Have you ever ridden a decent road bike? I ask because I was all about mountain bikes my entire life, because that's what I was comfortable with. I tried out some road bikes last year at different bike shops and there's no going back for me now. The light weight, the raw speed, the agile cornering...it's a different experience. If you've never ridden a decent road bike I'd suggest checking out some bike shops and test riding one or two. You might end up feeling the same way as me.
Not to say you shouldn't get a mountain bike at all, just that you might like a road bike better for city use. I know I do!
Originally Posted by
tarwheel
Unless you plan to do other recreational riding, touring, etc., I would simply walk to work for that distance. It would be just as much or more exercise, and much simpler and cheaper. A reasonably fit person should be able to walk 1.5 miles easily in 30 minutes. It probably would take almost that long to ride a bike when you factor in the time taken to get prepared and pack your gear in the morning, ride to work, and lock it up.
I do my 3 mile commute in 8-10 minutes depending on the lights. Takes about 15 minutes total if you include getting dressed and checking my air pressure.