What type of bike??

[RoadRaven]

Have fun with your shopping, KB

I use my two road race bikes to commute, as my commute is irregular and I use the commute as a training ride.

I aim to have a commuting bike - probably sometime next year.

I think the key thing about a commuting bike is you should feel comfortable on it... so don't choose a city bike, or a road bike, or whatever just because you are told to. Find something you will comfortable stopping and starting on at intersections. That will be the right choice

[NMRider]

You are probably to the bike shop and back already, but one thing I would suggest is putting in tire liners, heavy-duty tubes, and get them slimed. May seem like overkill, but after having 4 flats in the same number of weeks, I feel it is totally worthwhile!

My commute is 6 miles roundtrip, too... 3 miles down (on the way to work) and... well, the opposite on the way home. I ride a Trek hybrid that I bought in 1999 and is still going strong. I can't imagine using my road bike to commute, as I commute in work clothes (or at least carry trousers or a skirt and ride in a pair of regular shorts).

Funny how people still think it's "amazing" that I ride to work. It takes me less time to ride my bike than it would to drive, find parking, and walk to my office (not to mention the other many bennies!).

[NMRider]

One other thing - I usually wear a backpack, but I also put a metal pannier on one side when I don't want to risk crushing my lunch or when I need to stop at the store for something on the way home. It folds up out of the way when I don't need it - cost me maybe $60 or so a few years back, well worth it.

And if you will be riding early or late when it is dusk or dark, remember your blinkies! I ride some heavily used roads and have one on the back, on my helmet, a light that goes on the side of my arm, a headlight, and a reflective construction vest that goes on my backpack.

[kerrybelle]

I just bought a Specialized Globe Centrum Sport, which is a single speed.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=34073
Since, I will ride by the LBS during my commute, I wanted to purchase my bike from them. Didn't want to bring another competitors bike in should I need help on the commute. They are a great shop, too.

The owner just got his GF the Globe in a 3 speed and she really likes it. I rode a few different bikes. The Sport being the one I picked. I went with the single speed because there is little elevation where I'd be riding and there will be less maintenance.

I need to make a few adjustments, saddle, new pedals and a bag for the rack. When it's all ready, I'll post up a pic.

Of course, I will not be riding it today with the rain and 15+ mph winds and gusts up to 45 mph.

Now, I have to work out the specifics of my commute.

Thanks all.

Kerry