I was in the MEC store in Vancouver today. I have to tell you, I think the Hold Steady at C$1250is a really nice bike and a good value (for Canada anyways - we seem to get bent over on bikes here). The Alfine hub, carbon fork, nice commuter tires and hydraulic disc brakes make a really nice commuting package ( I have Avid BB7s on my Trek Valencia and Shimano hydraulics on the Hold Steady feel smoother and have a much lighter pull). I think the other nice thing is that it comes with a good seat and pedals (A Fizik and crank bros). Even if you decide that they aren't your preference, you are probably going to get a better buck selling them the the lower end ones on the Soho. About the only thing that may be on the Soho is the belt drive, but I am guessing the jury may still be be out on that. Overall, I think all the flat bar commuter bikes are good options and good value.

I am not as sure on the MEC Cote. It is a still a nice bike but just not as good a value at C$1350. The hubs a brand I didn't recognize and the tire are very knobby and would need to be changed out for commuting (at least here in Vancouver, maybe not so much in Ontario). hubs were something I didn't recognize (Joytech?) and looked a little clunky, where most of the other bikes have entry or mid level Shimano (Hold Steady has a Deore up front). Fork is aluminum and components mostly Tiagra. I don't know, just thought some of the other bike were a better deal. If you like drops, the Col for C$50 more seems a better deal with a much better spec.