Here is what I use for commuting. It is a 2006 specialized hard rock sport. Bought it for 350$ and upgraded to armadillo slick tires for another 70$. Also put a blinker light on the back because I ride at night sometimes.

I use this bike on the roads all the time, and was wondering how it compares to those 600$+ dollar road bikes. I know that this bike has shocks, and road bikes don't. Also the handlebars are different.

Can someone explain to me how a nice road bike compares to this one for commuting?

I'm including a picture of the bike.