I have never ridden a Cross Check so I don't know for sure but I think the Masi is more like the LHT from Surly. There is another thread on here comparing the LHT with the CC and the consensus is the CC has a livelier feel. The CC may be a better bike for you but it will cost more than the Masi and it uses cantilever or V brakes rather than caliper brakes. Another thing is the CC may have a higher bottom bracket, which I dislike. But this is a personal pet peeve of mine, I am very particular about the height of the bottom bracket on bikes.