I have two bikes that I use on a regular basis for an urban/semi-rural route, 9 miles each way, with a couple of fairly gentle hills in between. One is a Globe city bike, with 700C wheels and wide tyres, mudguards, very much a hybrid geometry. The other is a Surly Cross-Check 'cross bike, built up "stock" as Surly's "complete bike" offer. I added a rear rack, lights, and swapped out for a Brooks saddle.

The one I find most comfortable and useful is the Cross-Check... and I use the Globe primarily in wet sloppy weather (mostly because I haven't gotten around to adding mudguards on the Surly just yet). Both are excellent bikes, quick and easy to accelerate from the stop at traffic signals, easy to see and maneuver in traffic, and very stable under load. The Surly may be a pound or so lighter, but it doesn't make that much difference when I strap on the rack trunk and Kryptonite lock...

I would strongly recommend the Cross-Check as a good all-around city bike. Steel is indeed real.