for my commuter. something durable, sealed bearings, something that will be basically a no maintenance bb and will make it through hard weather conditions but is not outrageous in price. someone suggested that i look into a shimano 105 bb... any opinions or other suggestions?

Shimano UN-72/3. Sealed, around $25-35.
Should last for years.

thanks bostonfixed. ill order one of those on monday. any suggestions for octalink BB's?

Sorry, I don't do octalink. I think shimano only makes octalink, though.