I ride a quarter-century-old steetified solid-frame mountain bike, slicks, fenders, lights, rack and panniers. I've been commuting by bike since I was in elementary school. My current commute is 8 hilly miles, about an hour to work and an hour and a half returning. Sometimes I combine riding and the bus which drops me off at the top of a twisty fast hill. I ride all year, but haven't had to invest in studded tires yet. I walk to work if necessary.

The best way to motivate yourself to bicycle commute is to not have a car available. Plan ahead, make your home close enough to work. Live in an area where all the basic stores you need are close by.

Have two bikes minimum capable of making the trip. Stock up on tire repair supplies. I carry a pump and patch kit with me, but no other tools. In some jobs I carried a change of clothes and arrived 15 minutes early to wash up in the restroom, I've never had an employer with a shower. I always try to arrive 15 minutes early so that I have a margin in case I have a flat on the route.