All of the Specialized Tricross bikes have aluminum forks, except for the Tricross Elite Steel model, which has a chromoly steel fork. While that bike would have been ideal for your wish list, it's unfortunately and unfairly beyond your current budget. OTOH, the Surly Cross Check aslo has a chromoly steel fork and fits neatly into your budget. Therefore, I would gladly select the Cross Check!
However, in order to address your actual commuter needs, you might wanna take a look at the GT Corsa 1.0. It lists at $1100 and has Tiagra componentry.
www.gtbicycles.com/2013/bikes/road/performance/corsa-1-0
* For such a short commute, if there are no serious inclines, perhaps a single speed would be more to your liking:
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1116806_-1_400317_400317
The Fuji Declaration - $450
However, in order to address your actual commuter needs, you might wanna take a look at the GT Corsa 1.0. It lists at $1100 and has Tiagra componentry.
www.gtbicycles.com/2013/bikes/road/performance/corsa-1-0
* For such a short commute, if there are no serious inclines, perhaps a single speed would be more to your liking:
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1116806_-1_400317_400317
The Fuji Declaration - $450
