This is now about 4 weeks late, but who cares. I bought a bike with a Surly Cross Check frame from Pacific Coast Bicycles up in Oceanside. The shop is great, the owner, Chuck, is great, and the bike is amazing. It's so much more comfortable than the old Giant thats it's actually kind of ridiculous. My back feels great, my knees feel much better (albeit still a little sore after a long day of riding), the ride is more solid, and it's actually easier, this despite the bike being noticeably heavier.
Seeing as Chuck painted the bike a bright orange, and seeing as it's big and gangly, I've decided to name it Jack, as in Jack Skellington. Pic up soon.