Last summer was the first time I ever commuted to work by bike. I probably did about 20 km daily (round trip). I bought a Globe Daily 2 that had fenders and a rear rack I could hang a side basket for my backpack. It was great up until somebody stole it late last summer. I ended up using my (what I think is) a 1990's Bianchi road bike that had no room for fenders or braze ons for racks for the rest of the summer. It made for an uncomfortable ride with my backpack and drop bars and limited the days I would ride due to not wanting to get splashed on wet days. Now I'm thinking of getting another upright commuter but have basically gotten to the point that all my choices have become overwhelming and am hoping to get some advice from the community.

My budget's about $1000 canadian dollars including taxes. Fenders being included is a bonus but any included racks/baskets would probably be replaced by rear and porteur racks that I've already kinda picked out. That's probably the most I would want to spend but at that price point, it would have to be a bike that I might one day use for longer treks if the budget does go that high. Here are a few things I have in mind:

Aluminum Frame
- Get another Globe Daily 2 (8 sp sunrace?) $700
- Get a Globe Daily 3 (has nexus 7 IGH) $900

Steel Frame
- Viva Legato from MEC.ca (Nexus 7 IGH, Viva Chromoly) $560
- Globe Roll 7 ((Globe chromoly nexus 7) - no brazeons and was told fenders may not fit. $900
- Kona ***** Tonk (Reynolds 520 9 speed) $830
- Kona Paddy Wagon (Reynolds single gear flip-flop) $650-700
- Bikesdirect motobecane cafe noir (4130 double butted chromoly) $700 usd... after figuring out how to get it to canada and customs, the total might come out to about $1000 cnd after the exchange rate is applied.

For either Kona and motobecane, I would switch out the drop bars for a Nitto Albatross. I already have the proper grips and brake levers so the extra costs here are the handlebars themselves and possibly new shifters. I'm not sure how I feel about single speed bikes but I'm willing to give it a try. If it doesn't work out, I would replace it with a nexus 7 IGH.

I also have an old Raleigh Superbe that's currently not rideable (busted wheels, internal hub may be fixed but not working right at the moment). I have to decide if I would keep it as a 3 sp or switch to a nexus 7 IGH. I was thinking of replacing all the parts and modernizing it... I would only have the frame/fenders/chainguard as original pieces. This might end up costing too much time/money for it to be worthwhile.

I also happen to have a Bianchi pursuit bike that's pretty fun to ride but fairly uncomfortable due to the positioning (not the same bike i mentioned above). I don't have the space for three bikes so I would probably have to part with this guy. I am totally open to trading it in at a LBS that is willing to give me something fair. The only reason I haven't pursued this as a first choice is that many bike shops are closed for a few more weeks and I'd need to move fast to get any of the other choices I've listed as I'm hoping to get the older models which are currently at clearance prices. Whenever I've gone to a bike shop with it, all the mechanics seem to be interested in buying it but I don't know if a trade is something they would normally accept or if they would just think is weird of me to even ask. Would this be a good idea to expand my choices while keeping in my budget?

Sorry for the long post. Any advice is appreciated. I have looked at All-City, Soma, Surly and a few other steel bikes but they seem out of my price range. I'm not against an aluminium frame, but steel has just been more enjoyable in my experience. If it's helpful, I want a sturdy bike that's not overly heavy as I will be adding a few pounds by adding racks and I'll need to carry it up a few stairs everyday.

Thanks again.