Originally Posted by
late
Not to be a pain, but I think the best frame Surly makes is the Pacer. It would make a good commuter, and isn't a tank when you just go for a ride.
If you don't mind carrying your stuff in a backpack or courier bag, since there's no rack brazes on the Pacer.
The Cross Check is only 0.5 pounds heavier for the frame and fork, has rack and fender brazes (in back; fender only up front), and clears much wider tires. (The Pacer can only take 32mm without and 28mm tires w/ fenders, so no studs in the winter.)