I can't help with modern bikes (don't keep up with new bikes that often) but this old Trek Multi Track in a traditional frame is one of those "diamonds in the rough" I keep my eye out for on CL.
I don't know why but this bike tickles my fancy in a lot of ways as a very good, less expense, bike for commuting, road randonneuring and light touring. The frame is Hi Ten but surprisingly light, it was very lively when in a sprint, triple front crank for lower gearing, cantis, eyelets for racks and fenders and a unicrown fork that allows for wide tires. Originally it was flat bar but I did a drop bar conversion for a while and then reverted to flats for my wife and her friend to ride.
I didn't mind riding the step thru as such but didn't really trust the design regarding flex for carrying a load.
