I got one last December, it was my first real bike purchase since dropping $450 on my Trek 820 in 1994 in middle school. I got it because I want a bike that was versatile enough to be both a good recreational and event bike, and well as a touring bike. Yes, it's heavy. I've been trying to take off weight where I can. But I've done some light trails on it, and I've recently just swapped out the 32s that came on it for some slicker 28s. It rides quite nicely. I love the simplicity of the bar end shifters though sometimes wish I had brifters. I've swapped the handlebars and stem to suit me more as well.

Personally I love the classic road bike style it has. Level top tube, narrow tubed frame, clean lines. That was also a factor in my purchase. Would I also love an n+1 carbon bike for t-shirt rides and other events? Yes, and I probably will have one eventually. But for now the Cross-Check is a great highly customizable do everything bike. I'll probably get some 34s soon for touring and for some trail riding.

Oh I also love that Surly's color schemes are simple and clean. It doesn't look like a rolling billboard with whacky blending of color lines or whatever.

I think its it's a great starter bike for people looking ride in many different styles or situations. It's reliable and comes with decent components to start with.