http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

Oh, girls.... sigh.

Remember how enthralled I was with the Jamis Aurora? The Surly Crosscheck has surpassed the Jamis.

Now, what I rode today was the "complete" bike, which comes as a package deal for a whole lot cheaper than doing a build-up. But it means you don't get a choice in components.
However, your LBS would probably be willing to switch out a few things.

When/if I get this gorgeous gloss black 52 cm beauty, I will have them switch the knobbies for 32mm reflective Vittoria Randonneurs, put on a taller stem, and drop the small ring from a 36t to a 34t. (and I'll add my fenders, rack, bell, lights, etc.

The Look: ooh, she's pretty! The paint is lovely, the black and silver chainrings are nice. Love the Surly logo, decals, and headbadge. The welds on the steel are smooth and nicely finished.

The Components: Ok, not top of the line here, but not total cr@p either. Mostly Shimano: Deore and Tiagra. Enough to get you started and upgrade when they wear out. The seat is narrow and sexy-looking, but not all that comfy. (I have a wide butt, and a black Brooks B67 that would look just fiiiiine on the Surly.) The Salsa Bell Lap bar looked crazy-wide to me, but after riding I found I really liked the flare in the drops. The bar end shifters can be switched from index to friction, so if you do upgrade there is no issue with compatiblity. No fear. I really liked the bar-end shifters. A lot. A lot a lot a lot. (did I mention I like the bar end shifters?) I really liked having brake levers that are JUST brake levers. And I really liked the nice narrow hoods on the brake levers. Very comfy.

The Price: Component collection kept it down to $930 for the one at my LBS. They'll give me a very nice trade-in on my Kona Dew, which just makes the whole thing more tempting. Plus I get a Team Survivor discount, which makes it even MORE tempting!

The Ride: This is what made me swoon, and has me searching for change in the sofa cushions and swearing off beer to save money. It was love. Even with the bars a bit lower than the saddle (I would want them up about an inch) it felt like it was made for me. I didn't have to think, I didn't have to "get used" to it, it was instantly made for me. Even without the bars higher, I could still play piano on the flats and ride one handed/no handed. Cyclocross geometry seems to suit me anyway, but this bike was just sensual in it's instant fit.