What about the "Breezer" commuters? What about the "Milano" by Bianchi? What about the Van Dressel "Commuter"? Doesn't anyone find it strange that Bicycling would choose the most expensive hub gear bicycle to showcase?

Seriously:

In my opinion, Bicycling should have looked at the Breezer bikes. They have everything a commuter could want. Hub gears, fenders, rear rack, Chain guard and dynamo lighting. It's a complete package as far as I'm concerned. I'm not making any money from stating it but if I didn't purchase my Milano last year, this bike is the one commuter in my garage.