General Cycling Discussion - Yet another bike comparo...

I'm new here and could use some help. Without revealing prices, I need to make up my mind between two bikes: '07 Marin Larkspur and '06 Kona Smoke. I kinda have them both in layaway at different LBS's. I've been off a bike for 10 yrs now. Looking to do multimodal thing (car, bus, bike, car). I would only be doing about 9 miles daily, mostly on a rail-trail. Think I'm leaning towards the Kona, even though the cromo frame would take more tlc over the long haul. The Marin would be faster (based upon the gearing), but I think the Kona would make an excellent beater, if and when I get another bike (probably the Giant FCR3). Any body with real world experience with either one?
The Marin comes with free lifetime maintainenceand optional $20 'Flat Protection Plan'-get a flat, they fix/replace/install for free.
The Kona dealer would give me a yr, but would also get me in quicker for service, because he knows it will be my main mode of transport.

optional $20 'Flat Protection Plan'-get a flat, they fix/replace/install for free.
Who can be bothered dragging their bike all the way back to the LBS everytime they get a flat? Only useful if you get slow leaks and prefer pumping it up every 30 mins rather than spend 5 minutes swapping the tube.

Both bikes look ok, the Smoke seems to get rave reviews.

Steve

Kona Smoke.

Almost all bike manufacturers give a lifetime warranty (or at least several years) on the frame. The components are warranted by the different manufacturers - usually a year or less.

Yeah, I got my money back on the Marin. Based upon the reviews of the Smoke from various sources, it just seemed like it would be more dependable. I hope that proves to be true...

Choose one soon so the "losing" bike shop can put your bike back on the floor. That's pretty rude, bro.