The short answer is:

bigger gear inches = faster bike (but harder to pedal)
smaller gear inches = slower bike (but easier to climb)

Gear inches translates how big the equivalent wheel would be on an old school penny-farthing. A smaller wheel is going to be easier to pedal than a larger wheel. The triple-crank is giving you a wider range of "wheel sizes", so to speak. (Again, I really like the idea of a compact double on a proper road bike, but not necessarily on my weighted-down commuter.)

I'm poor, so the regular Coda (especially on sale) would be my pick. The components on the regular Coda aren't junk. Every new bike will need to have its cables adjusted as they stretch, etc. And you can always upgrade as you build a relationship...

If you can afford the Bianchi and it's calling out to you, maybe that's what you should go with.

And I think you've nailed it when it comes to the appeal of fixed/ss, btw. It's NOT the same as riding in the same gear... especially when you're tired and there's a hill up ahead!

On SS/FG: simplicity, yes. low maintenance, yes. also, much lighter and more mechanically efficient than derailleur bikes with comparable frames. I commute on various derailleur bikes and a fixie on the same hilly route, and it makes no difference in commute time. They are undeniably a different and fun ride.

mbologna: if you want to get a good deal, go for the coda or bianchi during the sale. However, if you really liked the ride of the castro valley and the san jose, then here's an idea: go for the volpe. Since you already have a dinotte, the hub light is redundant (but you won't have to worry about batteries and it's not necessarily a bad thing). The volpe has a triple, as well as (short) semi-horizontal dropouts, so you could do a SS conversion pretty easily if you're still stoked on that. You get to have your cake and eat it too.

If you like the upright position, you could install cross levers on the drops and ride the tops. I think drops make the most sense for commuting, just because of versatility, and there are some like the noodle, midge, and WTB mountain road drop that are super comfy and have pretty wide tops. but that's just me.

I'm the guy who helped you out on your first visit, BTW, good to see you on BF, and thanks for the props! (also my apologies on the shifting issues--I try and do more than just a safety check--but sometimes bikes shift differently in the saddle than on the stand--just a wee turn of the limit screw was needed)

mbologna- Mustache bars are the way to go for commuting, they turn your cockpit into a continuously variable cockpit.

So I went with the '08 Jamis Coda.

The folks at Proteus Bikes in College Park, MD finally convinced me the Coda Sport probably wasn't worth the additional dollars for my situation (short commute, and not my primary bike). Combined with the fact they had an awesome sale last weekend, and would have had to order the Coda Sport, I just went with it. In the end, I didn't want to wait any longer. I really trusted the folks at Proteus (they seem to know their stuff and really care about finding the right match for you, even if it means a smaller sale for them), and the Castro Valley just didn't seem as good a fit for my needs, plus was several hundred dollars more.

I paid $427.50 before tax for the bike. By the time I added a computer, front and rear Planet Bike fenders, and a rear rack, plus the tax, it was $532, which is right about where I wanted to be at the start. I still need to buy a lock or two, some winter gloves, pedals (?), and panniers, plus maybe some open-style grocery bags, so I am really happy I went with the lower priced bike.

I took it for a quick test run to the office and back Saturday night, and was very pleased. Seems like a few minor adjustments will be needed, but nothing major. I hope to do my first commute later this week, and will post an update then.

Thanks to everyone for the advice!

Sounds like you made a great choice... now get out there and ride!

Congrats ! You made an excellent choice. As a Jamis owner, I'm sure you will enjoy your new Coda. Have fun and be safe.

Gear inches is a way to compare ease of pedaling across bikes with widely different chainring/cog combinatinos. It is basically # front teeth/#back teeth X outer tire diameter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_inches

I find that you really have to do some calculations and get used to a feel of a given gear inch # in order to really understand. But some rough estimates are as follows
1. Many mountain bike single speeds are geared at about 50 inches. This is difficult to climb steep stuff but not impossible and also allows the rider to cruise along at about 13-15 mph on the flats.
2. Many single speed road commuters choose to ride 65-73 gear inches. This is great for cruising up to the mid 20mph range and still allows us to climb hills.

OOPS sorry Jurgen. Just saw your post.