My 2006 Specialized Expedition works really well as a commuter for me although not much room for fenders because of a shock front fork. I did mount a shock board fender in the front and a little plastic flap on the end of the rack. A very comfortable ride and I can breeze up to 16 to 18 mph with no problem but mostly I just cruise at anywhere from 13 to 15 mph depending on how much of a hurry I am. I have ridden my Cadent 2.0 and both my old Schwinns and the Schwinns give me a really smooth ride too, must be the steel that takes up the shock. It depends on your route if its on paved roads and MUP then a roadie and a backpack will work great but my favorite commuter will always be my Specialized hybrid