Damn, you have some great bikes. And I assume you earned the money to pay for them honestly, so you do deserve them. I know you're saying you're not an impressive rider, but it really doesn't matter. You're riding and enjoying. That matters.

I tried a saddle just like that on my road bike for a couple weeks, couldn't get used to it. I now have a lower-end Selle Italia that feels much better to me.

Patrick, although I "grew up" on Flite saddles (from the ol' BMX plastic ones, to the one pictured), I find that I am also in that camp-- I now prefer Fizik Gobi saddles and SLR Super Flow saddles (two that seem to fit my bottom best). I want to try a Selle SMP Pro, but they are darned expensive!

Good on ya, mate! As one who first began commuting to work last year, I'd add that just keep on keepin' on and you'll gradually become so accustomed to it that it will become something you look forward to. Most days, anyway!

The other thing I learned is for short commute like yours or mine (mine is about 15 miles round trip, depending on a few variables) I got to the point where I realized with a bit of advance planning that I really didn't need to carry stuff to and fro each day, so I could lose the back pack altogether. Starting out with my typical car commute mindset I didn't realize how natural it was to 'overpack.' Now the only thing I carry is what I'm wearing, plus one water bottle on hot days. Very liberating. Just something to consider trying before automatically adding paniers, racks, and such.

Do you purchase lunch out somewhere every day? Does it not get hot such that you get sweaty? Many of us can't afford buying lunch every day, and most don't have the luxury of a super-temperate climate where sweating doesn't happen on a commute.

I have a quick release seatpost mounted rack that I use for panniers. When I commute, I put it on the bike. When I'm going to for a "fun" ride, I often take it off. I can't really tell the difference between riding with it there and not there.

(So, I wouldn't work too hard to avoid the rack and panniers... ).




While it's true that I don't really have a choice and can't wear a backpack, using a rack and panniers is just so much easier.

Cheers,
Charles

Whoa! If my panniers looked like that, I would work pretty hard to avoid them! I don't want to run the risk of being arrested for trying to attract 5 year old girls...

They attach securely, hold a lot, and were cheap.

Did I mention they were cheap? (2 for $20).

Personally, I'd rather spend the money making the bike nicer instead of making the bike look nicer. But, hey, any money you spend helps move the economy along, so spend it how you want.

Polka dot panniers? I approve, especially if they were cheap. There's always fabric dye if you felt the need...



But this thread delivers! Really inspiring stuff. I almost wish I was working in the office tomorrow in order to commute in.







...almost...





OP, Don't worry about what you look like on a road bike. I'm a Clyde as well (6'3", 290) and I ride a road bike. Not as beautiful as yours, but to the same effect. I personally think the thought of me on a road bike is like a bear on a tricycle. I must make someone smile

They're not actually polka-dotted, but have some weird bird icon on them.



(It's hard to tell from the pictures, but they aren't as ugly as they seem... )

Hmmm from the close up it looks to me like Optimus Prime. I gotta admit, 2 separable bags for $20, I would be tempted too...

That bent bike is awesome! Full suspension?!?! Who knew?? Funny panniers be darned! LOL! On a more somber note, I only rode in two days this week... had a sick little girl to worry about picking up from school (and did have to) on one day, and errands involving boxes on another... Oh well, going to make up for it this weekend, and back on the Saddle on Monday...

CP, Your Jedi mind trick isn't working... These ARE the droids we're looking for... LOL!!!

I know the May snowfalls may make it seem like Minnesota never gets hot enough to sweat, my Southern friend, but mid summer brings very hot and humid commutes, so that even we phlegmatic Northerners have been known to sweat on occasion! Still, my point was not that everyone everywhere could avoid carrying stuff to and fro on their commutes, but that advance planning can minimize that for many, especially for a short commute like the OP.

While I usually purchase lunch most days regardless of whether I'm riding my bike or car, I also periodically bring lunch food on days that I commute by car that I leave in the fridge for days that I eat in. I also take the opportunity on such days to restock my supply of fresh clothes at work that I can change into when needed. That is where the advance planning comes into play.

I have a rack and a backpack that I use when needed, I just found that when I planned ahead a bit more I didn't need them quite as much as I otherwise would have. YMMV.

Rode my "new-used" road bike in today... the commute was significantly faster (even though I didn't feel great in the morning), and the bike rode surprisingly smooth (on Michelin Pro4 Endruance 700x25c tires). I love the bike, but it is very "serious" feeling, and I'm not sure I want to ride in on clipless pedals everyday (having to pack spare shoes, swapping out shoes before I come in the building, etc.).



This is my new dedicated commuter:



It's a single speed steel-framed On-One Il Pompino. Very fun bike! I rode it in last week for the first time on "Bike to Work" day, and although I was concerned about riding in on a Single Speed, I had a blast! It is a very fun bike to ride, and coupled with the Avocet pedals and half-clips (no straps), it makes for a very "easy" commute. Just grab and go, with almost no care as to what type of shoes I'm in...