Originally Posted by centexwoody
FWIW, I think that becoming a cycle commuter is as much as a process for achieving a frame of mind as it is any equipment or technical who-ha. Steady commuting has as much to do with attitude (which can't be bought) as it does with equipment (that is simply a purchase). The maintenance of the former requires more attention than the latter. Folks commute on just about anything just as they tour on just about everything.
I agree, but I can also say from experience that a good bike can make the difference between
really wanting to commute and just doing it because it's the most practical mode of transport. That said, you don't need to spend a lot to find a bike that's good for you: my Dahon folder cost me US$130, and I am constantly surprised by how capable and fun it is: I took it on a ride just shy of a metric century the other day, with nary a complaint from the bike. It has helped to reinvigorate my interest in bikes, which had been severely tested by a terrible Chinese road bike that I bought when I first arrived.
To the OP, my advice would be to go for the bike that you found most fun to ride, because that's what's going to be pushing you to ride more!