Bike type choices

[Thorn]

Absolutely, buy what you feel comfortable on, but here's a suggestion...consider a cross-bike. They tend to have a road geometry (although slightly relaxed, I think), but take wider tires for handling bumpy roads.

There is a recent review on the Surly CrossCheck on the boards and many people swear by the Bianchi Volpe. Both bikes are on my "gotta try 'em out" list as I'm looking to replace my winter-riding hybrid with a low-end cross this fall.

[VeloVT]

I second the cross suggestion. I have been commuting on a Bianchi Axis and I love it. It's much more relaxed than my road bike (which is a little on the "butt in the air" side), and the more upright position is nice for riding in traffic, as it affords greater visibility (also makes riding with a backpack a bit more comfortable). The canti brakes have great stopping power, there's clearance and eyelets for fenders (I have quick-release detachable ones), and the wide knobbies are great for bad weather (I'm warming up to getting "summer tires" that are slick and a bit narrower though).

Anyway it's certainly worth a look. You might also look at touring bikes, Trek makes a pretty black steel one with a full complement of eyelets and bar end shifters (they switch from indexed to friction in case your drivetrain goes on the fritz while your in between towns -- cool!). Also a more upright geometry.

[Kimmyt]

I ride my road bike to work, but then I don't need to use panniers or anything. I have been toying with the idea of building a bike specifically for commuting, though. I still think I would use a road frame, I just really like the way my roadie feels. I would probably put some cross tires on there, maybe mustache handlebars (instead of my drops, but I do love my drops, so maybe I'd stick with those) and probably only a double instead of a triple. Maybe even a single speed! The commute's not actually that hilly, but there are a few thrown in there. I ride with a backpack and regularly find my most comfortable position is in the drops, but then I am very flexible and have never had a problem with the drop position.

I've been thinking about this for awhile... now if only I had the time to actually do something about it!

K.

[KnottedYet]

Cyclocross bikes are very nice for all-round use. I have two: a Waterford X-12 which is my zoom bike (no eyelets for fenders or racks) and has 28mm tires, and a Surly Cross Check which is my commuter/utility bike and has a rack and fenders and 32 mm tires.

I have clipless on the Waterford, and flat pedals on the Surly. My drop-bars are set even with the saddle or slightly higher.

Cyclocross geometry suits my body mechanics and riding style well, so of course I recommend you try the cyclocross bikes, too!

(if you like the Jamis commuter, ask if you can try a Jamis Aurora)

Oh, on the fashion front: it rains here in Seattle, and if you have fenders on your bike folks think you are a serious rider! And since there's so much utility riding around here, same thing for the rack.

[RoseC]

I was just kind of in the same boat, and I'll second the cross bike recommendation, based on my still limited knowledge.

I wanted something I could use for paved trails, mostly, up to about thirty miles. I didn't think I'd use it for commuting or riding the roads, but I liked the idea of having rack options in case I decided to do longer trails someday (didn't consider road trips at the time), and the Bianchi Volpe has the ability to take racks and fenders and all. It's almost a cross between a cross and a touring rig.

Anyway, I sit a bit more upright than on a standard road bike, it's a cushy ride, and I can use wider, more commuter friendly tires on it. And now, with my 350 mile mark coming up tonight, I've fallen in love with biking and want to do *longer* rides. I think I'd be mad at myself if I'd gotten a hybrid as I'd originally planned. You *can* do long rides on one, but this is much better, IMO!

I wuv my bike...