Well, I did the Surly thing but purchased the Long Haul Trucker (42cm) instead of the Crosscheck. I wanted a bike that I could ride on dirt roads and flat single track as well as pavement. This bike will do that. And for a short woman, it looks like the fit will be much more comfortable. I am not crazy about the smaller 26" wheels but it does make the smaller bikes a much better fit and more stable.

Thanks everyone for the help. I will introduce myself in the introduce yourself thread and stay around awhile.

-Sue