I, too, am looking to purchase a new bike after many years out of the loop.

The confusion for me is often what the pros/cons are for each of these options. For example, what is better about buying a street bike over a mountain bike with slicks? Or why have/not have fenders?

Some people have said no suspension on the street, whereas it would seem to me that some suspension might make the ride smoother (as in my car). What is the downside to having shocks for the commute?

Thanks all!
- Josh