I think that Schwinn 3-speed is perfect for a 1.5 mile flat commute.

My 3-speed would be OK for my 12-mile commute if it weren't for a few killer hills, and it's not as good as that one.

I agree that something based on a rigid mountain bike is more likely to work for you if you don't already KNOW you want a drop-bar.

I got an aluminum one, single chainring, 8 speed cassette, simple, cheap. Mine has 700c wheels, 40s for tires, which are wide for street tires but not knobby.

I love steel bikes from the 70s and 80s, but before you buy one, remember that bikes were very different then, and it seems to me that standard parts on those bikes can be hard to find now. Several bike mechanics and salesmen have told me it's taking them months, sometimes many months, to build up their old steel roadies.

When you think about it, $50-$150 more for something brand new, under warranty, and made of standard modern parts-- that's a bargain. Put another way, saving that money by buying a 30 year old bike might be deceptively expensive.