A little more at-work phone/net research has limited (new bikes) to these options
Kona Dew, Kona Smoke, Trek FX 7.# series
The Dew and the Smoke price out the same so I'm more worried about comparing them. seems like i have to decide if i'd rather take a steel frame with 26inch wheels or an al frame with 700c's.
how hard is it to find narrow 26 inch tires? I imagine there's more variety in slick tires in the 700c category. could the smoke be converted to fit 700c's?