I also looked at them. I like their style.
When I brought them up with a few different dealers they VERY STRONGLY recommened a Soma instead (somafab.com). For the extra $50, you get better tubing (Reynolds 631 in the front triangle). According to one local Surly/Soma dealer, the Surlys are basically plumbers pipes. I made the leap to Soma and as soon as I get mine, I'll be happy to let you know how it rides, etc.