I posted this thread a few months ago https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/266131-classic-1st-post-bike-question.html and have come to a decision between the cross check and the pacer, but I'm stuck with what frame I want to build up.

Has anyone ridden each that could give some comparative information?

The assumed pros to the Pacer on my paved MUP commute is that it will be a bit faster and lighter than the CC. The negative is that it only allows for 28's and I don't know of any studded 28's. I'd most likely want the studs during the winter commutes.

Looking forward to getting the build started as I move on Wednesday and I want to start the commute in the next few weeks.

The Cross Check is definitely a more versatile bike in terms of set up options. The extra tire clearance is one reason I went with the Cross Check. I run 35mm Nokian 106 studs in the winter, and 25mm Ultra gatorskins the rest of the year. Also I run single speed, and the Cross Check has long semi horizontal drop outs and the Pacer has verticle drop-outs, which are not ideal for a SS/FG.

I'm pretty sure you're right, the Pacer may be a bit faster and lighter due to it's road geometry, but the Cross Check is no slouch, it's very a comfortable road bike and it's ability to be built in practically any configuration really apealled to me. I know that if I want to change stuff as the years go by, it'll be ready.

Oh man...hands down...go with the Surly.

Pacer's are ooogly.

Sounds like you should get the Crosscheck so as to make sure you can use the studded tires for winter. The weight difference is a moot point if you will be carrying cargo. They are both great frames.

Crosscheck 56cm = 4.88 lbs (2.2 kg)

Pacer 56cm = 4.45 lbs. (2.02 kg)

Difference of .35 lbs. Basically 1/3 of a pound.