I'm going to go against the common advice, and suggest something like what I'm riding. I got a Gravity "Dutch", like the ones sold at Bikes Direct.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/hybrid_bikes.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._dutch_xii.htm
They have changed the model some since i got mine. I found mine even cheaper on ebay (from
http://www.ebay.com/usr/chicabike) after looking it over at Bikes Direct. I chose it because it was available in a very large frame size. (I am also 6'2", and most of it legs.) This bike fits me better than my old Raleigh C-40. And I have
much more control with this one.
The gear range isn't large (14 - 28) but that translates into easy shifting. It is a freewheel, which is drawback for anyone expecting a long bike "relationship" (and an issue I came here tonight to address, and then found your post). Paint scratches easily, too.
I also had to make a few inexpensive modifications to mine (swapped out the front DR with the old one off the C-40, and a more comfortable saddle), but now it rides well. I could have done a lot worse for that little bit of money. And I use it as a pack mule. It came with fenders, and I added a rack and panniers. It has held up well. (Except for that paint I told you about.
)
For no more than you want to do, this might be the route to go.