I posted a few weeks ago about wavering between a 54 or a 52 cm frame for a cross check, and I finally ordered a 52 (glad I did, it fits perfectly). I built it up last night and rode around on it all day dialing everything in, and I see now why it has something of a cult following. It's fantastic.
Current build, Easton EA90 SLX clincher wheels, Ritchey 32mm tires, Ultegra 6700 road group. I think over time I will end up with an XT long cage RD and 10 speed mtb cassette that will work with the 10 speed road shifters, but so far it did great on fire roads. Climbed like a mountain goat on meth, fast and responsive on the road.
I took it home, threw a rear rack on it, with two heavily loaded panniers and took it out again, and it still felt light and agile.
I am not such a big fan of the funky rear dropouts, but I understand the point of them, Surly markets this frame as a DIY do anything with it kind of frame and they want to offer versatility.
After riding it around today, I can easily see it becoming my favorite bike out of the 4 I have.