I bought a used touring bike for commuting. It's got a rack and bigger tires to handle the load and the terrain, but it's light enough to handle the local hills. It's a relaxed road geometry, so while it looks like a road bike, it's not super race-like and its easier on the back (especially if I carry a backpack). I switched out the flat bars for drops and there is plenty of room for lights and the like to make it safe for winter riding. But...it's a road bike at heart and it not only likes to go fast on occasion, it likes long rides too.