I agree completely with dirtyphotons, if the primary use is an all arounder or commuter, with a bit
of racing thrown in, the Surly fits the bill nicely. The Redline makes a better race bike.
I kind of have the same situation, I have a 2001 Surly Crosscheck I use for commuting, and
all around, maybe small tour bike, and a 2000 Kona Jake the Snake for my trail/race bike. I
would liken the Kona more to the Redline.