Today I paid a visit to Pacific Coast Cycles up in Oceanside to check out the Surly Cross Check. It was originally just going to be a fitting and a glance over the geometry chart, but then something fantastic happened. A 56cm Cross Check, powder coated bright orange. A near perfect fit. Only problem was, it wasn't completely built up, and so I couldn't ride it around the lot. Chuck, the owner and an absolutely awesome guy, had to put the build on the back burner to work on another bike, but he says he's going to make it his priority this weekend to get it all set for me to ride early next week.
I have to say, this is pretty amazing. I'm really psyched. I was hesitant about the 56cm'er, mostly because of the whole steel-to-groin issue, but it fit with room to spare. So. Exciting. I might have a new bike by this time next week.