Cyclocross - Opinions/Help wanted

I'm interested in getting a cross bike and I'd really appreciate some opinions on the following.

Plan A:
I'm lusting after the Sycip Crossdresser and the Serotta Fierte Cross. Naturally, I don't have tons of money (ie, I'm selling my recent road bike to fund it...). Get one of these and go for a modest setup?

Plan B:
Surly Crosscheck and upgrade to better stuff than comes on some complete bikes I've seen? (ie Tiagra to XT or 105)

I know there's no "right answer" here, just looking for some honest opinions.

Oh, I probably won't be racing, but I do anticipate some hard riding once I get my out of shape ass in gear!

As always, thanks everyone!

Surly CrossCheck is nice and solid if a bit heavy than the CrossDresser, has 631 Tubing instead of 853, and is $390 instead of $1275. My Bianchi Strada has 520 tubing and is still a very nice ride because I put decent components on it. Ultegra STI, XT rr and 105 ft derailers, DuraAce BB, etc... (see here for more details http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=359110#post359110).
A $1200 frame with Sora/Tiagra won't work as nicely.

Have you considered the SOMA Double Cross? Local company and same price range as Surly. http://store.yahoo.com/momovelo/sofa.html

I would (and did) go with the less expensive frame and nice parts.

I was trying to decide between a modest build on a nice frame or, a nice build on a modest frame. I went with the latter. I built up a Surly Cross Check frame with King hubs and headset, Thomson post, Salsa stem, bar and skewers, XTR rear, 105 front, barcons, etc. I love the bike. The Surly frame is heavy, but it rides really nice and is an incredibly versatile frame allowing you to set it up however you want. I'm glad with the decisions I made and would do the same thing all over again.

Thanks everyone for the thoughts.

Any pictures of the built-up Surly? I'd be curious to see it.

Here ya go. I just got me new light in the other day so I have it mounted to the handlebar right now.

[QUOTE=Mister_Salty]Oh, I probably won't be racing, but I do anticipate some hard riding once I get my out of shape ass in gear!
QUOTE]

That's what I said when I bought my cross bike and I've done five races this year. You should really give it a try. It's a ton of fun.

-s

Thanks for the photo--your rig looks awesome!

The races I've seen look like tons of fun--maybe when I've built up to it!

One last one:

Anybody have any thoughts on the Salsa Las Cruces?