Originally Posted by
SouthFLpix
Any bike will work fine for commuting, and older bikes can be fixed so they work like new pretty cheaply. However, if you have some money to spend on a road bike, I would recommend a 'gravel bike', 'cross bike', or 'endurance' road bike. These are all variations on the traditional road bike (the ones made strictly for racing), but are generally more comfortable to ride.
If you want more specific recommendations, post your budget and that will make things easier.
There are lots of variables.
- Are you commuting 1 mile on the flat, or 30 miles over wicked hills?
- Fair weather commuting? Foul weather commuting?
- Roads Conditions?
- Security/Theft at both ends of the commute?
- Budget?
- Goals beyond commute?
- Loads?
Personally, I like a nice road bike. But I also like Craigslist Specials where one can often get twice the bike for half the money. Thus, my choice would be based on what is available, not some pie in the sky ideal.