From everything I've read and tried I need a 50cm cross check. Apparently I like short top tubes of around 21 inches or 53.3cm if I converted that properly. Although my inseam for cycling is 32 inches.
I ride a 52cm LHT, a 52 cm Pacer, I would fit a 50 cm CC. They have long top tubes. You made the right choice, even the 50 had a top tube longer than than what you like.
Either frame is going to fit you fine. According to the Surly website, the 50 has a 541.8mm ETT and the 52 has a 547.1mm ETT. That's less than 1 cm of difference. You can easily obtain your optimal reach by increasing or decreasing your stem length. Standover is 30.3" on the 52 and 30.6" on the 52. Again, not a big difference. Hardly noticable.
Personally, I'm more in line with the "get the biggest frame that fits" school of thought. Gets your handlebars up higher. Gives you a nice esthetic "fistful" of seatpost. Less toe overlap. But, I know some people prefer a slightly smaller frame, particularly for racing or offroad riding. So its really up to you.
FWIW, I debated the 54 and 56 CC's years ago and bought a 56. After a couple years I sold it because I could never get really comfortable on it. I've since ridden a 54 and it fits perfect out of the box. If you are debating, you should find a shop that has both and test ride. If you're taking the risk in e-choosing, err on the small side. Disclaimer: This advice only pertains to the Cross Check, as it fits differently than many other bikes.
Both the 50 and 52cm bikes have 91mm head tubes so the only gained by going to the 52 is a longer top tube.
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