So, as I alluded to in previous posts, I decided to gear up the Cross Check. Things didn't work out as I had hoped with the Long Haul Trucker, so once that bike was sold, I was left without a fendered, geared workhorse. Then there's the trans-Iowa trip that I've (possibly stupidly) committed to, thus adding gears to the versatile Cross Check seemed the prudent option-- although I tried very hard to talk myself into a new bike.
Pre-gears:
And post-gears:
A few of the deets, for those who are interested:
Sugino 34t 110mm MTB Chainring
Sugino Sugino Chainring 46t
Nitto Classic 40cm 25.4mm Silver Road bar - Model #115
Shimano Cassette HG50 11-34 Mega Range 9spd
Shimano Tiagra Front Derailleur
Shimano Derailleur Deore SGS Rear Long Cage Silver 9spd
Mavic Rim A 319 32h Silver
Shimano Hub 105 5700 R 32h 8/9/10sp Hub QR Silver
I wanted a low to mid-range build, as I knew this could easily break the bank. I told Phillip at Salvagetti what I was looking to do, and he gave me some options to choose from. These components should serve me well, and there's always the possibility of upgrading.
I also wanted to re-use the Sugino crank from the original build. The crankarms are 165mm, which has helped me avoid the dreaded TCO (toe clip overlap) that is prevalent on Cross Checks. Plus it's a cool crank. However, this move locked me into a double chainring up front, which I may come to regret as I start to do some touring. Phillip took this into consideration and made sure that the front chainring/rear cassette combo will give me decent range.
I also pulled the Suntour barend shifters from the 1976 Raleigh Supercourse that's sitting forlornly in the basement. I either need to sell it or turn it into a refurb project. It's such a cool bike and rides like a dream--if I'm not going to enjoy it, someone sure should. But I digress.
So, now the only thing standing between this bike and sheer perfection is the addition of a
small front rack and a
basket. I want one of these:
Note how the rack attaches to the hole in the fork crown. This rack is specifically designed for bikes with cantilever brakes. Then I took a look and it appears as though I have a situation of sorts that could prevent its use on my bike. Check out the brake cable/fork crown interface:
Pretty much right in the way. And I don't know enough about brakes to know if this would require a whole new front brake (Avid Shortys, which could be the problem) or if there's a work-around. Bending the rack at such a steep angle doesn't seem viable, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyone, anyone?
Then I'm thinking, "No problem, there has to be another rack solution out there somewhere." I was quite dismayed to find that Cross Check front forks only have one set of mounts (for fenders). What the hell, I never noticed that. I'd prefer to avoid using p-clamps for aesthetic reasons--I'm sure no one will be surprised to hear that--but I will do it if there are no other solutions for a small front rack. I'm happy to entertain suggestions, I am all ears.
Other than the front rack quibble, I am thrilled with the bike. The project took WAY longer than it should have for reasons I will not get into here, but all is forgiven and the bike is a joy to ride. I did end up switching out the handlebars, as I wanted drops for longer-distance riding. The
Soma Sparrows will move over to the Steamroller at some point, yet another project for another day. The Nitto 115's are great, and the 40cm width is the bee's knees for me. I am loving the narrower bars. It seems like I keep seeing wide bars (drops, anyway, I'm not referring to upright styles here) and it just doesn't suit me. Of course, I think the stock bars are put on with men in mind, who have broader shoulders. I did a random measure of the other drop bars I have and I will probably end up switching out the bars on the Rambouillet for a narrower set and I suspect that my comfort issues will be much improved.
I look forward to many happy miles on this bike. xoxo Cross Check
