I currently commute on 2006 Allez. I want a bike that accepts full-size fenders and rack/panniers.

My LBS can get bikes from most of the larger suppliers (Cannondale, Specialized, Colnago surprisnigly etc) but he ones I usually find on display are Kona Jake and Specialized Tricross Sport and are the two I will most likely consider.

If I look at the next model up on each of above bikes (Kona JTS + Spec Tricross Comp), what will the advantage in the better frame be? I dont wanna know about components, just tell me about the frames and if it's worth spending extra. I also had a look at Trek Portland and 520 and while they look lke very good bikes, there's something about them that reminds me of Dawes.

Me: commute 11 miles each way, in all weather except snow/sleet/hail. An an optional extra, I'd like the panniers to be lockable a) to the bike and b) from opening.