I have a Trek 7.2 and a Specialized Elite. I bought the Trek several years ago when I 1st got back into biking. I wasn't really sure what I wanted at the time and the Hybrid seemed like a good choice at the time and it was. I road it for almost 4 years before I bought the Road bike. It was fairly inexpensive, had a good gear spread, had the ability to mount just about anything onto it and has never failed me. The bike was inexpensive enough to change bars & seats, add fenders and racks. geared well to pull a trailer or loaded panniers & it is a great commuter.

I eventually did a 130 mile ride with it and it did very well but over such a great distance I found it's weakness was in the ability to keep up with the group that was mostly road bikes. Don't get me wrong the bike performed flawless but over distance it will be outperformed by the road bike class. Keep in mind my commuter options are 17 mile and 23 mile each direction.

I was inspired to purchase the road bike at a considerably greater cost for rides that are better suited for this type of interest. You have great advice here and regardless of your decision you will enjoy commuting on what ever bicycle you ride. Keep in mind the bicycle is just part of the equation, your going to need some other things as well, lighting, possibly fenders (not all bikes will receive them well) rack and panniers depending on your taste and some self support tools.

I can tell you that my Trek is a bicycle I will not give up even after my purchase of my 2nd bike. The 2 different styles of bicycles compliment each other perfectly
Best of luck