The cyclocross is a good choice.
I'd been looking at getting a road bike after riding a cheapie mountain bike for years (including from Surrey to Seattle), but decided against it due to lack of braze-ons for a rack.
That pretty much left me with the choice of a touring bike or cyclocross. I found the cyclocross just that bit more versatile (I have no hesitation cutting through a park or on gravel/peat trails) and was able to get one new for much cheaper than the lowest entry-level touring bikes (which all seem to start around $1400).
Riding is so much more pleasurable than driving or taking transit, and it's one of the easiest ways to get fit.
Plus I like racing other commuters to work in the morning. It's more of a wake up than a cup of coffee.
2010 Masi Speciale CX
Cromoly frame.
Tiagra in the front, 105 in the back.
$1000.
