Me:
Inseam 33.5 in = 85.09 cm
Trunk 25.5 in = 64.77 cm
Forearm 12 in = 30.48 cm
Arm 25.5 in = 64.77 cm
Thigh 22.5 in = 57.15 cm
Lower Leg 22 in = 55.88 cm
Sternal Notch 57 in = 144.78 cm
Total Body Height 69.5 in = 176.53 cm

However, what did the Competitive Cyclist recommend for you in the 3 different types of fit? The biggest it recommended for me was a 55 top tube, but the drop it recommended is more achievable with, say, a 14.5 cm Head Tube. Therein lies the rub...my 56 Cross Check has a 57cm Top Tube and a 12.1cm Head Tube!

So, I'm 2 cm too long in reach, and 2 cm too much drop!

I finally decided on a Performance Scattante XRL Cross. I don't know if they're available in London at all, but they're nice. They're aluminum, but come with a carbon fork and an integrated headset, not to mention eyelets and rack braze ons on the rear. Vertical dropouts, so I'll be riding SS this winter with a tensioner, but it does have canti posts which was my other requirement.

I was tempted by the Masi Speciale CX, too. If I hadn't found such a steal on the Scattante I would be getting fit for a Masi right now. IMHO they're nicer bikes than the Surlys. The Surly has more of a "built-for-utility" look to it, but the feel of the Scattante is just as useful as the Cross Check.

Don't get me wrong, I think Surly makes an awesome product, but I feel there's a sub-culture of cyclists that have been won over by the marketing hype. Just listen to the name, "Surly," and it conjures up badass images. Masi makes you think of shaved legs and cycling caps with the bills turned up. Paint them both black and ride them side by side and you're bound to like the Masi more. It's just a nicer bike.

Also, I think even the Soma is a bit more accomodating. But, be careful, it's all about the TT and the HT combo. For a guy your height I'd probably say 57cm TT and 15.5cm HT. Soma can't give you that, but it can come close. It gives you a 57.6 cm TT with a 13.5cm HT. You can spacer the height of the bars, and use a 90 or 100mm stem for the reach without being out of whack.

Bottom line, you have a long torso. Your height seems to be there, which, honestly works well with the Surly. I'd be inclined towards a 58 with your height and reach, but it does make for a tad longer reach. IMHO most guys about 5'11" or 6' would be happy on a 56 Cross Check. Most guys that size have the same inseam as me, but longer torso by 1-3 inches and longer arms. Problem with short arms is that a long TT is bad, but a shorter TT means lower HT, too. So, while you improve reach you exacerbate drop.

Other bike that woulda worked was the Pake C'Mute. It has an absurdly long HT for the TT, but it's a heavy, purpose built bike that while great for utility cycling it wouldn't have done the rec-riding like I wanted.

So, I went for a light alu 'cross bike with everything I want!

Good luck, my friend, I feel your pain...just keep analyzing,a nd check out www.bikeforest.com for the free bikeCAD applet to do comparisons. Do some test rides, use that geometry to pit the bike you tested against the geometry of others to determine if it would improve or worsen issues you noticed.