the rear of Cross Checks in 9 speed. Going to 10 limits that low gear to about a 27 or 28 tooth cog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, I wasn't complaining! ;) The "missing last gear" is probably more psychological than anything. I can still get the Surly up Snowville Road to ride to work, so all is good. The Cross-Check is a great--and very comfortable--commuter bike.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tiagra components have come a long way. Very close to 105, I hear.
    Nice Salsa bars, too. Can't wait to own a graaaaaaaaavy brown one! It'll hide all that mud I'll be splashing on it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I purchased a Cross Check this spring a hated the Bar End Shifters. Didn't want the Pacer because I needed a multipurpose bike and perfer cantilever brakes, since they are really easy to adjust and cheap to replace. Found this post and ordered the Tiagra 4501 STI Shifters right away. Cross Check is a truly nice bike with the proper modifications.
    Thanks for the information.
    Jim

    ReplyDelete