Originally Posted by Giant Doofus

I think it's much easier to buy a recreational bike that will work okay for commuting than it is to by a commuting-specific bike that can go on longer rides. Here's what I mean: For years I rode my hybrid bike on nice, long recreational rides -- up to 50 or 60 miles. I loved it for that. I've been commuting on that bike, which would cost maybe $600 today, since September. It works fine for commuting, but I found myself thinking "gosh, I wish my chain were in a case" or "man, too bad I don't have dynamo lighting" or "an IGH sure would make this stop-and-go shifting easier." When I found a bike that had all that stuff, it ended up being a bike that isn't suitable for 60 mile rides any more. In my case, that's fine because I still have my handy-dandy hybrid for those rides.

If your current ride is fine for commutes, then you could simply buy an inexpensive used bike for recreational purposes. On the other hand, if you have to replace the commuter any way, then your decision is a little more complicated. I do want to emphasize, though, that my existing hybrid is *fine* for commuting. I did not *need* a new one. I just wanted one and am in a position where I can afford it right now. You could do very well buying a nice recreational bike with external gears and rim brakes and putting some good quality LED battery lights on it.