The redline seems like a perfect bike for what you describe- some people love the mustache bars, some people hate them, but if you end up in the latter group, i'm sure that there's someone on the board who will trade with you for the bar type of your choice.

Gearing is pretty personal- however, for commuting, urban rides, and a few solo long rides, i'd start with a reasonably low gearing- something like 42/16 or 44/17. The redline comes with wide tires, which are great on potholes and whatnot, but take a bit more oomph to spin up.