Well, I also recently started commuting via my two-wheeler.
After taking it a few times to work, I think my mountain bike would be best.
I mean, I still want a road bike, but
1) They look expensive
2) I wouldn't know which one to get
3) I know close to nothing about bikes
My bike ride to work is mostly with traffic, which isn't all that great. Halfway to work, construction forces me to ride through gravel and such. Now, riding in Los Angeles, a bunch of the streets have cracks and holes and the like. Combined with 10 minutes of dirt/gravel commuting, I think a road bike couldn't handle it.
What do you guys think?
As far as my equipment goes, I have two blinkies - one front, one rear. A rear view mirror, my cheap bike lock (temporary until I get a U-Lock), a bottle of water and my laptop bag. I only carry my work shirt and lunch in there. Is this enough stuff? I know I should invest in tools, but I have no money right now.
Currently, my work schedule is from 6p - 11p, so most of my riding is from evening to night time.