I went through a lot of buying and selling ebay bikes early on. One of those bikes was a Bad Boy that had been built up with higher end parts. It was undoubtedly the worst bike I have ever had the misfortune of trying to commute on. I'm not sure why, but it felt slow and dead.
I knew I was selling it after the first ride, but rode it once more just to confirm. That was also the last flat bar bike I've tried riding on the road.
For reference, I also have a Cannondale Cyclocross (for racing only) and it's nothing like the Bad Boy - even remotely. If you want a cross bike, buy one - though I think there are more commuter-appropriate bikes than the Cannondale.