I think the problem is that companies are trying to make "niche" commuter bikes, when a lot of bikes make great commuters when commuting wasn't their intended purpose. Find a 26" bike that's comfortable to you, with eyelets for racks and/or fenders. They're everywhere. In fact, all four of the bikes my wife and I have (3 of which are 26") have these eyelets and with the exception of my 700c road bike, I wasn't looking for the eyelets.

So quit looking for bikes that have a cardboard circle in the wheel or a hanging tag from the handlebar that proclaims it as a "Commuting" bike. Just look at 26" bikes and you'll find your answer. Sure, you might need to replace knobby tires with higher-pressure "city" tires. Big deal.

My current backup commuter is a steel rigid-frame Diamondback from the 90s, outfitted with Forte Slick City ST tires, clipless pedals and smaller cogs on the rear wheel (less climbing ability, more speed). I think bike included I've spent $150 on it.