Seriously guys I can't thank you enough for the help. Seriously awesome info and advice. The more I dig deeper into this stuff the more I realize how much I don't know yet. So great to have a site like this with members like you.

Anyways for the freewheel....since it's not a cassette and the spacer kits won't work, you're talking about a freewheel like this correct?

Obviously I've never done this before, but how does the freewheel stay in the place you want it to? I'm thinking I'll figure it out once I get there but wanted to ask first in case there was something I'm missing.

Unfortunately I left my rear derailleur at the shop but I'm going back today to talk to them about a possible refund so I'll see if they kept it around. If not I'll look into getting a cheaper tensioner. $50 for the Surly is a little steap.

Funny you said that about the chain becoming slack because I noticed last night when I was taking the wheel on and off, that the chain had become much less tight than when it came back from the shop. And that's only after a week of commuting. Couldn't imagine what it would be like in a few more.