City Commuter

[tulip]

I'd use a road bike if I had a non-urban commute. The Coda was great for my commute, but I don't go out in the country and ride it; I ride my road bike then. I hope you like it for 'round town, though.

Now that I don't commute anymore (I work from home), I use my Coda for exploring the city and errands. The closest healthy food store is about five miles across town, and it's a great little ride on the Coda with my panniers. I just have to make sure I don't buy too much because my panniers are small.

I also love alley rides through historic neighborhoods. Coda's great for that.

[Crankin]

CA, I never really thought of that. Yes, I am a light weight, at barely 5' 1" and 107 lbs.
Tulip, I am going to use the Coda for exactly the things you describe. I live about 4-4.5 miles from Concord Center and about 6 miles from West Concord, where there is other shopping. I don't do my "big" grocery shopping in these places, but I do go to the natural foods store, restaurants, and other shops (including the bike store) here. It is also where I can catch the train into the city and there are places about 4-9 miles away in neighboring towns that I can ride to, for errands. Anything to not use the car once in awhile. I try to not use my car once a week, which is realistic for me. I live just far enough away that walking isn't a quick option, but the bike is.
I love both my bikes and I made my commute as light as possible last year, by taking the bladder out of my Camelbak, and using all of the space as a backpack. I do have to bring my clothes to work ahead of time, but I leave a lot of supplies there, so it doesn't require too much planning.