Singlespeed Nashbar for $224: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...202339_202326_

Regarding the commute itself, definitely ride it on the weekend before you set out on your first day of the commute. There's a lot of things that you don't notice from a car. I have a much shorter commute than you, but I never really noticed that going to work was one long slow incline. Never could tell from behind the wheel of my car...definitely felt it that first morning when I was riding in! You may also find that there's a different route that feels more comfortable, maybe because of less traffic, or for better roads (again, you may really feel those cracks/potholes from the bike).