I am looking to buy a nice steel bike to use primarily as a commuter with a light rear rack. My commute is 15 miles each way on pretty smooth roads and bike paths. I currently use my Cannandale Caad 9 and a backback, but want to something with a less aggressive position, softer ride, and panniers. (I have a mountain bike for trails, and an old beater bike for locking up in the city, and don't plan on any touring, so the next bike will be a dedicated commuter and winter bike).

I had my sights set on the Surly Cross Check which had many rave reviews and was about to pull the trigger, but then came across some info on the Rivendale Sam Hilborne. I can get the CC for about 1000, and the Sam Hilborne for 2000. I like the idea of a bike that is a little different from everyone else's but not sure whether the Sam Hilborne is worth another grand.

Any Sam Hilborne or CC owners care to give me their thoughts?

Also, both bikes come with bar end shifters with the cables looping out the middle of the handlebars. I like a nice clean look and would rather the cables be totally wrapped along the handlebars, but I heard that this effects the performance of the shifting. Any thoughts on hiding the cables or switching to downtube shifters.

thanks