I started commuting last year (5 to 20 miles/dayon an '80's rigid steel frame mountain bike (Rockhopper) running 26" x 2.0 tires @ around 60 psi. It was fun. A great general purpose bike.

Switched mid year to '80's steel touring bike (Voyageur), full panniers w/sixty pounds of gear and water, running 700x32 tires @ around 100psi. It was also fun, did a major tour this summer.

Currently I'm on the aluminum hardtail mountain bike we bought for my son 16 years ago (which he has since outgrown). 26 x 2.0 tires @ around 60 psi. Original Marzocchi Bomber z1 fork. No lockout option.

First impression was that this last bike unloaded was more work than pedaling the touring bike loaded

Turns out it my favorite tho, I still get to work, I get a better workout, and that (relatively) long-travel fork is excellent for navigating curbs, roadside debris and potholes. I allows me to ride with more confidence, especially at night, AND I have even more fun on this bike than I do the others.

Mike