What bike do you commute with?

[Geonz]

Hybrid Xtracycle. It rocks I can carry a bloomin' desktop in it; the laptop is a piece of cake. (Duly note that you shouldn't depend on the kickstand in a downpour and park in a gutter with a small river running down. The computer weighs enough to pull the bike over into said gutter. Fortunately it didn't drown.)

I sometimes ride my Schwinn Racer (1-speed) which has big fenders and a basket. I usually carry the laptop on my back then, for less bounce to the ounce.

[farrellcollie]

I use my raleigh hybrid for when I need to use panniers to carry a lot of books and my folding downtube when I don't have much to carry.

[xeney]

I commute on an early-80s steel Nishiki road bike that my husband converted to single speed. It's a mixte so I can ride it in a skirt, although I seldom do because the wind always blows the skirt in my face. It is a tiny little frame -- way too small for me -- but it was pink and $35 and exactly what I wanted. I put a Nitto Technomic stem and Nitto Albatross bars on it, and a Brooks saddle, and it is by far my most comfortable bike. It was originally a touring frame so it carries racks and fatter tires easily. I used to commute on a hybrid and this is far more practical and comfortable.

[janetsplanet]

My Giant Sedona with dual shocks..Heavy yet comfortable even to pick up my coffee from Quick Trip on the way...

[DeniseGoldberg]

I commute on my Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, which is a road bike. I could use one of my touring bikes, but I just don't feel the need - my skinny-tired bike is a joy to ride.

--- Denise

[kiwi girl]

A Marin Pioneer Trail fitted with 1" slicks.

My commute is 2 flat miles, a little bit of suburbia but mostly the inner city.

I pefer the upright riding position of a flat bar in traffic, and I also prefer the upright position when I am wearing either a back pack or a messenger bag (i usually use the messenger bag).

I also use this bike, with two panniers for my grocery shopping.

[uforgot]

I commute on a Trek 7.3fx wsd. I have the Trek grocery panniers and they carry everything I need. Papers, books and even groceries. I live in a small town, so I commute to school, (I'm a teacher) then the post office and if I need to the grocery store. These panniers hold it all and are sooooo easy to use! Just drop the stuff in. This bike also has tires that are resistant to flats. I try not to use a car for anything that isn't out of town. Everyone always asks me how many miles to the gallon I'm getting.lol. Gee, I don't even notice the gas prices...

[Quillfred]

My sunny day (no groceries) bike is my Trek 1500 WSD.

My main commuter is my cyclocross Redline Conquest Pro which is modified with fenders, rack, Ortlieb rear panniers, 12W light for riding in the dark, Shimano 520 pedals and a soon-to-come Brooks Team Pro S. My next purchase will be some Avid BB7 disc brakes as it stays pretty wet here.

It is fun to ride in all types of weather. I am fortunate in that although my commute is 18 miles, only about a mile is off the paved trail--I use the alleys when at all possible.

Vacation ends tomorrow. Whhhhaaaa!

[betagirl]

Trek 1200 road bike. I commute in the city, so it works fine. Though I had to put kevlar tires on to ward off the flats from all the glass on parts of my route. I don't use panniers, just a medium timbuk2 messenger bag to carry books, etc. I have a cheap plastic rear fender on the back to prevent that lovely stripe when it rains Other than that, nothing special has been done to it. I keep the gear basic. Less to steal off of it while it's parked

[makbike]

I alternate between my Univega Grand Turismo touring bike and my Bacchetta Giro 20. My commute is only 2 miles all of which is city roads. I have a set of panniers that I use when I ride the Univega and an old backpack (from my college days) that fits nicely on the Giro's high backed seat.

[Jenerator]

I used to commute on my '85 rockhopper w/slicks, fenders & a rack, then I decided I needed a new bike once every 20 years and now commute on a fixed Surley steamroller. no rack or fenders, forcing me to go light, but the commutes not that long. If I have lots to carry, I can still use the the rockhopper w/paniers. If DH hadn't put me on a bike$ diet, I'd get the redline 9-2-5 specifically for commuting/town for all the reasons twin mentions and keep the steamroller for longer road rides.

[Lise]

Usually my Marin Larkspur hybrid. It feels very safe on the roads, absorbs shocks pretty well, and handles well even when the pavement's wet. I have a back rack on it, and panniers. When I ride to the clinic, though, I've been carrying a backpack instead of the panniers. I have to carry the bike down (and back up) a flight of stairs with one turn, and the lighter it is, the better. I'd rather have the weight on my back than on the bike in that case. Every now and again I ride the Bianchi, because it's so light and fast and beautiful. But I do get nervous that some City employee will see it in the womens' locker room and know how valuable it is. I do lock it, but there's nothing to lock it TO, so it wouldn't be hard to pick up and carry out. Therefore...the Larkspur.

I use panniers that are hand-me-downs from my mom; I'd like to get better ones for carrying groceries.

[bike4ever]

My commute bike is a John Deere green Frankenstein bike. I picked up a free Schwinn steel frame last year and put a hodge podge of stuff on it. This year when I was off my bikes due to a broken wrist, I had a coworker paint it John Deere green. I run Ultra Gatorskins 700X28, 8 spd group, CXP 30 rims with old R600 hubs, small riser handlebar off of one of my kids old bikes, ergonomic grips with rapid fire shifters and a Terry saddle. This bike usually has cheap platform pedals on it.

[pedaddler]

a steel zini, converted to a single speed. has blinkies fore and aft and a nice holder for my caffiene fix. i like the quiet simplicity. especially nice after a taxing day.

[Tater]

My commuter is a 2005 Raleigh M40dx mountain bike. I took the knobbies off and put some smoother Armadillos on, as there is quite a bit of debis on the road/bike lane as well as goat heads. She's also sporting a pair of Crank Bros. Egg Beater pedals, which I just love. Blackburn lights front and back and a Cateye blinkie on my backpack completes the package. I am looking into a set of panniers for colder weather as I think I will most likely be hauling a bit more stuff with me. (Plus I am looking into touring bikes and getting into self supported tours.)