After spending so much $$ on my carbon road bike, which I intended to ride only on weekend rides, I decided that the ride experience gave me so much pleasure it would be a crime not to use it on my commute as well. I set it up with pinned platform pedals that are a great alternative to clipless. I can wear any shoe or sneaker I want and my feet stay put unless I consciously lift and relocate them. At the same time, I can start and stop instantly, with no delay clipping in and out.

Regarding carrying stuff, I bought the lightweight Arkel Randonneur rear rack, which hangs from my seat rails and is further secured with a carbon-friendly rubberized clamp that fits around my seat post. To the rack I attached a lightweight plastic basket I bought at The Container Store (it weighs next to nothing), using four cable ties. The rack attaches and detaches in seconds, so I can easily use it for my commute and remove it for weekend rides. I put whatever I need to carry in a super-lightweight nylon backpack, place it in the basket, and secure it with a bungee net (backpack and bungee net also bought at The Container Store). This has been a great solution for me.

For me, it's not just speed that counts. It's the overall feeling of joy I get riding a beautifully engineered machine - the smoothness and efficiency. It puts a smile on my face every time I ride.