Ah dear, I was so set on the Coda until I saw someone's Trek today... it doesn't look too shabby.

So, what should I go for? It's definitely 100% urban commuter, and I will mount fenders, rack, and milk crate.

The Trek 7.1FX is $100, but the Jamis is steel. I've never compared steel vs. aluminum for a similar bike, my aluminum bike is a road bike so it doesn't help. I'll try to test ride both of them, but that depends on the availabilities of the dealers near me.

How about components? I have no idea how to compare mountain bike components (which I assume these use?).

I do know that the 7.1FX comes with 35c tires stock, while the Coda has 28c tires stock. I was hoping to go with thicker tires for the potholes in Philly, so I assume the 7.1FX has that in its favor.

Coda comes in ghost bone, but the 7.1FX's matte black is dead sexy... which one is easier to take care of?

Ok, with a few more inputs, these are the bikes I'm looking at:

Jamis Coda: http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/s...a/09_coda.html
Jamis Allegro: http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/s..._allegro1.html
Trek 7.1FX: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/71fx/
Trek 7.2FX: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/72fx/
Trek PDX: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/pdx/pdx/

I'd prefer to stick to these two brands as I have dealers nearby, although I think there is also a Specialized dealership somewhere close as well...