"Originally bought to build up an all-terrain commuter with 29er mountain bike wheels lack of disc compatability has meant the cross-check has morphed into a fat-tyred, fixed wheel cyclocrosser.
Frame and fork quality is excellent and neither the head tube nor the bottom bracket shell needed facing and everything fitted perfectly.The sizing (58cm) was fine for my just under 6 foot frame but if you have short arms you may want to go down a size.
Geometry is nigh-on perfect and it is fast once you get it rolling in a 'big diesel engine' kind of way.If it had disc mounts it would be perfection."

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Review 2 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

markm

Country:United Kingdom

Age:45-54

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Occasional

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Road Cyclist

Date:January 30, 2012

Surly Cross Check Frame Set

Pros: Great Value, Rugged, High Quality, Lightweight, Versatile, Good Fit

"Initial impressions - after putting in about 100 miles, +ve. Bought this to replace a ridgeback alloy frame that broke, on which I found the vibration through forks a little harsh, so keen to try a steel frame. Seems to tick all the boxes, semi-horizontal rear drop-outs and braze-ons allowed me to move my Shimano Alfine-8 wheel set and everything else directly over. Road vibration through forks much better, without being spongy. Weight not an issue, although others moan, at under 3Kg for frame-set, you'd pay x5 for one with half the weight and that would only save you 1.5Kg on the weight of you and the bike. Down tube 2cm higher than top tube, so leave enogh room for saddle tube. I got a 58cm frame to keep same overal BB to saddle clamp the same 60cm as old frame."

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Review 3 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Bagonails

City: Adelaide

Country:Australia

Age:45-54

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Budget:Quality first

Road Cyclist

Date:September 9, 2011

Great Value and Impressive Ride Quality

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Rugged, Versatile, Good Fit

Cons: Limited Color Choices

"Bought this frame & fork to build up a do it all commuter and winter trainer. Loved the versatility with all the braze ons and general configuration, ability to run larger tyres with mudguards. Frame finish not bad with tough, chip resistant but not particularly hard powder coat. Decals probably the weakest aspect from both looks and quality aspect. Quality of manufacture appears to be very good, little or no facing, chasing or reaming required and head race / bottom bracket fitting all went smoothly. I am 183cm tall with 84 in seam and went with the 58cm frame. This has proven to be a good choice resulting in about 120mm of seat post showing and the long top tube resulting in a comfortable reach when combined with a 130mm stem length (I have long arms though). The ride on Mavic Ksyrium Elites shod with Conti 28mm wide sport contacts is very comfortable and deceptively fast in a cruisy limousine kind of way. There are no squeaks or creaks with all ancilliary parts fitting well. All I can hear as I make light of my 20km commute is the gentle whirring of a finely tuned derailleur...music to my ears. The geometry results in safe predictable handling but with a quick enough response to still be fun. I'm just riding with a big smile on my dial at the moment and constantly looking for the next carbon reinforced plastic projectile to hunt down as the look on their face when a very old school looking steel framed bike cruises easily by with mudguards, Brookes B17 saddle, rear rack and bar end shifters is just priceless. Surly include not only the seat clamp but also a rear brake cable stop of their own design in the deal which was handy (all stainless too). I fitted a Cane Creek 40 series 1 1/8" headset and standard Shimano external type BBII bottom bracket no problems. Very happy at this price, no lightweight but feels like it will last forever."

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Review 4 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Blakblakarak

Country:France

Age:25-34

Interest:Cross Country MTB

Level:Advanced

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Mountain Biker

Date:June 4, 2011

Makes me smile everytime

Pros: Great Value, Comfortable, Rugged, Adjustable, Versatile, Good Fit

"Bought this a month ago as a new commuter and haven't touched my other (road, Mtb and CX) bikes since.

It ain't pretty nor light, but the ride is sublime and the setup is versatile and well thought out.

The only reason I didn't score it 5 stars was due to the poor quality of the decals which started to flake off as soon as the frame was removed from the box. However, hopefully this issue is being sorted and I'll happily amend my review when it is.

Customer service was superb and the frame was well shipped.

Size wise I'm 183cm height / 84cm inseam and the 58 fits me perfectly."

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Review 5 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 5 / 5 from

dodgyrog

Date:January 28, 2011

fun

Pros: Durable, Comfortable, High Quality, Rugged, Versatile, Good Fit

Cons: Expensive

"Bought as a chassis for an all purpose bike that I can change parts on as the mood takes me it is currently used as a town bike and cross bike.

Well made frame can be set up as geared, fixed, single speed or hub gear but with forward facing horizontal dropouts you can take the wheel out with mudguards fitted. Plenty of braze ons for rack and mudguards, well made frame, loads of clearance, currently running 35c rear, 42c front WITH mudguards. Only criticism is it's fairly heavy and a little costly.

So far has been ridden around town where it has been fine and around the off road trails at Glentress where the bike comes alive. One of the reasons behind buying the frame was as a fun alternative to the mountainbike and a bit of a challenge. Riding off road this bike is excellent fun, great handling and feels very satisfying if you can overtake fully equipped mtbs."

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Review 6 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 3 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Vitalspark

City: Glasgow

Country:United Kingdom

Age:45-54

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Road Cyclist

Date:October 27, 2010

Think this could be a lasting love affair

Pros: Durable, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Versatile, Good Fit

"Only had a couple of weeks - built into a winter training/commuter. The long wheelbase makes it very stable and the steel frame softens rough roads. Quality welds - a thing of joy and beauty.

Frame feels stiff - no flex when you are out the saddle- and responsive. Can't say wieght is an issue.

In terms of sizing - long top tube: went for a 52, my current road bike is a 54 (Focus). Glad I did.

And not to mention the versatility - someone else called it the swiss army knife of bikes - - would second that"

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Review 7 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Dadd

Date:October 25, 2010

Great all rounder

Pros: Great Value, Comfortable, Versatile

"Built this up as a fixie/singlespeed for general use and commuting. Have also used it with cross tyres for some off road family riding. Really versatile frame and fork, not a high performance frame but still fast once you get it going. I have friends who have used this frame for cross racing and also as a geared winter bike. Comfortable slightly bouncy ride I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good everyday bike for commuting, fitness and family riding."

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Review 8 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Kaushik

City: Mumbai

Country:India

Age:25-34

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Advanced

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Road Cyclist

Date:October 10, 2010

Check Mate

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, Rugged, Versatile, Good Fit

Cons: Limited Color Choices

"I was on the hunt for a new bike for my long distance rides & Brevets, after a lot of thought I decided to get myself a Cross Check due to it's amazing versatility. Where I live there arent many options available but thanks to Wiggle they eve deliver Bikes & frames to India. The frame arrived in a nicely packed box with lots of packing, the bike was perfect & untouched.

Surly makes all steel bikes & their quality is good enough for those who are focused on Value & bang for buck & for the price it's pretty good quality. But would've been nice if a headset was also included, buyers when you buy this bike also remember to get a 1inch head set too. After having done lots of small big rides & a 600km brevet I can happily say that it's the perfect Long Distance bike you can get for an amazing price."

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Review 9 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Icthus

Age:35-44

Interest:Road Cyclist

Road Cyclist

Date:August 1, 2010

A very happy frame!

Pros: Great Value, Comfortable, Rugged, Adjustable, Versatile, Good Fit, fun

Cons: no disk brake option

"Not had mine long. Have already had a great time testing it out. Pretty slick on roads & 32ml tourer tyres soften the pot-holes a bit. Bit of a roadie at heart, but some dedicated MTB friends quite surprised at the off-roading it has coped well with. Rides well with loaded paniers. If I were to have one bike, this would be it. As many have said before, disk brakes would be nice & it's not the lightest frame around, but it rides well, takes some abuse and above all it's just fun to get on and ride. One of the few frames made in a size small enough for me, so my back's happy too!"

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Review 10 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 5 / 5 from

PhilTheChef

City: Perth

Country:Australia

Age:35-44

Interest:Commuter

Level:Advanced

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Commuter

Date:July 10, 2010

My perfect commuter!

Reviewer Images

click to enlarge

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Rugged, Versatile, Good Fit

"I bought the Cross Check frame to build up as a commuter and all round utility bike, and it is proving to be the best cycling purchase I have ever made.
It very comfortable, stable at speed and handles well on just about any surface even fully loaded with groceries.

This was my first build, and although it was straight forward enough, I was a little worried about instaling the headset and crown race as I dont have the tools/experience. I had asked around and found a local store who would do it for $100. I then asked the guys at wiggle, who did this for free - another example of great customer service!!

All up I couldnt recomend the frame set or wiggle more highly!"

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Review 11 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 4 / 5 from

TokyoDude

Date:June 27, 2010

Great value

Pros: Great Value, Comfortable, Versatile, lots of braze-ons

Cons: a bit heavy

"Upgraded my commuter bike frame from an inexpensive aluminum frame to this steel frame. Moved my Shimano 105 parts and a carbon fork over to this frame. Been riding it for a couple weeks now. Results as follows...

The bike rides like a dream. Plush, smooth ride that feels more like I'm in a Benz than a Ferrari. With its longer wheelbase, it is very stable and comfortable for the commute. Also nice is the plethora of braze-on's that allow you to attach racks, bottle cages, etc. I'm planning to take this bike touring later this summer given how nicely it rides and that, with all the braze-ons, I can carry what I need.

I've used a carbon front fork instead of the fork provided. Even so, the bike is heavier than I'm used to. I can't imagine thinking this bike could be used for cyclocross as the name implies. It takes more effort to get it going off the mark, but once up to speed, it makes up for the weight with its silky smooth ride.

Conclusion: It isn't a speed demon but it is a great bike for commuting or touring. For the price, you can't beat it."

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Review 12 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 4 / 5 from

anon12345

City: London

Country:United Kingdom

Age:35-44

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Budget:Quality first

Road Cyclist

Date:May 10, 2010

Solid frame

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Comfortable, Rugged, Versatile

"Sturdy cross frame. Almost perfect utility bike. Wish this model had option for vertical dropouots. They are horizontal to accomodate fixed gear capability. No big deal. Comfortable, bomb-proof cromoly steel frame and just cannot beat the price."

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Review 13 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 5 / 5 from

KillerRobot

City: Sydney

Country:Australia

Age:35-44

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Regular

Road Cyclist

Date:May 9, 2010

Solid

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Rugged, Versatile, Good Fit

Cons: Limited Color Choices

"Versatile, solid and bombproof. I use the Cross-Check as my commuter, and found the frame to be a great performer. It is not the lightest or fanciest, but has a lot more spring than the touring frame I previously used. Come to think of it, I could envisage using this frame for touring as well. It is great value for money, and has made me a Surly fan. As a rare treat these days, the stickers on the frame can be peeled off with a hairdryer and some patience, for those who like a bit of brand anonymity."

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Review 14 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 4 / 5 from

dravin

Date:May 5, 2010

Surly Cross check

Pros: Attractive, Comfortable, Durable, High Quality, Rugged, Versatile

Cons: not lightweight

"Quite a lively and responsive ride compared to my long haul trucker. I've put 37mm continental sport contacts on it which roll very nicely and there is still clearance for much bigger tyres. Strangely the 54cm frame is almost the same size as my 52cm long haul trucker, sizing these frames isn't easy, I only got to try a 56 and 50cm frame (all I could find locally built up)

Was easy to fit the bottom bracket myself, and all the paintwork and braze ons are nicely done. The frame comes with a surly branded little adaptor for the rear brake cable instead of a brazed on hanger (not needed for V brakes)"

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Review 15 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 3 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 2 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 3 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 3 / 5 from

Nellie

City: LONDON

Country:United Kingdom

Age:45-54

Interest:Commuter

Level:Advanced

Gender:Male

Budget:Quality first

Commuter

Date:May 1, 2010

Surly Crack Check

Pros: Good Fit, Rugged, Versatile

Cons: Low Quality, Poor Quality, Wears Out Easily

"I was looking for a do it all frame and this seemed to tick all the right boxes according to rave reviews and the fixie fashionista kids had not really latched on to it yet in London. Steel is my favourite material for frames too - having owned an origional Rock Lobster and a newer mass produced one.

I built CH up as a commuter (25m per day all weathers). Ride was stiff and crude from the start. A cursory examination of frame revealed weld along chainstay/bb interface was cracked after less than 700 miles and crack was continuing up the seat tube. Surly replaced frame with no quibble and same thing happened to replacement frame. 2 frames in 9 months commuting is an achievement. I might have just had 2 frames from a badly made batch from Taiwan. Again Surly replaced but I asked for a Karate Monkey. KM nothing to rave about despite some well thought out features - disc & canti mounts and some not - bottle cage mount too low, cable routing via BB on a mtn bike (no mud on west coast I suppose), no rack mounts. Paint fades quickly, play ground logos and more rust in bb shell than I have ever seen as no drain hole.

Good concepts badly executed, sadly. Will get a bespoke frame next time for commuting despite the cost"

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Review 16 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 5 / 5 from

SOFTrider

City: Brisbane

Country:Australia

Age:45-54

Interest:Commuter

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Budget:Quality first

Commuter

Date:December 4, 2009

You have to get one of these

Pros: Attractive, Comfortable, Durable, Good Fit, Great Value, High Quality, Rugged, Versatile

Cons: Limited Color Choices

"I've built this into a relatively sporty commuter with, road wheels MTB gearing, triathlon cowhorns and cyclocross brakes.

This is the best bike I've ever owned. The only thing wrong is that I fitted an old pannier rack that is too light. Once I fix that it will be perfect.

I absolutely love this frame."

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Review 17 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 5 / 5 from

adrianmander

Date:October 1, 2009

Tough and versatile

Pros: Adjustable, Durable, Great Value, Rugged, Versatile

"This is nominally a cyclocross frame but in fact, that's not really what it's about. It is intended to be a versatile knock-about frame and in this department it excels.

It is definitely a bit heavy for a road frame, but that buys you toughness and reliability. With a 36 spoke rear wheel I ride mine down stairs, off road etc with no worries .. try that with carbon or aluminum. The front triangle is butted but the chainstays and seat stays are made of plain gauge steel... it's a bit heavier, but it prevents undue flexing if you're carrying some weight on a rear rack. Generally the details that make this less ideal as a race frame are there because they make the frame more practical for everyday use and abuse.

I have mine set up for audax, with a B17, full mudguards and a generator hub. I had some concerns about the high bottom bracket over long hauls, but it's been fine for distances as long as 600 km. This setup is fantastic for urban commuting as well.

Clearance to run huge tires if you want 'em (thanks in part to a nice lugged crown fork), horizontal dropouts to let you go fixed, internal geared, SS or derailer'd, plus braze ons for a rear rack, mudguards and two bottle cages. The powdercoat isn't pretty but it's tough. Decals are on the outside of the powdercoat if you want to remove them.

Here in the UK they're a good value but definitely pricey compared to the USA, where they can be had for a song at end-of-season prices. I don't know why a tigged Taiwanese frame has to cost that much but you will still definitely get a lot of bike for your money."

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Review 18 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 4 / 5 from

26E4mybike

Date:July 13, 2009

Retro-cool do-it-all frame.

Pros: Adjustable, Comfortable, Durable, Rugged, Versatile

Cons: heavy

"Not long ago I would have said that Surly made frames for fashion victims - the Guys wizzing round town in rolled up jeans with their pants showing. How wrong I was. Needing something to replace the worryingly flexible (unbranded) alloy frame that I was using for commuting, I took a closer look at a colleagues Cross-Check and was soon convinced of its practicality. Having ordered one from Wiggle, and built it up using a mixture of parts, I find I have an excellent all-round bike with a particularly comfortable ride. It carries a load with no problems - a Tubus Fly rack with a laptop hanging on one side and a weekend's clothes on the other (the combination that turned my old frame into a clown's bike) has no effect on the handling at all. The only dowside is the heavy weight, but it's worthwhile payoff for the sure-footed ride and rugged quality. The frame looks great and has braze-ons for everything. The horizontal drop-outs are a very nice touch, meaning I can run it as a fixie come the winter. Might even treat myself to some of those funny jeans at the same time ..."

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Review 19 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Swanblack

City: Sheffield

Age:25-34

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Road Cyclist

Date:June 22, 2009

Classic Steel feel for Great Price

Pros: Attractive, Comfortable, Durable, Good Fit, Great Value, Rugged, Versatile

Cons: Limited Color Choices, slightly heavy

"I use this frame for my light tourer and commuter and it fits the bill perfectly. It has as the classic steel frame feel that minumises the road vibration without too much lateral flex.
The frame is a bit heavy compared to modern racing bikes, but what you get is somthing that will last years of abuse and take plenty of weight if touring.
The paintjob is great and the black colour looks pretty cool, however the face of the headtube and bottom bracket coluld be a bit better finished (not really an issue if you intend to get a bike shop to face them for you).
Be aware that Surly top tubes are relatively long so shorter stems may be the order of the day.
I love this frame and would recommend it to anyone. In 20 years of cycling and upwards of 10 bikes (racing/ touring/ mountain) some custom built frames, and over 100,000 miles, hand on heart I can say this is the sweetest ride I've owned."

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Review 20 for Surly Cross Check Frameset 2011

Overall:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Quality:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Value:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Performance:

Avg 4 / 5 from

Tossini883

Date:June 14, 2009

You can make anything you want

Pros: Adjustable

"This frame has a wide range of choice. I made a raundner and it was very fine. I don't like canti type brake, so I put a V-Brake and MTB cassette.
You can choose anything you want.
And not so expensive."

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