My favorite kind of bike is an old steel road bike adapted for my purposes, as light as possible but not too expensive, and heavy enough to carry me and my stuff.

But that doesn't mean it's right for you. First, start off with the knowledge that you can commute on anything, from a 100-pound delivery tank of a bike to a BMX bike to an upright city style bike to a mountain bike to a road racing bike. For commuting, it makes a lot less difference than some people suggest. On the other hand, you'll find some bikes more enjoyable or more affordable than others.

If you want to take multi-day trips, you will probably be happiest on something weighing 30 lbs or less and has low or low-ish handlebars and lightweight wheels. And that kind of bike will be very good for commuting, too.

Keep your eye out for incredible deals, especially after you buy a bike. I bet that sounds strange, but hear me out. Your first bike may not be a long-term love, but it will get you rolling. Once you have it, you have the luxury of time to get an excellent value out of your second purchase. Maybe you want a bike that sold new for $1,500 but only want to spend $700 on a used one. You can do that if you wait and search long enough. Or you can take an existing cheap bike and upgrade it over time, spending frugally.

Just some thoughts.

Here is my 1974 Raleigh International which I've painted myself and replaced everything on it. I got it as a frameset (frame and fork), and this is the second rebuild, with a 3x8 drivetrain. I plan to put fenders on it. In the second picture, you see the front rack and dynamo-powered lighting system. I've been messing with this "bike" for five years and probably spent less than $1,000. In the meantime, I have had other bikes to ride. If I had built this all at once, it would have cost more, but I wait until I can find things selling cheap.