Originally Posted by
jefferee
A lot of CX bikes make nice commuters, but I'm not sold on those paired-spoke wheels or a 10-speed drivetrain on a bike you're planning on riding in the salt and slush. Salt and grit wear out things in a hurry, and 10-speed components are expensive.
+1
I was considering a cross bike, but ended up with a cross-like (i.e. similar geometry, etc) bike with an internally geared hub and belt drive (I converted a 2010 Norco Vesta to Alfine). I like it. Alot. I have a similar gear range as a compact double road bike (29-91 gear inches) - I lose the top 2-3 gears, which I couldn't care less about (I can spin up to 30mph on hills and coast if gravity pulls me faster - if I wanted to spin to 40mph I'd get a racing bike). I run 32mm slicks in fair weather and have installed 35mm cyclocross tires for winter muck.
In the price range you're looking at, consider the Civia Bryant.
http://civiacycles.com/bikes/bryant/bryant_belt_alfine/
In the standard cyclocross genre, you can't go wrong with the Surly Crosscheck - either as a bike or as a frame for your own custom build - (which you could build with an IGH if you wanted).
The Soma Double Cross is pretty cool too
http://www.somafab.com/frames.html as is the Vassago Fisticuff
http://www.vassagocycles.com/fisticuff
For bang 4 buck, check out the options at bikesdirect.com.
I've commuted on mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids and my current "cx-like" bike, and my current bike is my favorite thus far. I encounter hills, lots of weather, and my commute has averaged 10-15 miles each way. I enjoy the speed of a road-type bike, the comfort of 32mm tires, the sturdiness of a good frame, and the utility to accommodate fenders and a rack.
I do know that there are a number of flat-bar bikes that offer many of these traits, and are also good options, such as the Swobo Baxter, Trex Fx series, etc.