IMO the problem is, the Forums have areas where a specific bike type is discussed (Folding, Tandem, and recently, Hybrid, etc) AND areas where usage is the topic (Winter, Commuting, Long Distance, Living car free etc). Then there are a couple of Forums that are between the two. Looking at the Forum name, Road Cycling for example could include other bikes than pure road machines, but in practice does not. I believe this was the key issue for some Hybrid Forum supporters.

Personally, I favor the usage approach. So for me a commuter bike is any bike that is used for commuting, regardless of what marketing term was applied to it when it was sold.

--J