@Knottedyet, yes on the Surly website under "blog" if you look to the right at the bottom it will say "Removing and applying decals on our frames" and will explain why they don't clear coat. They suggest using a credit card or a plastic spoon to "flake the decals off", then using adhesive remover to remove any remaining adhesive. I might just try to soften them with a hair dryer then use something called a fingernail to gently pull it off.

So Citybikes celebrated it's 21st anniversary with a block party (still happening right now). I went in and added things to the order: white cable housing which will cost about $10 or so. Also a stainless silver seatpost clamp which surly lists under build specs, but shows as black on the bike. I test rode a bike with a Brooks B17 seat which felt relatively fine (I know there are many long posts on her which I plan to read). I also looked at VO metal fenders, Carradice seat bags and bells which fit on the steer tube spacers.

I pick up the bike after the 17th, so I'll have time to think about things. One thing is that if I buy a different seat the day I pick up the bike I'll get an $18 credit toward something else (maybe I'd use it for a Brooks).