I'm a bike noob, I admit it.
I've looked through the forum for the last few days and decided to post a thread for advice. I have decided to start commuting to work. I live 5.5 miles from my office the first section (1.5 mi) is hilly with light to moderate traffic. The rest of the ride is on the shoulder of a major road with a good amount of traffic. There are rough spots and a fair amount of debris along the way.

I am looking for a new bike for this adventure and have visited the local shops. The staff of each have been helpful but with very difference guidance. Some were pushy while others were aloof, in the end one shop recommended a Fuji Newest road bike (race design) The next highly recommended Specialized Tricross (cyclocross) The last recommended Trek 7.5 or 7.6FX (fitness) I ask about the Portland (designed as a commuter) and the employee recommended the 7.6 instead.

I may be wrong but the Fuji seemed limited and may not serve me well. I have narrowed my search to the other two bikes and I'm hoping you guys who have "been there done that" can help a brother out and help me decide definitively between the two- or maybe start over.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/fx/76fx/
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32203

Some added info to round this choice: I want a bike that could also be used through gravel or hardpack, some greenways, and then some long streight roads for exercise & meditation riding.

Thanks in advance for the help!