Commuting - another which bike should i buy thread

hey. i just got interested in biking. 19yo on budget. i'm also planning to have biking as my main means of transportation (commuting to school and light shopping). I've been reading a lot about certain bikes, specifically hybrid, and everything seems so mix-match opinion wise. I'm considering hybrid because of the road condition my city is in (lots of potholes, very bumpy and very hilly, only smooth trails are bike trails). Also I plan to do some light off-road (state parks and stuff). At first my focus has been Trek 7000, 7.1 FX, and Giant Sedona ST. Now it includes, after recent LBS visit, Giant Sedona (regular), Fuji Crosstown 2.0 and 3.0, and Diamondback Edgewood. Does anybody have any ideas? The FX seems to be in the lead, but it's a bit expensive at 1 of the LBS. The other LBS doesn't carry Trek, but have plenty of cheaper options for Giant, Fuji, and Diamondback. Any suggestions would be tremendously appreciated. thank you!

p.s. btw, i haven't taken a test ride yet (raining). i plan to soon.

I'd go with something like this http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/d440.html with a set of slick or semi-slick tires.

Look for the possibility of putting on a rack on your next bike, if you intend to commute with it.

Backpacks on your back while you ride may be ok if your back's strong enough, but it would most likely make your back very sweaty and you won't be terribly comfortable.

The Trek FX series is by far the more road oriented of the bunch you list, meaning it is the one that is the least likely to work well on an off road trail. Considering your requirements, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend considering a MTB as a commuter/light trail bike...something like the Specialized Hardrock or Jamis Trail X2 or Trek 3700, just switch out the tires to something more road capable. While a bit slower at top end, the stronger build of a MTB will tend be a bit more forgiving to the kind of abuse that tends to occur to mixed use bikes. I commuted for 4 years to college on a converted MTB and it held up quite well to the abuse, with only a few flats over that period of time and no other repairs needed. If hopping curbs and going through the grass to get around pedestrains to get to class might be part of your routine, strongly consider a MTB.

Regardless, get a rack and some baskets/grocery panniers and one (or better, two) good locks, college campuses are prime grounds for bike theft.

Also, please use lights and reflectors in both darkness and bad weather.

nothing like riding a bike to see what feels more like a "glove" or a "sneaker" to you. don't be talked out of your budget but ride the bikes without knowing their prices. trust your gut.

Thanks for the advice. I've narrowed down more: Fuji Crosstown 2.0 vs. Trek 7000. Which bike should I get? the LBS has on sale the Fuji for $360 while a farther LBS has the trek 7000 for $350...so that's ~$100 off MSRP vs. $10 off MSRP. The thing is I felt just a tad better on the 7000, plus the LBS selling the trek provides 1 year free service vs the Fuji carrier with 1 month service. So should I go for the better customer service or the guaranteed higher quality bike? Thank you very much again!

get whichever one feels faster. they both look the same

Agreed, dont worry about one being of better quality just because the MSRP is higher. Customer service is a great thing to have, especially if this is your first bike. Overall though, go with whichever one you liked the best during the test rides. The more you enjoy riding the bike the more you are likely to use it, and KEEP using it down the road.

yeah I was gonna say whichevr one feels the most comfortable, but they both look comfortable and I wanted to tip you off that you will want the machine to provide the most work for your effort and so I mentioned speed. but if one is more comfortable than the other - then get that one. you should really do at least one mile test rides, I think, if possible