I've been commuting by bike for years, but in the last year my commute has changed from 4 miles to 14 miles--each way, and my poor vintage street bike keeps breaking down from the stress.
I'm looking to buy a new bike, with a budget of only about $600.
here are my issues:
it needs to be able to handle up to 100 miles per week, and
travel over poor-quality roads in industrial parts of town, and
be light enough to climb a series of short but steep hills, while
carrying my 6'2", 180lb body, plus
an approximately 30-40lb pack.
Any suggestions?
thanks?

Giant Escape City and the KHS Urban-X are within your budget. On paper, I give the nod to the KHS- the choice of components may not be the best, but they work. The Reynolds 520 and 700x40 tires will absorb a bunch of the chatter from the crappy roads, the disc brakes enhance stopping power in the wet, and that 11-34 cassette should get you up just about any hill.

hate to be called shill, but you might want to check out bikesdirect.com

Ultimately, you will have to decide, but I will tell you that you can walk into any bike shop and plunk down $600 for a bike and it will fit the bill as long as it isn't a comfort bike, or cruiser etc. IOW, any mountain or hybrid bike will fit the bill. Road bikes are likely to be over $600 and probably not needed for a 14 mile commute.

Also with the rough roads you speak of, I would suggest the widest tires you can handle as this will greatly improve ride comfort. I'd suggest going and riding some bikes and steer towards bikes that will fit fairly wide tires and that fits.

IF you get a mountain bike, i suggest a hard tail. you can get great hardtails for $600. Trek makes some bikes, such as the 7.2 FX or the Wingra, which would work great.

like Fynn said, any bike shop will have what you are looking for.

thanks for the advice!

TO BIKE FORUMS, DorianHector!

As you can see, we're trying to assist you with all of your cycling inquiries!

My advice to you Dorian, would be for you to go to your nearest Jamis dealership and test-ride the Jamis Coda Sport. It won Bicycling Magazine's editor's choice award, for being the hybrid bicycle of 2011. Since it's made of chromoly steel, it will most likely, last you for decades.

The Jamis Coda Sport can be outfitted with both fenders and rack. It can also be accomodated with up to 38mm wide tires. It's a true hybrid, through and through. It's truly awesome as an urban road bike, and it's just as awesome on the dirt trails!

IMO, this bike just might fill your prescription to the max!

- Slim