I like Surly's too...I have a Disc Trucker...frame now attached to direct connect indoor trainer, and an old Karate Monkey that I've had for 12 yrs I think, currently a s/s.
Yes their versatility makes them a good option. When I bought the DT the Troll/Ogre wasn't out, but if they had of been I very well may have gone for an Ogre instead of DT.
I'd been using an Alfine 8 in the KM, but it was a piece of junk...it died after 6 months...so I got an Alfine 11...stiil less than impressed, so I stopped mucking around and got a Rohloff, and have never regretted it. I like the Salsa frames (Fargo and Vaya Travel), the ones with "Alternator" drop-outs for Rohloff also Shand make a nice Rohloff specific frame too.....but pricey!!. 36/16 sounds ok if you've got a hilly terrain to deal with. 42/16 works for me, but I'm down in Kent.....lots of hills....but not Yorkshire ones.
