Started commuting in July. The bike is a Raleigh Detour 3.0 Was in a hurry to get a bike and the little research I had done pointed me to a hybrid. Road bikes sounded too fragile and I'm on a budget. Bor Yeuh rack, Cateye EL530 headlight, PB SuperFlash blinky taillight. SKS Fenders. The panniers were installed today and are Transit Metros which may seem a little overkill but I use this bike for groceries too - car free right now.
Future upgrades: studded tires for winter, mudflaps, computer with cadence because I tend to mash, MInewt x2 dual headlight; The streets are lit enough that the EL530 is sufficient for now.