Originally Posted by
bonechilling
For a 10-mile per day commuter, I'd recommend a nice, inexpensive single speed, like the Motobecane Messenger from bikesdirect.com. It's a pretty reliable and durable bike for the price. There are quite a few fixed and single speed options out there, but I think this is probably the best deal.
It sells for $350, not including shipping. That tops the OP's budget. A decent used commuter bike can be had for $100 that would do the same thing.