Novice needing help choosing bike (Linus or Trek?)

Hi! I am looking for the perfect bike for my 7 mile daily commute (each way). I currently am using the Trek Calypso Beach cruiser,and am finding it to be terribly inefficient. I am not really interested in racing or anything at this point, I just want something semi-comfortable, fairly fast, and aesthetically appealing. My price range is between $500 and $800. I have been looking at the Trek Allant and the Linus Mixte (links below). I would love some on advice either on these or any other bikes you think would better suit my needs. Thank you so much. Oh! side note, I live in the flatlands of Florida, and am not very efficient with shifting (though I'm sure that is something I could conquer).

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...t/allant_wsd/#
http://www.linusbike.com/models/mixte-3/ (Also comes in 8)