Who's got a long commute?

[GLC1968]

Emily - that looks like a nice bike! I could never ride a single speed on my longer commutes because the one I used to have had a lot of big hills and the one I'm going to have starting next month is going to have a mountain!

Having a single speed does sound MUCH more fool proof..which is great for a commuter.

My long distance commuter has drop bars, but it actually came with flat bars and bar ends. I rode it like that twice and HATED it. Not only did I want more hand positions, but I had a few parts of my commute where I was crossing wide open spaces where wind was an issue. I really liked having the more aero position option if I needed it.

That said, conversion to drop bars is pretty easy, particularly on a single speed, so you could try it and convert later if you don't like it.

[ehirsch83]

Emily - that looks like a nice bike! I could never ride a single speed on my longer commutes because the one I used to have had a lot of big hills and the one I'm going to have starting next month is going to have a mountain!

Having a single speed does sound MUCH more fool proof..which is great for a commuter.

My long distance commuter has drop bars, but it actually came with flat bars and bar ends. I rode it like that twice and HATED it. Not only did I want more hand positions, but I had a few parts of my commute where I was crossing wide open spaces where wind was an issue. I really liked having the more aero position option if I needed it.

That said, conversion to drop bars is pretty easy, particularly on a single speed, so you could try it and convert later if you don't like it.

Yeah, I figured if I hated the flat bar I could convert to drop bars. I'm in south florida, so the only uphill I will have is 2 draw bridges, which are on the smaller sides for down here, so the only other issue is the wind(which can get bad!). So I figure I can spin for 18 miles no problem, get a little bit stronger this way:-)

[Aggie_Ama]

I debated a flat bar for my commute, but ultimately decided I would hate it. I sometimes ride my mountain bike to the pool in the neighborhood and I feel squirrelly on it.

I just picked up an entry level road bike for my hilly commute. One of the LBS has several drool worthy single speeds, I wish I could justify the single speed Salsa Caserole. I love the argyle Felt!

[MtnBikerChk]

I'm so jealous of all your commutes.

My drive is about 32 miles each way - so while it's doable, my husband also drives 31 miles in the opposite direction. He as access to a shower etc and as of now, I do not -but hypothetically, if I did, I would love to each take 1 day a week to commute. 4 hours out of the day is a long time - especially while we have a dog at home and we really try to limit her to being alone no more than 8 hours a day.

so anyway congrats to you all!!

[jobob]

I have to admit, my 15 mile ride each way is about the max distance I'd want to commute by bike, especially in the morning.