Welcome to the commuter group. I actually ride a F900 Cannondale which is a 2,000 dollar hardtail MTB - I can cruise at 18 MPH with it without much problems. What I particularly like about it is that is survives just about anything, rocky roads, chickens, cow manure - just about anything. I have never trued the tires and I must have well over 10,000 kilometers on it - who knows, perhaps 20,000. I ride a lot.

A better bike might get you there faster, but I think after you improve your engine. It won't take long for the engine to tune-up though if you are riding everyday - give it about 3 months.

just my dos colones