@
BensonFlyer Thanks for your feedback. Great looking bike!
Today my wife and I test rode the Space Horse, Straggler (no Cross Checks in stock) and the basic Crossrip. Here are my impressions...
Space Horse: Awesome ride and positive shifting. Even with the stock 35c tires, it felt very responsive. Literally the only downside I could see was the price. Especially since we will be buying two bikes. Price $1,499.00
Straggler: Seemed to only be a slight downgrade from the Space Horse, if one would even want to call it a "down grade". Great bike with a comfortable ride. Brifters worked well. 41c tires were interesting. Cross Check is definitely on my short list. Especially with Surly's $150.00 off promotion through April. I had ridden a CC previously and like the bar end shifters. Price for CC with promotion: $1,100.00.
Crossrip: This bike had a nice ride and I found it to be responsive. My major complaint was the shifting. The Claris components just felt awkward. While it was a nice price point, it wasn't worth the expenditure when my 7.2 FX shifts more positively and reliably. Nice bike, but not what I want. This bike gave my wife fits regarding the shifting. Price: $989.00
I guess now it comes down to pricing. I think I will see what my LBS can do. Between the CC and SH, I don'y think we could go wrong.