You really should do a search for Escape. There are a half dozen Escape junkies around here. I have two very expensive road bikes but I've had the most fun on the escape which costs 1/3 what the road bikes cost. It can pull like a freight train or it can be pretty quick. The tires on the Escape 2 might already be good enough for many winter scenarios. They will work in the dirt as well.
I ride my Escape 15 miles everyday during the week and sometimes 40 on the weekends. I've never owned a more comfortable or better shifting bike.
You asked about upgrades. Take a look at my sig for upgrades I've done to mine. Upgrades are a matter of personal tastes. I use my bike a lot so I put it exactly like I wanted it. In the photos above I have everything on my bike but that was for a photo op. Normally half these options are not on my bike. I mix and match according to today's itinerary.