Welcome To Bike Forums, NanaimoJ!
The bikes you have listed are all excellent choices. However, for your basic commuting needs, you don't really need a 105 gruppo. Therefore, I think that the Trek 7.7FX and the Quick SL1 are both superb, top notch, not your everyday, kinda hybrid commuters . Not that there's anything wrong with 'em, but if you'd like to have an efficient commuting machine for less cash, the opportunities abound. For example, I'd recommend the following commuting steeds, as well:
The Giant Rapid ~ $1250
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/rapid/9015/48857/
The Raleigh Cadent Ft3 ~ $1050
www.raleighusa.com/bikes/performance-hybrid/cadent-ft3-12/
The Jamis Allegro Elite ~ $1050
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/allegro/12_allegroelite.html
* You can get more bang for your buck with a hybrid...
Originally Posted by
seely
Any of those are a fine choice for a commuter. I personally really like the Quick series, having sold them since they came out. I'm considering one myself, as a matter of fact.
As far as drops vs. straight bars, everyone has their own opinion, but mine is that on a 5 mile commute, its not going to make much difference. I ride a bit of a hybrid bar (mustache style) and like that it has a few more hand positions than a flat bar, but I never find myself wishing I had drops. For me, a comfortable upright(ish) ride is where it's at on a commute.
If you're commuting within a major urban setting, there's going to be much traffic. In order to have optimum visual perception, you're going to need the advantage of sitting in an upright position. Therefore, flat handlebars are key while commuting.
Originally Posted by
cjewett65
If your commute is around 5 miles each way, save your $ and get a pair of slick tires for you mountain bike, and outfit it with a front/rear rack and any other accessories you might want. Unless you had a 10+ mile commute each way or anything else longer, your mountain bike will be more than sufficient. By some good bikes clothes and accessories rather than an expensive bike for a short commute. There would not be more than probably a 1 minute difference between your mountain bike and any of the others you are looking at on your ride.
+1 ^ This is great adivice!
Besides, every commuter should have a spare bicycle anyway, just in case of an emergency. Your bike might get stolen...You could wake up and discover a flat...You're bike might have to go to the shop for repairs, etc..
Therefore, commuterize your mountain bike!