I like my Surly's but yeah they're nothing 'special'. Just decent made frames designed for versatility which is something I can appreciate. They overlap a fair few riding cultures. I think their stuff is too expensive as well.Surly are great but their handlebars weigh near a KG, so they are aren't weight wieners.
I do love their trailers and the bikes are indestructible.
Too bad they are so expensive, with all their stuff.