While MichaelW's advice is sound for someone contemplating a commuting-specific bike, I already had a bike when I decided to start commuting. I have LeMond Zurich and though it wasn't designed specifically for the commuter, I must say I rather like commuting with it. Some people may cringe, but I have fenders and a rack for rear panniers on the Zurich and commute about 6,000 miles/year (3 years with the LeMond)....so it can work.

I thought the Race Blades were a little too flimsy for everyday commuting and not near long enough to protect my feet from spray. I have the SKS chromoplastics fitted to my bike and I will try and post some relevant photos by the end of this week.