Originally Posted by
lonesomesteve
Unless you're really fussy about components, I'd recommend getting something like the complete Cross Check. For about $1,000 it comes with a mix of Tiagra and other comparable parts that are all quite functional for a commuter. You can upgrade little by little as parts wear out. Building up a bike yourself with similar components would cost a lot more.
Good advice there. It's hard to go wrong with the crosscheck. Plus, in your relatively dry climate, the rim brakes won't be as much of an issue as would be in wet, gritty stuff.
Another pretty sexy option is the Salsa Casseroll (which is available as a singlespeed).