TenSpeedV2

Summer commuting pretty much anywhere means you show up soaked. High humidity + very little shade on my commute means I am a sweaty mess when I show up to work, regardless if I have a pack on or not.

acidfast7

Take a shower and store your backpack in a locker.

summerdeepa

Many thanks again to the amazingly helpful and experienced commenters. I think I have arrived at a final decision: I'm going with the Giant. There's a very practical factor that I (unbelievably) forgot -- maybe because I was so excited about the Trek. I have a 10-month-old son who is going to be big enough for a baby bike seat soon. I can't imagine getting a bike that wouldn't allow me to ride with him. That means getting a bike that can either take some decent weight on the rear rack (he weighs 20 pounds) or that will allow me to install a seat above the front wheel (which can theoretically be done with drop bars, but it's quite tricky and sometimes just doesn't work).

I'm realizing I may need two bikes to meet my practical daily needs as well as my longing for a very light, speedy ride. And I only have the budget right now for one. It pains me, but I'm going to let that Trek bike go.

Thank you all again. You really helped me think about every angle of this question, and I very much appreciate it!

Walter S

It's so much worse with a pack. And I don't mind sweat that air blows on and cools me off. The sweat trapped between me and the pack is just a hot mess.

I prefer to stick with my rack and panniers, thank you. No uncomfortable stinky pack to deal with at all. Now I use my pack pretty much only when walking.

texaspandj

I would have picked the Trek all day just cause I like it and would have made it work for everthing else. But I think you made the safe and practical bet with the giant.
Word of advice Do Not get a bike mounted baby carrier. If you fall baby falls. Instead invest in a baby trailer much safer and they'll grow with the baby. (I think the baby bike carrier is only rated for max 30 pounds). Here's a pic of what I mean.

acidfast7

I disagree. They're quite common in Germany and don't take up much more width than one's shoulder blades. Trailers are a pain in the ass to lock up in an urban area or get up/down stairs or into a bike locker at work.

A RÖMER JOCKEY weighs nothing and is extremely useful.

https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...FJpRoCQTjw_wcB

texaspandj

What part do you disagree with? The if you fall baby will fall or that they are safer? Pita or not I'm only gonna pull my child on our local mup and Nowhere else. And since there are ramps and stairs and will only ride and not park anywhere, not a problem. Particularly don't want to live somewhere I'd have to do that.

acidfast7

That kids need to be coddled in a trailer. I saw a few bikes dumps with kids in the seats and with a helmet they were fine. They need to learn to tumble anyway, it's parts of the learning process.

You sound quite close-minded. Makes sense, I lived in rural Texas as well for a few years.

texaspandj

Bahaha.
You sure you weren't run out? LOL.

acidfast7

Not sure what to make out this, but I'm serious about the close-mindedness that your "don't want to live somewhere" reverberates with.