If you look around $200 will get you a good bike in any mnarket if you take your time and be willing to move on deals fast. If you aren't mechanical or non of your co-workers can help you fixing something up you might want to look in craigslist for a flipper rehabber that will get you something thats ready to ride. Hybrids can be a great deal becasue it seems alot of people buy them never really ride them and then sell them for half what they paid for them and easily in your price range. I wouldn't eliminate mountain bikes from your search either. I would say the limiting factor there for a long commute is gearing. You would want a crank with a 48 tooth chainring. You probably have some used bike shops in your area that might fix you up with a nice bike as well. There are tons of option in the market you are in even for just $200. Hopefully you will be able to find something you like soon.