Ah.........what bike do I commute on? I've thought a lot about this. I used to commute on a heavier, touring style bike (1983 Trek 720). Something that was geared for hills and was marginally disposable (I live in metro DC - things get stolen). I decided, though, that my commute is a big part of my riding. I wanted to ride my favorite bikes and different ones depending on my mood that day. If it's slow day and a time of year I need lighting I ride a triple Ron Cooper. I have it set up with fenders and lights. If I'm in a bit of a "racey" mood, I ride my red 1978 Paramount. If I feel a bit "campy" that day I ride my Bridgestone XO-2. Somedays I feel a little patriotic and ride my Eisentraut. When I'm in a hurry and feel a bit lazy I ride my 1997 STI Waterford. All my bikes have their own character. In fact, the hardest part is deciding just which bike I want to ride.
Jill DiMauro
Kensington, MD