Maiden Voyage

You may recall that I purchased Doug's old Cross Check frame a few months ago and started to build a commuter bike with it. Well, winter riding was a bit more high maintenance than I had given it credit for and most of my wrenching time went to keeping all my other bikes together and running. There wasn't time to give attention to a hobby bike.

Last night I finished the first phase of the build and took it for a ride today. It's currently got a 1x8 drivetrain only because I didn't have a front derailleur that worked. But after riding it this morning, I like the idea of the simplicity.

I've almost decided to move the Jones H-Bars over to the Xtracycle and swap the Nitto North Roads over to this set-up. This bike will see a lot of use commuting and will also be ridden by my lovely wife. I think the Nittos will be a better application for them. Plus, I'm really toying with the idea of making the Xtracycle my "primary" bike. The H-Bars would give it a few more hand positions for longer rides.

Today's ride felt great and I'm excited to have another Cross Check in the garage as a commuter. It'll be a fun bike.

Get out there.