My commute is about six miles each way, and I'm a sit-up-and-beg, head-on-a-swivel, fully upright rider. It's just my preference. For some reason I feel taller and more in control this way. I ride mostly through residential neighborhood streets and a some on a main road with lots of traffic lights. The upright posture allows me to enjoy the view in the neighborhoods and clearly see and communicate with drivers along the bigger road.