I just will never use rim brakes again so, as I've got this thing for one bike doing everything (yeah....right), I was trying to find the most versatile compromise. I had a Condor Cycles cyclocross with discbrakes built but it got stolen. So in the process of looking for a replacement, and with the added opportunity to persuade/convert/push others, I (and everyone that contributed) compiled that list.

I find that fairly "fast" lean to steer geometry of cyclocross bikes, i.e., not laid back touring turn to steer, will handle most situaions well, i.e., commuting in London traffic, road training and racing, cyclocross, light off road, touring, etc. The level/quality of the components just dictates how often the bike will need looking after/servicing. Generally, as long as the components are around Campagnolo Centaur/Veloce or Shamino Ultegra/105 (I don't know enough about SRAM to pass judgement) then it's a nice balance between expense and performance.

Apart from that ALWAYS get the wheels either fully rebuilt in a good LBS or at least re-tensioned by a wheel builder before you ride them for the first time. I prefer aluminium frames only because of the winter grit/salt and wet, i.e., rust. The caveat is all the Al bikes I've used were always harsher/stiffer than the steel ones.

I've got an insurance replacement being made by Condor which should be almost identical (slightly faster geometry and water bottle bosses) to the bike that got stolen so, at least in my my opinion, CX disc brake is the way to go. Now if they could just get rid of derailleurs too.

Hope the verbiage helped. It comes down to the individual though just like saddles (rolls and turbos are bricks) so get out there and test ride as many as you can.