I am considering a new commuting bike and one of the ideas I have had is to purchase a commute-only bike with a rear rack. Furthering that thought is to consider a bike with a more upright seating position.

The routes I take range from 5km to 18km depending on whether I want the shortest route or more of a fitness route. The routes are all paved on relatively good surfaces although one route is on a pretty good hard-pack gravel surface.

What do other riders think of the upright posture for commuting?