I know, I know. Every other day there's someone asking for advice on what makes a good commuter, or whether or not they should buy this bike or that. And I know that what makes a good commuter for one is not necessarily what makes a good commuter for another.

So I know I really shouldn't add to the mix, but I will anyway :-)

My former commuter (stolen earlier this week, and unlikely to come back to me, it seems) was a Kona Dew Plus. What I liked: Disc brakes, nimble yet durable feel, compact and flexible gearing, plenty of accessory attachments (braze-ons for racks, fenders, or just about anything else), . What I didn't: Flat-ish bars (I added drop bar ends which helped quite a bit, but always seemed like a compromise), slightly wider than necessary tires (42mm?) and that's about it.

Based on the past 4-5 months, then, I am pretty sure I want road style bars, but I'm pretty sure I don't want a true road bike. Some options I'm thinking about: Kona Dew Drop (leftover at LBS). Cyclocross bike (no specific contenders -- but as a genre they seem to fit many of my requirements). Touring bike (again, no specific contenders - not a genre that I have much familiarity with).

As to my present needs: I have options anywhere between 1.5 and 20 miles each way, depending on whether I use Metro or ride the whole distance. My norm is about 5-6 miles each way. While I presently commute with a backpack, I am beginning to understand the attraction of panniers for longer distances. As long as I commute using cycling and Metro, I think I'll stick to backpack, but if I begin to do a cycle exclusive commute, panniers would become preferable. Or at least a rack to put the backpack on :-)

First question: Does anyone have a Dew Drop that they use as a commuter, and have they identified any drawbacks or advantages? One big advantage for me is price - I think I can get into a Dew Drop for less than either of the others.

Second Question: For those of you who commute on CX bikes; How hard is it to mount racks, fenders, etc...? Are there any CX bikes that have disc brake options (I understand that they are not permitted for competition -- I have no plans to commute. For me, a CX bike is like the typical suburbanite who gets a Hummer or Jeep -- It isn't about going off-road; it's about knowing I could ;-)) What are the drawbacks to CX bikes for commuting (given that I'd probably change out the tires for a more road oriented tire.

Third Question: What are some affordable touring options that I might want to look at? It might be worth noting that my preferred LBS carries Bianchi, Kona, Soma and Redline bikes... not sure what other options they might have for special order. I am not averse to older bikes, though I admit to liking new things :-)

Fourth Question: Is there something else I should be considering? Other alternatives that sound like they might be what I want, even though I haven't considered them?