You don't need a special bike for commuting. I use a Raleigh Rush Hour set to Singlespeed. One gear is all I need for my 25 mile round trip through industrial zones, over train tracks, through the parks, up the hills and yes, even in the rain at times.

For crying out loud, its a bike. You need to cover a distance. Decide how best to do that. Sure, it would be great to have a bike for every single occasion, but there is no 'need' to be special because you've decided to ride to work.

The next industry marketing campaign: You need this bike for the All Star Game! You just won't experience it fully without it!

Geez.