I searched, but the search function um, well, sucks.

I need to build up a bike for commuting to school, to use as a rain bike on some training rides and essentially to do everything that my road bike and fixed gear can, or do not. Naturally, I thought Surly Cross Check.

I'm wondering if the bike a) can take standard road brakes (not long reach) and b) whether there would be any clearance for some type of fender running regular brakes and 700 x 25 tires.

I ask only as I have come into a complete group, and would rather use those brakes than find long reach ones if I can help it. I'd also prefer to say with road brakes over cantis etc.

Thanks all!