rustbucket back into a commuter?

[Crankin]

I guess I missed that gene. My mom had it, but my dad is hopeless with mechanical stuff, just like me. My husband can fix anything and has probably saved us a million dollars over the years.
My riding friend came over for dinner tonight and she convinced me to try the night time riding; if I get really freaked out, there's a sidewalk for the darkest part of my ride. But, I don't think I'll need it. I've determined that it will not kill my a$$ to ride 5 miles without a chamois and as far as the pedals go, that will just be practice. Imagine, I have to practice riding NOT being clipped in.
It sounds like your remodel is coming along. Do you plan to commute in the coldest part of the winter?

[mayanorange]

Stem question for you guys. I took the tape to my roadie and my total reach is 62cm and the rustbucket has a super long quill stem (130 or so with about a 10-20 rise), so it's 67cm. DH's roadie is 65cm, so if we can get it in between 62 and 65, that should work for both of us? Other question is do I get adjustable angle or just a long quill or both so we can adjust as need be? I assume I'll want the bars a smidge higher than the roadie since it's a more upright posture? My road bars are almost even with my saddle now.

Oh wait, I didn't account for the length to the hoods from the stem on my roadie.... hmmmm... now I have to measure again.