Thanks guys!

Any other tips/tricks to get up the hills? Should I worry much about tire width, the ones listed range from 28mm to 35mm...I'm not anticipating much off road, just pavement riding.

Based on what I've read I'm leaning toward either one of the Cannondale's (9 or the Commuter, probably not CX4 since it's all pavement and I'd probably rather save the weight) or the Novara. They're all around the same price, and willprobably just make the decision in the store based on what feels best.