Originally Posted by Jarery
...Which is why i wanted a sport touring. Its as fast, snooth and comfy a bike i can think of and still take fenders and a pannier. ... So theirs my big dilema. Do i stay with the sport tour or switch to the cross. I wont be touring, i wont be x racing. I will be doing 50k a day commute, 5 days a week, year round.
If you have a "smooth, comfy bike" that you are comfortable riding for two hours at a time, then stop right there; you've got an excellent commuter. If you enjoy riding it, and it can take fenders, you are all set. If you have any doubts about the bike you are supposed to buy, you should be able to answer your questions with a test ride.
For many manufacturers, the difference between a "touring" and a "cross" frame is marketing. For others, cross frames are a little higher off the ground, to avoid chips from gravel and to make it easier to pick the bike up and carry it. Neither of these traits is especially useful for a commuter. Cross and touring bikes are both good for commuting.
As for winter riding, most people get a second beater bike for that. Seriously; you do not want to subject your brand-new bike to salt, snow, mud, and the inevitable crashes.