My girlfriend bought me a Surly Cross Check--How will it fit?

Triathlon Forum
1

Hey everyone-

I’m giving up my job and potentially switching careers to follow my girlfriend to her dream job. Today she surprised me with the news that she’d bought me a Surly Cross Check, the bike that’s been my “next bike” for quite a while.

The catch… it’s a 58cm bike. I’m 6’4". Is it going to fit or should I thank her for the thought and tell her that we should return it as it’s not the best ride for me? I don’t like the idea of looking a pretty sweet gift horse in the mouth.

I know, I know, I’m going to go to the shop and get myself on it and then decide, but I’d be interested in hearing your guesses. I ride a 59cm Bianchi San Remo just fine, for what that’s worth.

Thanks.

2

Saddle setback and top tube length are the main items to look at. How does the top tube length and seat post angle compare to your current bike?

Its pretty easy to lengthen a cockpit a few cm with different components. For Example an FSA K-Wing bar has 1.5cm more reach than a Bontrager XXX Carbon. Not to mention stem length. Then you can get a seat post with 0-3.5cm setback.

Seat height is easy to match. Give the thing a chance.

3

If you’re a bit long legged, you should be okay…but my gut is telling me that you need a 60cm. Generally speaking, 2cm down from standard seems to work the best, but in Surly’s case, the TT don’t increase as a % of the seat tube.

Also, perhaps not the best idea to run longer than a 120 stem as you’ll want the quick response of a shorter stem.

Good luck, nice present. congrats.

4

Thanks for the advice, guys. I’m trying not to get my hopes up too high in case it doesn’t fit, but your suggestions make it seem like I can spec it out to make it work… fingers crossed.

5

You generally want a smaller cross than road bike. (ie if you ride a 60cm on the road downsize to a 58 or even 56 for cross; you generally are more concerned about handling than aero).

You can always ship the 58 to me if you decide you don’t want it; PM me for address.

6

Sorry I can’t comment on the fit, but that’s a sweet bike for what it was designed to be. Just cuious, will it come with the bar end shifters or are you getting STI?