Commuting - Big $$$ for commuting, training, distance race bike?

I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on what kind of bike I should buy for commuting and training in Los Angeles. I'm debating on whether I should shell out the big bucks for a carbon bike that I would use daily in commuting and training ... and distance races. I'm thinking about using it for triathlons as well. Should I own 2 bikes, buy something used, get an entry level and a top of the line, road bike and tri? .... I'm in the dark on this and was wondering if you guys with more experience could guide me in the right direction. Or is commuting in L.A. a suicide mission that I should avoid altogether ... like driving and talking on a cell? Thanks

If you will commute...
[1] without any extra load, i.e., panniers & racks, etc.,
[2] and your route is on smooth roads or bike paths,
[3] and park your bike next to you in your cube or office,
[4] and may store your week's worth of work clothes in some locker and lunches in the freezer.
I say go for a really nice road bike your money can buy.

Get a uber bike for racing/riding. A crappier/old/used bike for commuting.

2 bikes is your best choice, like operator said get a the best road bike you can and get a crappy one for your commute.

2 bikes is your best choice, like operator said get a the best road bike you can and get a crappy one for your commute.

Yes, this is probably THE best solution to the commute/theft
issue that all commuters face. Good serviceable used bikes
are easy to find......cheap.

One point is clear.....
You ride a new/expensive bike for commuting at your own risk.

I tried commuting on my race bike. That lasted about 2 days.
The bike just wasn't meant for that and it was taking a beating.

Now with the Kona, the ride is sooooo much less stressful cause i don't have to watch for every little crack/debris/gravel in the road, i can hop onto sidewalks if need be, go thru puddles without worry and i was able to throw a lot of gear on the kona that i wouldn't want on the race bike. Like lights, fenders, mirrors, lock, etc. And i have peace of mind knowing i'm not treating my race bike so poorly. Oh, and the wide bars also feel a little safer/more stable for commuting. And some would say the more upright position is more comfortable (although i tend to favor the road bike position)

2 bikes. At least. :D

I tend to agree with d2create.

If I could buy only one bike it would probably be a cyclocross bike.

You should buy the commuter first and ride it for at least a year before getting a high dollar road bike. You will know more about what you want and more about bikes in general at that time.

At the end of the day it really doesn't matter as much what you ride. People commute on Pacifics and Huffy all the time. The most important thing is that you actually follow through and ride the bike, whatever you buy.

If in six months you aren't riding, it is just as easy to ignore an old beater in the garage as a CF wonderbike and a tricked out commuter.

Dan