Thanks all for replying.

I'm listening to my adult side on this after all, I'll get the Kona Dew.

It is probably a better commuter than the Trek, simply because if I was to transform the Trek into the commuter I need, it would no longer be the bike I fell in love with at the store. Did that make any sense?

I'll probably get myself a decent beginner's roadie to the next season -- and use it at such. But meanwhile, I'll have a great kona commuter with racks, fenders, and stuff.

Again, thanks for the input. This forum is a fantastic resource!