Oh you are just full of knowledge aren't you! I have a new plan. I have 5 months left here in Illinois til' I really start commuting back home in Cali. I'm going to purchase that Trek 1.5 2011 version and commute short distances for it for now, and then buy an older bike when I get home since there will be much much more variety on Craigslist. I will use that as my commuter and then use my Trek for being a fitness bike! The tires that are on it right now back at the LBS are 700x23s. I have a pair of Vittoria Zaffiros 700x28s on the way and i'm going to put those on while i'm here. I do like the drop bar suggestion. To be honest, everyone says that hybrids are much more comfortable but I'd beg to differ. I test-rode the road bike for 20 minutes and found it much much more comfortable that my hybrid. I'm not a big fan of the upright position either.