My first question is what do you consider a "fair" distance and in what type of weather? Most days I commute about 12 miles one way. I almost never need to hydrate in the morning and can get by with a 20 or 24 oz bottle in the downtube cage on even the warmest summer days (temperatures in the 90s) for my ride home. That way you have your bottle that you plan on carrying anyway and can skip the bladder in you pack and leave room for you other needs.