For a budget price, the Nashbar CX bike is hard to beat as it comes equipped with Shimano 105 components. They often put their bikes on sale as well. For a little more money, get your bike shop to build up a Soma Doublecross, Saga or ES, Surly Crosscheck, All City Macho Man or Nature Boy. Salsa Vaya another great option and would probably be my pick or the Soma Saga, as both could be used for touring as well. I've got two cross bikes, a Gunnar Crosshairs and Ritchey Breakaway Cross, but they would cost more than any of the above. I bought both the Gunnar and Ritchey used for a fraction of retail cost.