Originally Posted by canyoneagle

The Trek 1000 is a good bike, but if memory serves, it is more of a road racing bike, which is less utilitarian than other options.
+1 on trying out some different bikes to see what you like. I'd imagine KC has a plethora of shops to check out. It is worth spending time seeing what is available before taking the plunge.

In your price range (or up to $1,200) I can see many options:

http://www.masibikes.com/steel/randonneur/
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check_complete/
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/stee...t-townsend-11/
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/steel-road/clubman-11/
http://salsacycles.com/bikes/vaya/
http://salsacycles.com/bikes/casseroll/
http://civiacycles.com/bikes/bryant/..._tiagra/#build

Great bang for the buck, but you can't ride before you buy (you can return, though):
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._pro_rival.htm

Other possibilities exist - a flat bar and/or internally geared hub bike might suit your needs and riding style, too.
This one has an 8-speed internally geared hub: http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/perf.../cadent-i8-11/
Trek's Soho series: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/commute/soho
Trek/Gary Fisher Fast City Series: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...mute/fast_city
Swobo: http://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...Path=2448_2449
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_tachyon_1.htm

So much depends on your own needs and preferences.