I would suggest you get the cyclocross (75x) bike, as you can use both semi-wide knobbies or street slicks while still getting 90% of the benefit of road-style bikes. Those bikes are designed to be a 'jack of all trades'. Mine (2011 Kona Jake) certainly is.

Some may bash the cantilever brakes but I've ridden 2400 miles this year of commuting, recreation, and 2 gran fondo rides, with cantis over almost all road with no problems. If they are set up correctly by any competent bike shop, cantis are fine.

For $1500 minus a 33% discount, that's only 1K for a perfectly capable bike equipped with Shimano 105/Ultegra. If you love it, get it.