Perhaps so. Generally I'm the exception that proves the rule, and I am here too.

I'm completely car-free, have been since 1999. Any bike that doesn't have a rack, can't earn its keep with me.

I ride a '00 Trek 1000 fitted with a rack, and an '06 Trek Portland with a rack and full fenders. I bought the Portland so I don't have to switch to a hybrid or MTB for the winter. It has disc brakes and room in the frame and fork for my studded snow tires.

I can't see riding any but a road bike. They suit my style of riding. They're fast, responsive and agile in traffic. They're lighter than all but the most expensive MTBs, which is important to me because I live on the second floor. Every trip begins and ends with carrying the bike down or up my fire escape.

And they have plenty o' gears which help my aging knees deal with grades and headwinds. Did I mention the drop bars get me down out of the wind? This is especially nice in winter gales--the kind where they warn minivan drivers to stay off the expressways. Of course, that doesn't help much if the grocery panniers are fully loaded...

Attached: Pic of both bikes, pic of Portland with Tailrider trunk bag used for commuting, and grocery panniers, open.