I'd not be afraid of lower end components on a bike for the use you describe. Shimano stuff works, the lower end stuff might be a bit heavier, or the shift feel may be not as good, but everything I've seen that carries their name is dependable.
A few other bikes, in the lower price ranges, have metal forks, Giant TCX 2, Redline Conquest Sport and Classic, and Surly Cross Check to name a few.