2009 tricross sport at 10% off. Will test ride in couple days and if I like it, will buy. Will need to buy fenders, rack, panniers. It'll be my commuter for winter. Hope it doesn't get dumb ass heavy. Need to check on commuter bikes with drop bars. Found ridgeback horizon. The LBS guy as usualy knew less than I did and generally know only a little more than an uneducated consumer.

Touring bikes also make good drop bar commuters, and can frequently be found for less money than a cyclocross. They usually weigh more than a cyclocross too.