I have a surly that I use as road bike as well as road bike. I love it but then only thing that I regret is that the gearing on my bike is more 'cross oriented than road and I am lacking of gear when I go hard with my friend... on the other hand, a 46-36& 12-26 is great for climbing.
I'd make a vey good touring bike... as you'd be able to climb anything...
-- fabien