It seems to me that a complete bike is going to be your best option. Another bike similar to this you might want to consider is the Novara Element at REI. If you're an REI member, they're offering 20% off in the month of March on any single item. The coupon would bring the Element down to this price, I think. There's also the Novara Randonee, which would be a little cheaper, but it's more of a touring bike.

One more (steel) bike I saw in a bike shop recently in this price range is the Masi Speciale CX. It's about $1050; beautiful bike, if you can find one.

https://www.masibikes.com/cycles/speciale_cx.php

+1 - I built up my cross check as a single speed. I spent a bit more than your goal, didn't have to, but that was my thing. You can shave costs for sure on that, especially in the long run. The simplicity and low maintenance is truly elegant. And just think how that 20 mile RT commute on single speed is going to get you in shape. I love mine.

OTOH, If you have you heart set on gears, you could do a build up a single front ring 9 speed (or 8 or 7) set up. That'll save a little. But really I would tend to agree with a lot of people here, the Cross Check complete is hard to beat for what you are looking for and in your price range.

No matter how you slice it (or build it) the Cross Check is a bad a** bike!

How about a Breezer? Seems to fit the requirements.

https://www.breezerbikes.com/index.cf...TOKEN=35862938

I can't believe nobody has mentioned this as an alternative - Fantom Cross for $760 shipped. It's a rebadged Fuji Cross Comp 2007 [MSRP $1200]. Whatever you might want to say about bikesdirect, this bike would make a fine commuter and is definitely suitable for light offroad [dirt trails, etc.]. It doesn't take discs, which is too bad, but shouldn't be a deal-killer.

You could also do what I did, which was to convert a used mtn bike frame into a SS road bike. Not including the frame, headset, pedals and seatpost, I spent around $850. Of course, I went with a carbon fork and my wheels cost $400, but I needed some bling. The frame will take 37C studded tires no problem. I could probably fit 42 or 44 tires in there, depending on the tread profile.

If you're an REI member,the Safari is only $850 - coupon. It'll do long distance and light trail work. I a year and a half of daily,all-weather commuting,the only things I had to replace were the chain and cassette,and that was mostly cause I didn't lube/clean it as often as I should have.

Another thing to consider would be a hybrid with trekking bar. Lots of hybrids that will do what you want,and a trekking bar will give you multiple hand positions and ability to get aero for only $20 plus bar tape.

I just looked at that Element and I'll second that recommendation. With 20% off and $60 shipping that bike is $940 Delivered. If you buy an affordable rack, fenders, and decent road tires you'd be at about $1070 complete, but you still wouldn't have a lighting system, which would likely be $100-$200 more minimum. It would technically be $1300 but very top-shelf. $60 less if you can pick it up at REI.

If you're serious about your needs and your budget, seriously look for used touring bikes or cyclocross bikes. The best complete bike IMHO is the Raleigh Detour Deluxe, but it isn't road geometry. $710 gets you a brand new bike with everything you need to commute with the raleigh, $600 cheaper than the Element even with 20% off.

Ok,
I've narrowed it down to the Surly Cross-check ($930) and REI Novara Element ($930 after discount).

Surly- Steel is real, canti's, tiagra mix.
Element - Alu frame/fork, BB7's, tiagra mix, awesome return policy, low resale?

Thoughts?

Could I upgrade the Element alu fork to carbon down the road?

I'm headed to Denver in a few minutes to check out the Novara...I'll let you know how it goes!

What about a Trek 1200 or 1500? It's all Tiagra? They are under $400 on Ebay. That leaves $550 for upgrades.

For that long of a commute, I'd recommend drop bars. That alone puts you in a cost dilemma, as you either end up with cheaper Barcon shifters, or lower end STI shifters (Tiagra or less at this price point). Tiagra is a pretty good spec these days though, FWIW.

The Fuji Cross bikes are pretty sweet, and if you have a local Fuji dealer you should see if they still have any old 2006 or 2007 bikes in stock, as they're a pretty good deal on clearance IIRC. It's worth a trip to the local Fuji shop at any rate. My LBS owner runs a Cross Pro, full ultegra: its a sweet ride for sure

Ride them both for a good 5 miles or so. Then you'll know what you like.

Rode the Novara Element. Not bad, pretty buzzy with the all Al frame/fork though. The disk brakes are sweet! I fit well on a 50cm bike, but they also had a 48cm that I didn't ride. I'm from a MTB background, so STI shifting and drops are new to me. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to fit exactly, but it felt pretty good.

I also came across the Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_pro.htm

Holy cow! Ultegra groupo plus Richey Pro wheelset for $998? The only thing I'd be losing would be the disk brakes, but I'd gain better components and a carbon fork. I've read that those bikes are re-badged Fuji Cross Pro's. Any validity to that?

I'm trying to figure out the geometry equivalent to the Novara Element. I fit a 50cm on the Novara, but they don't list all applicable numbers for both bikes. I can't decide if I'd be better on the 49cm or 52cm Motobecane. Argh!

Do you plan on riding in the rain and/or snow? If so, seriously consider disc brakes.

Also, what do you think you'd gain by using Ultegra parts on your commuter?

Well,

I took the plunge on the Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro. I bought the 52cm, I hope it works out!

I figure, if the frame isn't up to par, I can strip the components and buy another frame. I'll post pics when I get it built up. Thanks for all the input guys!

Will you be able to assemble and adjust the bike yourself? If not budget for it being done at the LBS as it will surely need it. Pay special attention to the wheels.