Save your money and get a Surly Seriously I had a diamondback that was a victim of a lot of upgrading. The two things that helped make it a speedy commuter was a rigid fork and good slicks. http://www.schwalbetires.com/node/37 These tires are not cheap but they are quick and very comfortable. After I assembled the perfect match of components I ended up buying A Surly LHT frame and switching everything over. I started doing my own mech work so I saved a couple of bucks there. I could have done it cheaper if I bought a complete LHT but I do have the bike that I want. A cyclocross bike is an excellent choice and the Crosscheck is a really great bike. Do yuorself a favor and drink the Surly Kool Aid