UPDATE: Upon reviewing some more options that are a bit more affordable to me, I've come across two bikes that strike my interest

This one: http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Commuter-Shimano-Speed-Bicycle/dp/B008CE9KKM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1408395226&sr=8-4&keywords=commuter+bike

And this one: http://www.amazon.com/Vilano-Aluminum-Speed-Shimano-Medium/dp/B00595BNPM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1408395226&sr=8-9&keywords=commuter+bike

(sorry for the long links) What do you guys think of these? They look pretty good, but I don't know much about bikes, so again reviews and insight on how good they are is appreciated.