Originally Posted by
misstrainer
Was intending to keep budget at $1000, but will pay for quality.
The road's I'll be commuting on are pavement with perhaps .5km, or rough pavement/potholes.
Cross-Check complete, and swap out the 'cross tires for something a little more street-suited; 32mm or 35mm Conti Ultra Gatorskins or Schwalbe Marathon Plus. Throw on some fenders and a rack, and you're well set for 150km/week of commuting plus some distance rides on the weekend.
(I'm biased, though. I just got a Cross-Check complete.)