A steel fork with a carbon fork is a good combo. You save some weight and it tends to make for a comfortable ride. If you like this idea, I'd check out what Soma has to offer as it sells a few different steel racing frames. You can also get a soma with a steel fork. Good choice and a good alternative to surly. Also soma uses what I think is a little nicer steel, tange prestige tubing, than the 4130 found on the surly. Both are fine bikes and the ability to mount fenders and a fat tire is a plus if you are looking for a comfortable road bike.