I second the Surly Cross Check suggestion. However, as the owner of a Trek 7000 for 12 years, I would recommend that you commute on that bike for a few months, if not a few years (assuming it fits you) before spending $1500 on a bike . Put road slicks on it so that you can go faster on it. Find out what you like and dislike about it, then starting thinking about investing in a different bike.