You're in the market for the same thing I was after until yesterday. Just bought a Jamis Bossanova.
I looked at the Cannondale CAADX and the Specliazed Tricross. Rode them both. They're quick and pretty and all that. Looked at several others such as the Spot Brand Ajax and Jamis Nova. All of them are aluminum bikes.
Then I got reacquainted with steel. Hadn't ridden steel in a long time. Aaaahhhh. Nice. And plenty light. For me, it came down to two bikes - the Bossanova or the Salsa Vaya. The Bossanova was better priced and had a little shorter wheelbase which meant quicker handling more like a cross bike when I want to get around but still long enough to be stable when I'm going long.
And I like bossa nova music. Inspiring.