My single commuters are an early '80s Schwinn World Tourist (made by Giant) and an early '80's SR Sierra Sport. This year, usually I am commuting on our Trek T50 tandem - which is a LOT faster than a single. Commuting bikes, like touring bikes, need to be able to haul stuff. Reliability trumps all, followed by comfort. Speed is dead last in the equation. The WT, SR and T50 have flat bars, saddles that I find very comfortable, puncture resistant tire, thorn resistant tubes and tire liners. I do 18 miles round trip. All have panniers to carry stuff; and this time of year, often my jacket in the afternoon. The all have water bottle holders, excellent brakes, SRAM grip shifters and fenders.

The WT, I purchased new in 1984. The paint frame, fork and headset are original - and that is it. It is equipped with a 50-34 crankset, 13-25 7 speed freewheel. It is equipped with 32-630 tires. The SR I built up a few years ago from an ebay frame and fork. The SR has a 52-39 crankset, same 13-25 7 speed freewheel and 37-590 tires. The overall gearing (rings & tire diameter) in the big ring of the two bikes is almost identical. I target cruising in the big ring and 5th at the back; giving me two gears up left for downhills and a bunch of gears down for going up hill. For traffic lights on the flat, I am starting off in the big ring at the front and big cog at the back. Setting up both bikes with identical gearing make things easier - less thought involved, especially with the irresponsible motor vehicle operators on the road.

I have a '95 Trek 930 and '85 Schwinn Cimarron in the works that will may also be used for commuting. The will get 40-559 tires, and drop bars with 3x8 brifters.