I've never noticed my Cross Check to be heavy. It's certainly not appreciably heavier than my Waterford X-12 or my Giant RS940.
(it is quite a bit lighter than my Kona Smoke, but that's comparing apples and oranges)
My Cross Check is my commuter. My commute is 42 miles, and while I've wished for many things on that commute, a lighter bike isn't one of them!
If the Cross Check doesn't feel right, try the Soma Double Cross and the Jamis Aurora. Lots of people on here like the Aurora, and I came close to buying one myself.
"If Americans want to live the American Dream, they should go to Denmark." - Richard Wilkinson