Going all over the place with this reply, but figured it might give some help?

My commuter is a Soma Saga disc touring frame in 61cm. I chose a solid touring frame for the geometry, disc brakes, and ample mount points for fenders and racks. I had a used Trek 720 disc before this that worked OK as a transition from an old Cannondale M800 frame to which I added slick tires, a rack and fenders. The M800 was more trail than commute friendly. Managed to crack the Trek frame after three years of what I thought was gentle riding, but that’s a rant I will hold off on. Regardless, the Trek was not an ideal choice as it is not a true touring frame, but I made it work while it lasted. I really think the Saga is the end all for my commuting needs. As a plus, I could always take up touring again.

Below is the current build that I used most days of the week until the Covid fun began, along with rationale for the choices. I went through a bunch of upgrades and modifications before settling on the current mix. My commute was 75% MUP, with the remainder <40mph roads, and I used to ride year round. The previously near empty MUP is now too crowded to ride with any level of safe distancing, and I work in a hospital so patient (and mine own) safety takes a back seat to my bike commute until winter.

2x11 105/Ultegra mix and STI levers — transferred from previous frame and I like brifters for road bikes
Shimano XT SPD pedals — MTB cleat shoes can be walked in
TRP Spyres front and rear — tried HY/RDs but found them too finicky; Spyres are solid mechanical dual sided brakes
30 degree redshift shockstop stem on uncut and well stacked steerer — I’m a tall Clyde, arthritis pain is an intermittent issue, this helps somewhat
Spank flare 25 (?) road bar in widest they had — I like drops even if I spend 90% of ride on hoods, same as above, marginal difference I think?
Velocity rim and hub on the rear — good solid wheels w/36 spokes for a Clyde
Velocity rim and Shimano dyno hub on the front — dynamo is the way to go for any distance
40mm Schwalbe marathon hs420 tires —relatively inexpensive tires with ample flat protection
SK longboard fenders — fenders a must on commutes; longboards prevent spraying
B&M iq-x front and line brake plus rear — single best upgrade for commuting
Ortlieb commuter bags on Ortlieb Rack 3 for QL3 bags — bags are pricey but built like tanks and hold everything but kitchen sink
Revelate designs tangle frame bag — keeps essentials on bike (tubes, mini pump, co2, tools, pepper gel, chain lock that can be used for defense since I ride through some interesting areas)
Garmin Edge 1030, Virb elite cam front, Cycliq fly 6 light/cam rear — cameras for safety, computer for tracking and incident detection (for the wife/widow)