I'm new here and just wanted to say thanks for the useful thread. I've been in Pittsburgh for almost two years (I'm a native Floridian) and I was discouraged at first by the hills, traffic, inclement weather and poor road conditions. Gainesville had plenty of bike lanes and excellent weather. I finally fixed up my road bike with a rack and started riding to school quite a bit. I'm starting a new job downtown in a couple of months and I'm determined to bike. I've been a lazy rider and I want to step it up. I think all the suggestions and my new Surly Cross Check (which I am not so patiently waiting for) will help!