I just happen to look at
this on the REI website. Looks like it would make a pretty good commuter but I don't hear it mentioned here so much. It comes with disk brakes, trekking bars, slicks, a rack, and eyelets and clearance to mound fenders and seems to have decent quality components. It also seems like it would be durable and it can double as a tourer and a weekend bike. The $850.00 price might be a little more than some people want to pay but REI has sales including the annual 20% sale. Even still it seems like a decent value for what you get and might be a good choice for somebody looking to get a first, good commuting bike.