Thanks to both of you for your replies.

There is one more shop I want to check out, and I actually checked out a place yesterday that custom builds patrol bikes (more at end of reply).

I was really impressed with how LIGHT the REI bike was, given it was a steel frame. I could lift it very easily with one hand. I could see no problem carrying that bike for a short distance if need be. I actually was looking at hybrid bikes, Ghost Panamao X4 @ REI and I found a super cheap Diamondback Axis XE @ Dick's.. it was on sale this past Sunday for $300.. and now it's not (:rage. Those ones were a bit heavier, but I'm not sure how much that really means to me.

Zackk, that Trek bike you posted looks really nice.

What's your guys' take on brake pads vs disc brakes?

I think that Cross Rip was the first bike I had looked at. Really nice, was just super pricey!

Now here is what I found and looked at yesterday (in person): iForce Patrol Bikes - These are hand built about 35 minutes from my house, and apparently used all over the US. I saw anywhere from here in Pittsburgh, to Chicago, San Bernardino, Atlanta, and Miami, and even Guam. I don't care as much about the light kit and siren or paint options as much as I do about the frame and components. The rear rack is welded on, rated for 100 lbs of gear, and the bike is hand built from the ground up. Really great operation. Built in the same facility that does police vehicle upfitting and there were some military vehicles and command-type vehicles as well. Here are the components available when putting together a build. Thoughts on brakes? Drive train? SRAM and Avid seem to be their brand of choice. I am not too knowledgeable, so I don't know about those vs Shimano.

Basically just trying to get the best value, keeping in mind what I need now, vs what I may need in the future if my business gets larger and evolves into something more.