I don't like disc brakes, traditionalist and they are illegal in cross and road. I just don't get the disc thing really but that is off subject.

I just got a new Cross Check and love it. I got a prebuilt and like the component selections but I will upgrade the crank eventually to a Shimano compact with a 170mm length. The prebuilt comes with a 175mm crank. I already have three project bikes, needed something to ride now and it is a very nice build.

The Cross Check is a cyclocross bike but realizing it may not be competitive beyond beginner or intermediate levels due to it's 23 to 25.5 pound weight. Nonetheless it is a very nimble machine and sits more aggressive than some might think. What I mean is that it has a high bottom bracket, long top tube and low head tube. This naturally puts the bars down well below the saddle height more to a "racer" position than a "tourer" position. I notice that the Vaya clearly has a very high head tube which will produce a much more upright seating position without having to add spacers or different stems etc.

The Cross Check comes with the fork steering tube uncut and I left mine very long so that I can raise the bar way high or way low or between. My Cross Check has the saddle about four inches higher than the bar tops with the bars at my middle position. There is no way I could have the bars even with or higher than my saddle even if I wanted to and I don't. The riding position, is, however, much more upright than my classic Italian racers.

BTW, I ride a 56 Pinarello racer and I got a 54 Cross Check, the top tubes are the same length and the bikes fit and feel much the same, of course, as I said, the Cross Check is not as "racer-ish" and sits me a little more upright.

If you want a vertical or upright riding position get either a Surly Long Haul Trucker or the Vaya.