don't rule out going as far west as high park. i live off roncesvalles (dundas west / bloor area) and it is a short commute downtown, about 6 km to u of t, an easy bike ride. if you like the idea of being near high park (sort of like toronto's central park, but not as central) it's a plus, great for doing some training loops and climbs through there. always plenty of places to rent too; not a pretentious neighbourhood.

can't comment on the east end, i'll leave that to the east enders on the forum. west-side!