Cyclocross - First bike. Down to 7 choices (or so). Please help me decide.

Hello everyone. I first wanted to say this forum has been very helpful for me so far.

I currently own a http://www.k2bike.com/products/bikedetails.asp?Year=2006&ID=66 and I love it. It’s very comfortable to ride. I try to ride 5 miles each day and 10 miles on the weekends right now. The problem is I want something that’s more efficient but will still allow me to ride on trails around town. Currently I mostly ride on sidewalks, streets that have at least a 3 foot wide shoulder (I don’t trust drivers), and established trails. I’m looking at getting a Cyclocross bike because I think it would be perfect for what I do. I’m 5 foot 4 at 190- pounds (the – is because I’m losing weight!) and I want to spend around $1,000 for a decent cyclocross bike that I will never compete with. I’m in Austin Texas and I’ve been to a few stores so I know what’s in town and I would like to actually look and feel at something before buying it blindly. Below is the selection some stores around me have. I would probably replace the tires with ones that are not knobby and I really like the 2nd set of brakes on the top of the handlebar but I’m sure I can add that on later. Out of the list below what would you choose and why or would you recommend buying one online without actually touching it to see how I like it?

REI Novara Element http://www.rei.com/product/744808
K2 Enemy http://www.rei.com/product/730696
Specialized Tricross Sport http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22307
Jamis Nova http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/nova.html
Scott Cyclocross Comp http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=9786
Bianchi Volpe http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_volpe.html
Giant TCX http://www.giant-bicycle.com/en-US/bikes/road/590/

THANKS!

Kona JTS. How helpful was I?

Kona JTS. How helpful was I?

Every little bit helps. If I come across another bike store (there are tons in town) and they sell Kona I'll look into it.
Thanks.

Kona JTS. How helpful was I?

I actually found a Kona dealer real close to my way home. I just think I'll have to stop by today:)

Tricross.

I actually found a Kona dealer real close to my way home. I just think I'll have to stop by today:)

The greenosity of the JTS will disgust you at first, but will quickly grow on you...Good luck with your choice!

Tricross Sport.

Last night I rode one at my LBS. 54cm C-T frame as I'm 5'9" w/32" inseam. It was an awesome ride, I definitely love the bike. It will most likely be my next purchase. I've pretty much narrowed down my choices to the Cross-Check and the Tricross. I really enjoyed my 10 minute test ride. I may try and take it out for a little longer when I get closer to buying it. It already has two sets of brake handles and smooth tires. Its the prefect setup. Plus I've considered doing some light touring with it and it has all the mounts for racks already.

I'm biased toward the Volpe, but that's becuase I just got one a couple of months ago. Very responsive and steady. And it's steel, so it's a comfy ride. But try them all and see what works for you.