Originally Posted by
agarose2000
Seems like a simple question, but it's extremely complicated, it seems.
You can't get a really pricey bike because the odds it'll attract thieves is extremely high.
You can't put a ton of stuff on it because it'll get too heavy.
But you still want it to work in a multitude of conditions and environments.
Let's hear of some great setups and why you think they're great for commuting!
the answer is: it depends....form follows function. How long is the commute, what terrain, what year round weather, where can you park the bike? These will all have direct impact on each persons choices.
I think the pricey bike is a concern only if you not have some place at work to park (cube, bike locker, store rome)
Heavy is not a big deal unless you have extreme hills.....it's not a race
Most bike will work in wide conditions (some better than others) fenders, brake pads and tire choice are the key.
If I had to have one bike.... it would be something like the Long hall trucker or a '80 japanese frame based version like people have shown above. Drop bars, fenders, rack, wald folding baskets, blinkies, lights, combined platform/clipless pedals.
this is not what i ride now...because I have short commute and can ride my utilty/commuter bike which looks like an english 3 speed, but has 8 gears, thumb shifter and is based on an '82 nishiki frame in this case the form meets my current function. I wouldn't ride this on a 20 mile round trip commute.