So after a long time deciding, and trying out probably 15 bikes or so, i ended up getting this...
raleigh rush hour.
its about half stock with some upgrades to the seat/post, bars, cog, chainring and brakes. also i just put some platform-style pedals for the commute.
after a week and a half of riding it, i have to say its probably the most amazing bike i have ever been on. it rides 1000x better on the streets of los angeles than my old geared did.
also, midnight ridazz and critical mass in los angeles are ridiculously fun to ride in.