Trek Soho S, good commuter bike?
 

I am hoping to make a pretty big transition next year, it will be my first year of college. My goal right now is to get to school everyday without using a motor-vehicle. Do you think the Trek Soho S would be a good commuter bike, if I put fenders and a rack on it? My commute would be about 19 miles roundtrip, with no major hills. The biggest obstacle will be snow...I am thinking studded tires would be a good investment when winter comes around. Any ideas? Suggestions?

Would you consider the Soho Belt drive? http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/soho/soho/

Great reviews so far and it is already set up for commuting (fenders) and IGH.

+1 for the belt drive. My "ultimate" all-weather commuter would have belt drive and an IGH.
The Soho is a sweet looking bike, and I've heard nothing but good reviews about it.

In the same vein as the Soho, here's Giant's offering:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...le/2345/32164/

The Giant has disc brakes, which offer better performance than the roller brakes on the Soho, and far easier wheel removal in the event of a flat.

Of course, if you set yourself up with some bombproof tires like the Marathons or Armadillos, this should not be much of an issue.

Soho S is great for my commute. Realize, though I've only got 6 miles each way. However, I've taken it on much longer rides. If you don't have major hills, you'll be fine.

I did consider the Soho belt drive, but it did not feel as great in my opinion. For comfort that bike was fine, but the price difference between soho and soho s is a significant difference. I would also be using this bike in free time to go ride around downtown and things like that. I also like that you can make the soho s a fixed gear for about 5 dollars. Are any of you winter commuters? If I put some studded tires on it, how well do you think it would handle in snow?

I work at a Trek/Gary Fisher/Cannondale store, Giant is out of the question.

The Soho S does not have roller brakes.

Note the exclusion of the "S" in my post. I was referring to the IGH version.

The main thing you'll have to watch out for is tire clearance when you put the studs on. My Marathon Supreme 37-622 700x35s just barely fit (and I have to deflate the tire to pass the brakes)... you might need to use SKS Raceblade / Planet Bike Speedez fenders and you would probably be able to run Marathon Winters in the 35-622 700 x 35C

FYI, default brakes, you'll have to deflate the tires to get them through, but I'm getting close to swapping out the brakes with some Tektro R736 or R538 so that I can get my Marathon Supremes in and out.

Oh, Also, my post is regarding the Soho S. The Soho has, essentially, the same frame so similar clearance issues, but the roller brakes will eliminate the brake clearance issues.