Commuting - Bad idea?

I'm getting a new road bike soon and planning to use it for rides, maybe racing with my university's club. I was wondering if commuting on it would be a bad idea? It would be around 20 miles of commuting a day, twice a week.

I've commuted a bit with my "stupid lite" road bike-it's a lot of fun. I do have a few sets of wheels though, and don't use the "stupid lite" set for commuting.

If you use it consistently commuting, you should increase your maintenance schedule a bit-especially if you'll be commuting in rain. Race blade clip on fenders work well.

Obviously a secure lockup (preferibly indoors) is vital.

When using my roadie or my fixed gear commuting, I use a backpack for my stuff. Clothes/food/tools/1 text/some paperwork&such, but try to keep it under 10 pounds. Optimal is to have nothing on your back-that'll be up to you. When I have to carry more weight (say more texts, or extra shoes), I use one of my other bikes that has a rear rack-and use a pannier (or two).

I usually ride my roadbike on Fridays. My commute is only 15 miles round trip, but I end up taking the long way home most of the time. My biggest concern is that it rains alot here in FL in the summer. I don't like to constantly subject the Lemond to monsoon conditions. Other than that I think you'll be fine. If you do get wet, make sure you wipe it down and let it dry out.

I wouldn't do it- unless you can keep your bike indoors WITH you.

Why not build up a commuter as some sort of recycling project?

I'll make a suggestion though... buy the cheapest spare wheelset you can get. Heavy touring wheels from Nashbar or just off the rack from a local used bike store.
The #1 thing i rip up commuting is wheels. I just brought a commuter wheel into my wrench, 3 busted spokes and a wicked dent and wobble, potholes and heavy bags of groceries are a tough combo.
Save your good wheels for the weekends.
And change your chain often.

I wouldn't do it- unless you can keep your bike indoors WITH you.

Why not build up a commuter as some sort of recycling project?

Well, it's a little complicated. I go to school in Santa Cruz and live in Santa Clara--I have to commute to the freeway express bus (hard part being Santa Cruz is over a hill). Anyway, I'll probably need my nice road bike to ride with university's team...so taking a clunker would be bad. I plan to go check out the Goodwill anyway.

I just started using one of Fuji's "forza" series bikes (Absolute model) for my commute...I was getting frustrated with the "speed limit" I was hitting with my mountain-bike style commuter (with slicks). The Fuji bike is an aluminum road-bike type frame, geared appropriately, with 26mm tires...but with a flat handle bar and attachments for a rear rack. I may switch to 28-32mm tires eventually, but for now it's been great. (VERY affordable too, at between $600-$700, depending on where you get one) I haven't been using the Fuji for long, but for now it's sped up the commute, and I haven't felt worried about damage yet. Maybe time will change my mind, but so far I like it.

You can build up the Ideal commuter around a Surly Long Haul Trucker frame.

I ride my rode bike to work almost everyday from March to November. My road bike is a TREK 2200. I have a 109 system and run 700x23 slick tires. I carry everything in a backpack. Rain or shine. I do not ride it in the snow that is what my mountain bike is for.

Heh, problem solved! Drove by a garage sale and picked up a road bike for 20 bucks! So awesome!

Bascom -> Lafayette is my alternate commute route, and I've gone to a couple concerts/events at SCU.. Sure looks like a nice school. Have fun with the ride!