@Atlas, yes well it's good to hear about all Cross Check and Surly love on this forum. I fretted so much about it being a 9 speed, and having to learn bar end shifters, and it not having Shimano 105, etc. Honestly, though, and I'm not sure why, I felt the shifting on the CC was tighter, smoother, something...I'm not sure what vs the Kona that I rode that had Shimano STI shifters with 105 everything and an Ultegra rear derailleur. I really like the CC, especially now that I've test ridden it with the risers higher up on the steer tube.
Is your steer tube cut down? I imagine that as I ride it and time will tell, I may want them to either cut down the steer tube a bit or something. I have decided not to remove any stickers right away. I'll be too busy practicing how to ride on a drop bar bike and shifting gears to be fussing with sticker removal! I want to get some miles and practice in before the rain comes.
Do you have the original saddle that comes with it? It's a WTB SST and they've gotten decent reviews, although I realize that saddles are highly individual. What have you done to yours regarding accessories or changes? Do you ride it in hilly areas? I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get up the hills I do on occasion around here. I'll be losing some of my lower gears as compared to my current bike, but I don't use them anyway, so it doesn't matter.