[herr_oberst]

Hi Paul

Good for you for cycling each day. You're lucky you have a network of paved trails.

I looked at both bikes and I think either would be a good choice for you so my suggestion is to ride both, if possible, and see which one you gravitate towards. If you're uncomfortable on on or the other, you won't ride at all.

If they have a more-or-less equal ride quality, then of the two, I think the L Train is better overall value (good parts, good reviews, easy maintenance) and if you like the used one, you can take the money saved and buy a rack and panniers. The Cannondale will most likely have some free adjustments from the FLBS that you buy it from and the drivetrain will have a somewhat easier parts availability, but the Nexus hub on the L Train doesn't have as many moving parts, and all the greasy bits are internal, which is pretty nice for a commuter bike.

Keep us posted!