Originally Posted by
mawtangent
Its not a drop bar roadbike and I don't know how it would measure up to all your criteria but there has been some ho-hum praise on BF for the relatively simply-designed Mongoose Paver that sells at Walmart. (I know it uses a single chain-ring up front, and has no spring-shock fork), of course it comes in only one size, so that could be a problem for some.
I've seen a Schwinn Tourist at Target that looks entirely acceptable. Flat bar, no shocks, no nonsense. I'd ride one as a beater if my commuter ever gets stolen (knock on wood).