Originally Posted by
martianone
+1 for the CrossCheck,
get a frame and work with your LBS to build it up with the basic components you need/want-
$$$ will work out to about $1200-1300.
I'd also take a look at the Soma double-cross. The frame is very similar to the cross-check, but it has more of a loaded touring component package (triple front chain ring, super-beefy tires, etc).
It's basically like the cross-check, but with a nicer component package.