Weird idea?
 

In another thread, I asked road bike owners which bike they use for commuting. I asked that question because I was visiting my LBS to get my first road bike (I'm looking for the Trek 2.1 or Devinci SL4) and when I suggested that I might interested in getting a Trek Crossrip at some point as my commuter, the guy was surprised. He seemed to think it was a weird choice, given I would already have an aluminium road bike. But, to me, the Crossrip is quite different (sturdier, more relax geometry, disc brakes, bigger wheels, etc.), even though it's an alu+carbon fork bike.

What do you think?

Not at all. The Crossrip looks like every hybrid -> cross conversion I've ever done. Looks like a fun ride.

I think you can commute just fine on either of the bikes you're looking at.

I occassionally commute on a CF racing bike and don't see the need for anything else.

Dedicated commuter bike can allow you do some things with it, that you might not want on your road bike, such as fenders, racks, mounting lights, wider more flat resistant tires. But for most people's commute, there's no need for a seperate commuter bike.

I built an old cannondale rigis mtb into a commuter and never use it. i carry everything in a backpack and qiite frankly really respect the speed my road bike gives me. its better to have that speed and agility in rush hours. only time.i.dont ride it is if its not working or i cant get sweaty.

I considered at a Crossrip when I was replacing my stolen SUB (sport/utility bike). My local Trek dealer didn't have one in stock and wouldn't order one on spec for me to test ride. So I built up a bike on a Nashbar touring frame.

Here's the build thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...hlight=ahsposo

Here's the deal. Darn near any bike works. I've started on a 80's Cannondale bike set up for crits. Worked fine with a back bak. I rode my mountain bike, the added fenders, a rack and skinny tires. Both worked. I wanted my mountin bike back (I'm not sure why) and bought a cross bike, and added fenders, rack, panniers and lights. It works. You just really can't miss. Heck, some days when I want to train after work I ride in on my fancy-smancy carbon road bike, kitted up and cleated... but with a back pack.

I like having a dedicated commuter bike. I don't like having a sweaty back, and getting dirty if the road is wet. So some kind of cargo space and fenders are appreciated. Plus, saves wear on the far more expensive components, like wheels and drive train, of my race bike.