I ride a Kona Fire Mountain to and from work, 10 miles each way. It's a pretty hilly ride and the bike is great for the commute, even with front suspension (there's the added benefit that I can take it on that nice singletrack on the way home ). I started by taking the bus part way on the ride in...

I keep my bike in my cube so I don't have to worry about theft/weather damage on the rack and that has the added bonus of being a conversation piece. Lots more of my coworkers ride bikes than I realized, sometimes they even bring them by to say hello when they ride in. Very cool.

I shower when I get to the office but find that a washcloth and a bit of soap can work miracles when I ride out to get lunch & it is hot, etc.

Good luck with your commute, I'm sure you'll have a blast at it!

Anne