Agree with spare_wheel: I would switch to disc brakes if I were looking for a new bike. City riding is "pedal-brake-pedal-brake" over and over and over whereas road riding is just pedal and pedal for miles and miles and never touch the brakes until the rare intersection comes up. The braking that occurs so often over short distances in the five mile commute take their toll on the wheel's rim.
Go for a bike with disc brakes!
Another option: The Raleigh Tamland. It's a steel framed cross bike with eyelets for racks and fenders.