Thanks all, got my bike today. It's great! Turned out that the LBS's policy is another component I want to change, they just give me 25% discount on new purchase and let me keep the original. So I didn't change much. Just the saddles. I found the traction on the saddle annoying, as I can't slide on and off it easily.
The bike is very ergonomic, very steady, and comfortable. I like that it is stable even with my pack strapped on top of the rack, and i can stand up to pedal. It goes thru rough patches of road nicely too. I just wish it is lighter, so it feels faster. But the LBS salesperson said any other bikes in the same price range is similar in weight, esp. once loaded up with fenders/rack/light. And since i regularly carry additional 5-10 lbs (including locks), even if I get a bike that's 1-2 lbs lighter, it won't make much difference.
Anyway, I am happy with it. It is so comfortable to ride on it that I don't mind going slower. I don't know, maybe it's the brakes, or whatever, the bike is smooth like butter, but also feels a little heavy like butter
