I have a Surly Cross Check and love it. It's about 26 pounds, and compared to my true touring bike, feels light. I've never had a rack on mine, so I can't speak to that. However, another owner mentioned to me that the bike was a bit "noodley" under heavy load. I bet your LBS can get the Surly complete bikes if they can get the frames. But, I can certainly understand the desire to choose parts. I bought mine used, and it was built almost as I would have built one, so it was a good deal. They are sweet bikes

CA

PS - Do you have a lock plan for the new bike??