[QUOTE=Miles2go;8826012]I'd like to see what's somewhat common for commuters that are riding at least 45 minutes one way, 3 or more days a week.

Chime in and share:

A bit of description of your route profile.
What kind of bike you ride. (photos would be cool)
How you carry your gear and what or how much (volume) stuff you bring on the ride.
Distance & time (average speed if you care to share)
How long you've been doing this and any thoughts you have toward the future of your commuting

1. About 11 miles one way, mostly downhill to flat in the morning and uphill on the way home. Probably could be shorter but my route is a good tradeoff of scenery and safety versus distance. A few city streets at the beginning and end but otherwise MUPs most of the way with great scenery (all the DC monuments) similar to what BD, knucklesandwich, and CCrew have (Washington DC area).

2. Novara Safari with SKS Fenders and Brooks Champion Flyer, photo attached. A compromise between comfort and speed but on the heavy side, 35lbs I'd estimate.

3. Ortlieb Panniers, tried backpack and could not stand the sweaty back.

4. A little under an hour in the morning, about an hour in the evening. I probably could go faster but there are places where you have to stop and cross busy roads and I do that safely. Plus wiping out on the S curve of death last year has me being more careful

5. This is the start of my 3rd year. The first year I did it on a 3 speed--not fun given the hills. In April 2008 I got my current bike and did it about 3 days per week except winter where I do it one day a week, P7 flashlight makes that possible. This year I'm trying again for 3 days a week from April through October. I'll keep doing while I'm at my current job which has great facilities. I also ride my 3 speed to the subway a few days a week where I rent a bike locker.