Originally Posted by
alhedges
I don't think that the discussion in this thread can be very productive until we know how long the OP's commute will be. I used a dutch bike for a while when I lived in Europe, and for a <3 mile flat commute, there's really nothing better. You get on the bike with regular clothing and everything you need for your ride - lock, lights, basket - is already there. It's a lot like getting in a car as far as that goes. The ride is very relaxing, and the weight really doesn't matter over those distances. This is particularly handy if you want to make several stops along the way.
On the other hand, if you have a 10+ mile commute with hills or winds, you may want something lighter and faster.
Forget about the hills, suppose your live on the top floor of an apartment building that has no elevator. What if you live on the third floor of a house that's situated at the crest of a mountain top, or any hilltop for that matter.
Nobody wants to go lugging the Dutchie City Bike, up any stairs, on a regular basis. Well, perhaps Arnold Swartzenegger or somebody, but that's about it!