clyde....
my two cents all is IMHO/E and ymmv
Forget about suspension forks, unless you are really going on trails, not pavement... they cost a lot of energy and most people who ride on streets/roads for commuting lock them up.
How long will your commute be one way..... this may make a difference. Ie if you are doing 10-15 miles oneway you might consider drops
as a general statement Japanese bike for from the 80' early 90's make a fantastic base for what you are doing.... Nishiki, Univega, centurion, bridgestone, Miyata, panasonic. many had eyelets and more of a touring geometry.
here is what I did with a nishiki olympic 12 (purchased new) The seatpost, fork and frame are the only original parts left
700c wheel conversion, double pivot brakes, 1x8 with thumb shifter, nitto dirt drop stem and handle bar (stem like that may help with your standover...otherwise a mixte of the same era and manufactures may be the ticket) wald baskets
