I agree with Nuthatch...A nice hybrid will turn into an excellent commuter...and is perfectly fine for 10 mile rides. Then, when you become a fanatic, and more experience, you will have money and time to find the perfect road bike and spend real $$$ on it. But you'll still have the hybrid for commuting and lousy weather.

I bought a trek 7200FX ($330) and am really enjoying it. But maybe next year I'll think about upgrading my old road bike (12 speed, downtube shifters) or getting a new one as my distances are increasing.