"On this note, wil this bike be okay to ride in teh rain and nasty weather? I was thinking about keeping the old one around for the icky days, but if I can ride my Trek, then that would be cool."
I last rode my Utopia 40 miles in a downpour in late October. The tires did a great job of keeping the water off my backside and providing a stable ride. My riding buddy had slicks and it was like he had his own personal biddet. I know that if I was on my road bike, I'd have taken a couple of spills at least.
I also took the Utopia on the Hiawatha Trail in northern Idaho last summer (take a look at the website - it's a great trail). It's a rails to trails ride, but not paved, so it's like 13 miles of a dirt and gravel road type experience. The bike came through like a champ. I was concerned with the low count spoke Bontrager Selects when I purchased the bike, but I've had zero problems with them and I've put them through a lot of potholes and varied terrain...and I'm no lightweight rider.
Enjoy your new ride and don't be concerned about its strength and ability to handle foul weather....it can take it.