I'm looking to start commuting to work. Total distance is 8miles total,1mile of it with some major hills. Looking for something nice, not cheap but not crazy expensive. Any good recommendations would be helpful.

What's your work like? Do you need to carry work clothes/shoes? Can you shower? Do you need to carry your lunch with you? Will you be riding in the dark sometimes/often/always?

These are kinds of things to think about when you start commuting.

I commute on a recumbent bike (and I'm thinking about converting to a trike for the winters). I currently have a small seat bag, but my winter gear is a bit bulky to carry, and I'm going to upgrade to a slightly larger trunk. I also keep my dress shoes at work so I don't have to carry those every day. When I lived in Az (probably more like your weather, depending on what part of CA you're in), one of the first things I did was get a decent rack and panniers, because I hated getting to work with a sweaty back from my backpack.
When I was commuting in AZ, I had a shower available, so I would wear my bike shorts (and little else, other than gloves and a helmet) and just carry my work clothes with me. When I had a ~2 mile commute, I would just wear my work clothes, but change for the ride home and take a long way.

Also consider how often you need to be prepared for rain where you are. In the summers, I don't care, and just get wet, but in the winter, that cold rain can really cause problems, so I had to invest in some good rain gear.

I work on buses, so boots and coveralls could stay in my toolbox. No I cannot shower here, and I would be finding around 330-5am. I have knog lights I could use off my fixed gear bike for safety.and I would need to carry my lunch ocausiobally. I live in the bay area, Hayward right now. Thanks for the help.

Riding*
Occasionally*

Knog lights won't be sufficient for commuting in the dark - check the electronics/gadgets subforum for extensive discussion on lighting options.

For what you describe, the easy "go to" starting point would be a cyclocross (cx) type bike - not a racing cx, but one that allows a rack and fenders to be installed if desired. CX bikes allow wider tires to be used, yet offer a sporty enough geometry for a sporty ride in many conditions.
Fit is the single most important aspect when considering your options, so whatever you do, make sure the bike fits. If you are purchasing new from a local bike shop, they'll help with this. If buying online or through Craigslist/Ebay, you'll need to have an idea of what will work for you.

Now is a great time to be in the market for a new bike - many shops are doing year end closeouts on their 2012 models, so good deals are out there.
I was at a local shop yesterday and saw one of these on the clearance rack. I was pretty impressed with it, and I think this shop had it on sale for 800 bucks or so. All you'd need to do is put some 32mm slicks on there and a rack/fenders, and you'd be set to go.
Naturally, there are other options out there.

What kind of budget are you looking at?
Do you prefer a flat bar or a drop bar?
What are the "significant" hills like? Since you mention that they all occur within the last mile, this would imply that they are short but possibly very steep. This can influence your choice.
How strong a rider are you? This can also influence your choice. A stronger/fitter rider will not necessarily require the same range of gears for short steeps.

When budgeting, remember that there will likely be some other things that you'll need to allow for, such as lighting, helmet (if you don't already have one), tools/flat repair, rack & fenders (if desired) and bags.
If you're traveling light, a small backpack may do.

You say you work on buses, so you're probably predisposed to doing your own bicycle maintenance. This will save you time and money through the years, and will provide you the capacity to deal with whatever roadside repairs might be called for.

I use a 1988 Specialized Hard Rock that's been streetified. No suspension, but I added fenders, street slicks, lights, a rack and shopping panniers. It works great for a commute like that.

Another vote for an 80's or 90's non suspended MTB. Inexpensive, plentiful and good bikes. Put street tires, a rack and maybe some fenders on it and you're good to go. Mine is an '88 Trek 900 that I've converted to drop bars.

I'd prefer a flat bar. Hills are short but real steep, I'm an average rider. Mainly ride in my free time for fun. Price range around $600 or so.

This helps.
I've found bar ends to help immensely on steep climbs on a flat bar bike, as they allow a better hand position and facilitate a more forward weight balance.

A sporty hybrid bike or fully rigid mountain bike with slick tires would be good options, IMO.

Something like this??
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...ckdisc29#specs

How tall are you? This will help dial things in a bit. The 29er mountain bikes are great for taller folks (5'9+).
The linked bike would be okay, but the suspension fork does not appear to have a lockout. This is why many here are recommending 80's or 90's mountain bikes that are fully rigid (no shocks). Shocks rob efficiency - particularly when climbing.

If you intend to occasionally go offroad, a MTB/29er is a great option. MTB's are also a good option if you prefer a more comfort-oriented ride. If the bike has a front shock, a lockout is a recommended feature, but may not be available in your price range.

If not, I'd steer more towards a hybrid, such as the Trek Fx Series or Specialized Sirrus. Here's a nice hybrid from Bikesdirect, a good bang-for-the-buck mail order outlet https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../cafe_noir.htm

Edit: here's a 29er with lockout, and a step up from the linked specialized in just about every regard: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._trail_xii.htm


Just to throw it out there, a bike with an 8-speed internally geared hub could be an option, as well. You'll be stretching the budget a little to get into one of these, but IGH bikes are easier to ride and do not require as much drive train maintenance as their derailleur-equipped counterparts.
Here's one that is styled after the classic English roadsters. For not too much additional cash you could switch out the handlebar for a flat bar, add some bar ends, perhaps some nice ergonomic grips and still be well within your budget. https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ensington8.htm

For commuting? Maybe in post apocalypse NYC... or NYC period. Most other places thats overkill. Specialized makes a bike called the Cirrus. Don't know the price. Were it me I would be going to a local bike cooperative and looking for something with 700C wheels in the ~$200 arena. After a year I would think about making an outright purchase.

H

I'm not too far from you (Milpitas), and my commute is similar...well, when I add some climbs in the foothills at the end of my commute.

I was commuting on a Rockhopper, and it worked just fine, but I wanted a dedicated commute bike. I found my 2012 Trek FX 7.5 on Craigslist for $400. Talked the seller down to $350. Picked up some decent lights, a rack and trunk, fenders, and I was all set for commuting for under $600.

I, also, don't have a place to shower at work. I find that showering before I leave, and then a quick wipe-down with a wet wash cloth in the restroom is sufficient.

It's doable, but then any modifications to make it more useful for your commute will add to the bottom line. For roughly the same price, the Giant Escape City will give you most of what you need/want in a complete package. Just add lights and lock(s), hydration and the other essentials that you require.

Oh, and one of the problems I had with commuting on the mountain bike was the shorter wheelbase. I use a Topeak MTX trunk bag to bring my clothes, lunch, tools, etc., and was experiencing heel-strike...because I wear size 14 shoes. This may not be an issue for you, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

I'm 5'10. Ok starting to understand what I need to look for.

so more like this..
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...us/sirrussport

That would certainly be a good choice for a commuter.

Here are some local Craigslist ads that might save you a couple hundred $$$:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/3438303523.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bid/3438709143.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/3451185909.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/3447115428.html