The only thing a person needs to become a commuter is a bicycle, any bicycle will do, there is no such thing as a wrong commuter bicycle... All these other gadgets and gizmos are all optional and not really necessary for everybody. So yes, I would say that internet forums can sometimes make it sound like bike commuting is very complicated. When I started commuting 8 years ago, I didn't even go on internet forums to ask questions or advice, I just bought a bike and started riding.