First post here so a quick Hi all. Now on to what we all want to hear about, bikes. I am about to plunk down a few bucks to replace my old MTB which, while cheap, got me around on street and trail for many years. Through reading the forums and talking to shop techs I have narrowed down my selection to the Surly Pacer or Cross Check. The question is which one and how to build it? This is my first foray into the more serious side of cycling and I would really like to hear advice and antedotes from those who have already been here. A few details about where I am and what I plan on doing with this bike:

- I live in the Great Northwest (read rainy)
- No car, no plans on having one. I walk, bike, or bus everywhere (And I don't really like the bus)
- While 80% of this bike's use would be commuting, with a good bike I would feel like some light touring would be in order
- It'll be a workhorse, but wouldn't it be nice to have a quick, agile workhorse?
- My build is tall and thin, if that makes an impact on frame choice (I mean aside from sizing)

One shop I've been to suggests a Pacer with a Shimano 105 groupo, another the Cross Check (actually the Soma Double Cross, but I dig the cross check more) with a mostly 105 groupo but taking the hubs from one of Shimano's mountain lines. Do I need trail gear on the cross check if thats what I go with? Thanks in advance, especially since I know that the "What bike?" horse gets beat often around here.

- rainy