Originally Posted by chipcom

65km each way a couple of times a week is perfectly doable (I used to do almost 75km three times a week). I'd recommend a 'fast touring' bike for the job...in your neck of the woods I'd consider a Thorn Audax or a Trek 520.

You won't want to use a backpack for that distance...you might consider a rear rack with panniers and/or trunk bag and a small handlebar bag. Fenders are a must too, as well as good tires...I'd opt for the Conti Top Contacts in 700x32 if it were me.