As always, it depends.

When you hear that the Cross Check is heavy, the first thing you should ask is "compared to what?" Is the Cross Check heavy compared to a $3000 carbon fiber road bike? Absolutely, it's a pig. Is the Cross Check heavy compared to other $1000 entry level cyclocross bikes? Not really. It might be a pound or so over average. Is the Cross Check heavy compared to a typical hybrid/commuter style bike? Not at all. It's probably even a little lighter.

So what do you want to do with it? What kind of riding style are you looking for?

The biggest strength of the Cross Check is that it can do nearly anything. It is, however, distinctly better for some things than for others.

The chain stays aren't particularly short, but they aren't like the chainstays on a touring bike. If you have big feet and plan to use a pannier, it could be an issue. I wear size 43 shoes and never have a problem with it.

My biggest complaint about the Cross Check is that I don't like the geometry. It pairs a relatively long top tube with a relatively short head tube. If you want an agressive, stretched out riding position, then the Cross Check is great. If you want something more upright, you'll end up with a big stack of spacers and/or a rising stem. Most Cross Check owners (myself included) seem to be in the latter category.

Alternatives depend on your budget. The Handsome Devil is very similar but with a taller head tube. The Soma Double Cross is a nice alternative. So is the Salsa Vaya. My personal favorite in this area is the Kona Jake.