Hybrid Bicycles - What's going to suit my needs better?

Alright, so my unfortunate neglect and abuse of my current bike has left it in such a state that it more or less needs to be rebuilt from the frame up. While that certainly seems like a worthy project, I've quickly discovered that the parts alone will cost almost as much as a new bike, not considering the time and effort of learning how to assemble it and the additional costs of things I will inevitably screw up. I've decided to turn that into a longer term learning project and get a new hybrid for my commute. Some considerations:

-I have about a 5 mile regular commute (2.5 miles each way), although I plan to get in more recreational riding as well.

-My commute is mostly flat terrain with some hills and some active construction. This means on any given day I may be riding over road, dirt, gravel, whatever-the-hell-is-under-the-road-after-they-tear-out-the-asphalt without advance knowledge.

-It's summer now, but the winters here can get very snowy and icy. I rode all through this last winter (which probably led to more than a couple of my bike's problems) and plan to do so again next winter.

With that in mind, these are the bikes I'm considering

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/escape.2/8910/48614/
This one's available at a local bike shop, and I actually test rode it this afternoon. The tires are wider than I prefer, but that might be a plus come winter.

http://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/vilano-flat-bar-road-bike-with-shimano-components.html#
This one I like a bit better from the description, but I only have that to go by. Also, it looks cheaper, but after the Pro Build or bringing it in to someone local to assemble it, it'll be roughly the same price range as the Giant.

http://www.schwinnbikes.com/catalog/product/view/id/14817/s/2012-tourist/category/151/
This one I'm only really considering because it's cheap. I've also had a chance to look at this one in-store, so I know it fits well and as far as I can tell there's nothing wrong with it.

Anyone have a recommendation towards either one of these or another hybrid in the same price range?

Forget the Schwinn. Big box stores sell horrible bikes. A Schwinn from the LBS, though, would be of better quality. The Giant Escape is a popular model here. I'm almost inclined to suggest a mountain bike for your needs, but the Escape might be OK too. I can't tell if it has V brakes or not. V brakes will offer more room and you could put a wide tire on the bike. Wider tires would be better on gravel and in winter. V brakes will also be better in winter; they won't clog as easily with mud/snow. Cyclocross bikes have V brakes for just that reason. The Giant has 32mm tires; you should ask your LBS if you can put wider tires on the bike. If the online purchase is going to end up costing as much as a bike from your LBS, why not purchase from your LBS who can help you with fit and answer you questions? I don't think that particular bike looks like a great deal. Many people find bikesdirect.com a good source of online bikes.

You are going to ride in the winter so you want to make sure the bike has good supports on the frame for FULL fenders!

My money is on the Giant.

My money is on the Giant.
+1

my money is on the giant.

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