About a year ago I started picking old steel from CL and rehabbing them. Some I sold, some I kept. One I kept was a mint 1985 Miyata Six Ten that I tore down, greased and rebuilt (switching from the shimano derailleurs and dt shifters to Suntour Mk II and ratcheting barcons). For the past 30+ years when I've gotten on my bike (Trek 660 to Trek 220 to Aegis Aero Svelte cf) its been to push and challenge myself. This past spring I got on the Six Ten. It was a revelation. It's a wonderful, relaxed, soft ride. I started riding trails in our area. We've lived here almost eight years and I'd never ridden them since I think a road bike at speed has no business mixing things up with walkers, runners, roller skiers, BSOs, babies in Burleys and dogs. I really enjoyed myself. I still go out on my road bike (built it up up this past winter: NOS 1991 Team Miyata frame built up with NOS Dura Ace 7400 group with 1st Gen DA brifters), and I still push, but I'm glad I discovered this new dimension.

My commute now fits into that dimension (on my drob bar conversion early '90's Stumpjumper). It's a time to take a look around, wave at other bicyclists and motorists, explore the occasional new route, get ready for and recover from the day. (I also just bought a fat bike, and that's opened up yet another seam) I still put in 120-150 miles a week and only about 40 of it is commuting. My commute has a few modest rises, is mostly on streets, includes a gravel trail through a small wooded area, and it's neither a hill climb nor a time trial. For me it's a time to ride differently. No offense to those who hammer on their commute. None at all. Just not where I am at present.