A few of you guys mentioned the reaching for the brakes thing. Ever try butterfly or trekking bars? They let you get down and all the good drop bar stuff but you can move the brakes around as you like! Had a set on my mixte. I liked them but I really do prefer north road style bars.

As for 'obstacles' in the way of woman commuting.. I'll add 'concern trolling'. This is one my brother is good at. He's convinced that something bad will happen to me while out riding just because I am a woman. And he tells me about it, constantly. But my male other half goes to the card shop and rides home around 2AM... 'oh, he'll be fine'.

Well meant -sure- but seriously. Knock it off already. I know the risks and can judge them for myself. (and see more women riders/walkers during the 'risky' times then men. KILLS me!)

Oh, and my commute may be shortish but it sure does count. I almost always sprint the last mile or so!