I bought a Crosscheck and have never regretted it. I'd like to have a Pacer as well. But if you can only have one bike I'd go with a cross frame. You're Pacer will forever have road wheels and gearing. I have run my Crosscheck with an internally geared hub, a single speed hub, presently with a single speed rear hub and double chainrings up front. I am considering a single ring up front with two rear wheels to swap out, depending on my mood - a single and a seven speed cassette with quick release derailleur. The Crosscheck's rear hub spacing and semi-horizontal dropouts give it more versatility than anything else. Something to consider if you fancy yourself a tinkerer.

DanO