Debating my next build. I love my new Raleigh RX and it didn't flinch once in 200 miles at DK this last weekend. But I think I want something with more tire clearance. Basically I want a Crosscheck with a replaceable d-hanger. No disk brakes. Would be nice to have the rack/fender mounts to double as my touring rig as well.
So what is wrong with the Cross Check? Canti brakes, rack and fender mounts 45mm+ tire clearance, sound like it hits all your requirements. Black Mountain MonsterCross may be a different option.
My two turn-offs about the crosscheck are the non-replaceable derailleur hanger and the cable routing under the top tube. If it wasn't for those two details I would own one already.
Just wondering if there is something out there without going full custom.
I am running canti's on my rig and love them. I find them more user friendly even thought my bike will take disc but I may be old school. I run Cane Creek SCX-5's and can get a 45 in there.
The Black Mountain has top of top tube cable routing, but not the replaceable derailleur hanger. All City Space Horse has internal cable routing, but again, no replaceable hanger.
The cross check cable routing for the rear brake is on top of the top tube, the routing for the deraillers goes down the down tube like most road bikes. Yes the cable hanger is not replaceable, but most steel bikes have non replaceable hangers. The cross check is a great bike if it fits you and your OK with the fairly short head tube..and a little extra weight, which is most peoples main concern with it, and many photos out there with cross checks with big rise stems ontop of a big stack of spacers. The black mountain cycles bike and the All City offerings...Space horse, or the canti model cross bike, are other good choices, if your not wanting to spend more money for something like a Gunner, or a custom steel frame.
