Giant Seek 2, Giant Escape City, or Kona Dew Plus? I know that ideally IGH set-ups are better suited for all-weather conditions, but availability is sparse around here. The LBS stated that the Seek was a better value component wise over the Kona. I threw in the Escape City, as it has everything that I want, save for lighting.

Other than they all have 700c wheelsets and have aluminum frames, I couldn't tell you which had the better frame or stronger wheels.

Terrain is flat for now, but hills will be incorporated in the future. Riding surface varies from asphalt to dirt/grass to the occasional mud when it rains.

Okay, let me narrow it down to just the Seek 2 and the Kona Dew Plus, then. If you had to choose one over the other, which one and why?

I'm looking to acquire a second bike as since I only have one at the moment, I would be hurting if something were to happen to the one I have.

Both bikes appear to be a pretty dead-even match on pure functionality, though the Kona appears to have an edge on components. Go with the one that feels best under your butt.

Based on your description, snow is not a part of your life, but rain is. Fenders would really help, with the rain.

Bummer about the lack of availability of IGH's because the Seek0 is pretty sweet.

It's also out of my budget. The Kona Worldbike is, but I'm unsure if 3spds would be enough for me. LBS doesn't stock that model, though could order it.

Better question to ask is which feature to you think is more important in an all-weather bike- disc brakes or IGH?

Ahh, budget being a factor, another option is Bikesdirect.com - they offer excellent value for money on the bikes, with the main caveat that some mechanical ability is beneficial to get the bike set up and tuned (or a willingness to pay $75-125 for a local mechanic to do it).
cx bike https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm
Sturmey Archer 5-speed, "relaxed" track geometry https://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_wt5.htm
Touring - https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm
Anyway, just a thought.

I've purchased two bikes through BD and have been very pleased with the value for money. A couple of areas where they tend to skimp on the sub $400 models will be saddle and bottom bracket.

Of course, the bikes are purchased sight unseen, and while there is a return policy, the shipping cost becomes a factor if you're not happy with the bike. The upshot is a 1-2 level upgrade in components for a given price bracket.

It is hard to go wrong with the Kona, IMO. I see a handful of 'em just about every day, loaded with racks fenders and such, in all conditions.

Appreciate the time and effort you put into pointing out those BD models, but I'll stick with what's available at my LBS (they do lay-a-way). I think I'll do some more research on IGH...

For all weather,you def want discs.

I own a Seek 1 and a Dew Deluxe. If I had to choose between the two,I'd go with the Dew. It has clearance for wider tires,and I think mounting fenders would be easier. I haven't tried to put a fender on my Seek yet,but it looks like the front der might get in the way. Mine also had a piece that sticks out of the frame from the seatstay bridge,but I think that was eliminated from the '10 models. I'd also take a magnet to the Seek's fork to check it;Giant's specs say mine is supposed to have a cromo fork,but it's def alloy,a magnet won't stick. I haven't ridden it much,but my past experience with alloy forks has taught me they can be hard on the wrists on rough roads.