I'm looking for a commuter for a short commute to school and work but also something I can ride out to the lake on the weekends, which is about 20 miles round trip. It looks like to me a like a cross bike would fit that role nicely. Would that be a good bike for that?

I like the idea of brakes on the flats. Is it possible to put some Avid BB7's or BB5's on there and still use the flats levers?

I've been around long enough to see alot of negativity to Bikes Direct. How reliable are they?