Hi all, I'm 5'10" and ~280 lbs. I was recently accepted into graduate school and where my family is moving to is in Arizona about 6 miles from campus. I'd love to commute by bicycle to help me shed some pounds, but I'm not sure what kind of bike would be ideal for me. I've looked at a few, such as the Trek Soho Deluxe, Jamis Commuter 4, or the Raleigh Detour City Sport Deluxe. Since I'm new, I'd really like a bike that will hold up under the weight, will be reliable, and is one that I can ride on weekends and such for fitness.

Looking around on this forum, many people use cyclocross (I think thats right) bikes with drop bars... What is the advantage of that? I'd also like a bike with fenders and a rear rack because I thought this timbuk2 bag would work great: http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...senger/1734694

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.