Second Bike - Kona Jake???

If you are not actually going to ride off pavement, a cheap road bike with some 700x32's might be a good alternative.   Maybe something used or in the Sora/Tiagra component level would be a nice fit.    If you want something bulletproof, I really like the Bianchi Volpe.  It's a Cyclocross/Touring/Commuter bike. 

I chose the Kona Jake as my 2nd bike, and I use it specifically for commuting and as my winter ride.  Like you, I wanted something that was a little sturdier.. and one that would be less likely to be stolen. 

It's not what I would call a "perfect bike", but it's great for what I need it for.  I've got fenders & lights on it, and changed out the knobbly cyclocross tires for touring tires suitable for commuting/light trails.

The only thing I would say is that if you're used to higher end components (I have 105/ultegra on my road bike), you might feel the difference with the sora/tiagra components on the Jake.  It's nothing major, but it just doesn't shift quite as nicely as the higher end stuff. 

I have full Dura Ace right now, so I figure I'm in for a little letdown on the shifting, but it just doesn't seem worthwhile to pay for the better compnents on a "winter" bike.  So long as it'll let me get rides in outside during the winter, I should be good.  I thought about a MTB, but hauling it (and my big behind) up hills kind of scares me. 

Honestly, if you have an extra $200, I would recommend getting the Jake the Snake model. It's 105 (I believe?).. and definitely closer to what you're used to, component-wise. Don't get me wrong - the sora shifters will work, and they'll get you from point A to point B... they just won't shift as well, or feel as nice in your hands.