Hi SB, Sorry to hear your story! I have two bikes, both of which I could recommend. I just got a Felt FW3, though they make other women's models which are less expensive! I really like the woman's fit on the bike. It is really comfortable for me. However, this bike will not carry racks (without a bit of compromise). It is lightweight and very responsive and I love it.

http://www.feltracing.com/09-catalog...d/09-zw25.aspx

The second possibility for commuting, and especially for durability and the ability to carry racks is the Specialized Tri-cross Sport model. This has been the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. I use it for around the town errands and for touring. It easily holds racks since it has eyelets for them, and it has a triple crank for those hills you were talking about. It comes with 28mm tires which makes it good for the road and for off road, though the tires are not knobbies. If you don't like the seat that comes with it, then you can just replace the seat for more comfort. If you go to RoadBikeReview.com, you can get some reviews of this bike and it is very popular with those who have reviewed it. I can definitely claim a great love of this bike for being great all-around.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...09&language=US

Good luck with your pursuit of new wheels!