I've been commuting on a CAADX Tiagra for probably around 6 months now. My current commute is 9.5 miles each way and consists of pavement, grass, gravel, MUP and even occasionally even go through about 50 yards of single track. The CAADX has handled everything I've thrown at it like a champ, it's reasonably light (I think around 21 lbs before I put on a rack), the shifts are smooth and it's always been comfortable. I honestly don't have much to compare it to, I've only owned mountain bikes before (I did test ride some road bikes and my roommates Specialized Allez) but I can say I don't regret the purchase at all. Excellent all around bike in my opinion.