I bought the base model '08 Sirrus in March and I've been happy with it. I've been doing riding similar to what you're planning -- short work commute 2-4 days a week and longer (so far up to about 30 miles) weekend rides. It's agile for a "hybrid" and feels more like a road bike with straight handlebars than either a comfort bike or mountain bike. The brake pads that came with it wore out somewhat quickly (although I do live in SF and have to navigate a number of downhill city streets) but I've liked everything else about it.