Thanks for all the comments so far. I asked about this one because of the price point and the fact that it had a 10 speed Deore setup. But I am considering the 520, which is also quick release I believe, as well as the LHT (through axle). [MENTION=509753]Russ Roth[/MENTION] another one that popped up is the Kona Sutra. It is priced between the 520/LHT and the Fuji, but also has the a Deore 10 speed drivetrain and I believe through axle hubs, though I have never heard of Formula hubs. It may be a happy medium.

I am open to other suggestions, below $1,700. I will be doing both pavement and gravel. There is a nice path here that is mostly gravel and there are lots of gravel roads away from the city.