After wreckin my bike and getting a concussion from getting right-hooked by a fedex truck, I need a new bike. I have an eight mile commute that consists of trail and road with moderate hills. I can't really spend much more that 1500 on a new bike. I'm looking at a giant Defy 2 or TCX, or a Kona Dew Drop... any advice?

Sounds to me like Fedex will be picking up the tab...Get whatever ya want!!

I'd suggest getting at least two bikes. You don't want to be left without a ride if something happens to one of them.

Of those I'd go with the Dew Drop for commuting. But seriously, you can do better for the money than either of those Giants. $1000 bikes with Sora components? c'mon.

A Surly Cross-Check runs Tiagra at least, and it's also in the $1000 range. Heck so is the LHT and that's got even petter components.

Don't sell yourself short. Giant makes SOME stuff for a good value. some other stuff...I just have to wonder what they are thinking.

the LHT has some badass components, especially for the price. The wheels alone are to be marveled at. It makes a great commuter as well. C'mon, XT hubs, and rear derailer, ultegra shifters (Maybe dura-ace, its hard to tell with bar ends...) and those wonderful tektro brakes (Ok, not fancy, but they do work)

Brodie Ronin or Kona Jake

Yeah, I don't remember a thing... knocked out cold, so I'll be lucky to get my medical bills covered. Hard to prove it was their fault (other than the fact the driver said I hit his rear quarter panel and then didn't make a police report)

Swobo Dixon
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...?cPath=201_204

The Surly Crosscheck and LHT are also good buys if you don't want to go IGH.

Shimano only makes one bar end shifter, might as well call it DA.

You really should get a lawyer involved.

Surly LHT or CC.