Surly Cross Check Touring Rig

Click to view other photos

Frame / Size / Year:
2004 Surly Cross Check

Handlebars / Stem:
Ritchey Pro

Fork / Headset:
Cane Creek

Front Wheel / Hub / Rim / Tire:
Mavic A119 / XT / Continental Travel Contact

Rear Wheel / Hub / Rim / Tire:
Mavic A119 / XT / Continental Travel Contact

Crankset / Bottom Bracket:
XTR

Saddle / Seat Post:
Specialized Body Geometry Pro

Pedals / Chain:
Crank Bros Egg Beaters

Shifters / Derailers:
Dura Ace Bar Con Shifters / XT Front Derailleur / XTR Rear Derailleur

Brakes / Brake Levers:
Tektro Oryx

Gearing / Chainring / Misc.:
9 speed

Notes:

This is the setup I will be using during my short fall tour.

I have trimmed the fat off of the summer setup I rolled on by replacing the rear rack and panniers with the seat bag by Eric at Epic Designs. I also added two rear bottle mounts for extra capacity.

I am rolling with a smaller solo tent, smaller sleeping bag, and have added the small frame pack to carry things I use frequently.

I have been trying to keep it minimal lately, so this setup will allow me 4 or 5 days out only needing to stop for water refills and food supplies (depending on how much cooking I do). If I am out longer I will need a laundry facility and probably a new book (maybe stove fuel too).

People who friended this bike Mu_Empire, the fumingator

» login or register to post comments

Center of gravity

Submitted by Ruffinit on 10/09/2009.

I'm looking at your rig, nice setup btw.. And can't help but think that you are going to be disappointed in the handling characteristics. You usually want to have as much of your overall weight close to or below the hubs. By using a seatpack AND your frame pack instead of a rear rack and panniers, means you've just shifted your center of gravity much higher on the bike. If you do like the setup, then you'll have to pay close attention to what you put in your lowriders and what you put in the rest of the packs to keep the weight down low. Added to my cluster. Happy Trails!

» login or register to post comments

I'm incredibly interested in

Submitted by indiangiver on 10/08/2009.

I'm incredibly interested in touring, so do you have any tips for a beginner? Where do you tour?

» login or register to post comments

Re: Touring Advice

Submitted by xixiviii on 10/09/2009.

I generally have trouble getting off of work for long periods of time, so I have found a four day tour to be ideal.

Depending on your load and riding style, if you have at least four days, you could loop a tour from your front door 300+ miles and finish where you started, or you could (this is my preference) do 300+ miles ending somewhere that has an amtrak station (or something similar), and then cruise back on the train. A bike box can be bought at the station and the ride back is very roomy for sleeping/resting/reflecting.

» login or register to post comments

Online:

Surly Cross Check Touring Rig

Center of gravity

I'm incredibly interested in

Re: Touring Advice