First of all, thanks for the advice from all here. I bought an '03 Trek 520 to replace a beater MTB and have been commuting with it for a month now. Yesterday I had too many things to do all over town and had to drive. I was upset about it, which I wouldn't have imagined was possible last year. I thought it was interesting how many things I have read here I can relate to now: Fell once because of the new SPD pedals. Had someone yell "SIDEWALK A-HOLE!!!" out the back window of an SUV. Rode after checking the weather report and seeing it favored rain. Started using a helmet mounted mirror. Found a quieter (and longer) route. Started packing my bike before going to sleep at night. I could go on for a long while with this I suppose. I'll leave it at thanks again.


Hemlock