Here is my current commuter: Approximately 1973 Nishiki road bike with kangaroo panniers, took off the toe clips cause they were more of a problem than a help in my commute. I got it a year ago after a friend died and I went to his estate auction, picking it up for only $8.00. I made the homemade fenders (old bike tire) I added plenty of reflective tape and a new cheapo reflective $10.00 Wal Mart tire. Gets me my 12.5 miles to work and in the evening it gets me back again. I went from a mountain bike several years ago to a hybrid 4 1/2 years ago to this road bike. The road bike is much faster. I avoid riding in rain or snow or when snow is still encroaching on the roads because of heavy traffic, but have been caught in rain/snow at times & it seems to work well, even in the winter down to zero or below.