So am I crazy, or do I need a new bike? ;)

[Melalvai]

That actually makes more sense. I can't stand a flat handlebar-- I have a trekking bar on my hybrid. Also, it occurred to me that a hybrid wouldn't be as good for a longer commute. I've never had a commute longer than about 5 miles one-way. I go further to run errands, but that isn't a daily thing.

[lph]

I don't know if you need a new bike, but you need to commute on a bike you love (or at least like), otherwise you'll start dreading it or just not do it anymore. For me both a pannier and an upright position are absolute nonos for commuting, not to mention rubbing brakes. I commute on a flat-bar mtb that is significantly heavier than my road bike, but it's efficient on climbs and I can get way down out of the wind.

I would bring the bike into the foyer, out of the elements, and lock the wheel to the frame. And preferably get on friendly terms with the guards.

[fallstoclimb]

I kinda like my pannier, although the weight is slowing me down for sure, and is probably more significant a factor than the fact that I can't get any real power with standing climbs on the hybrids. I would like to get down out of the wind though. I'm tabling this purchase for at least a year, but I think I'll end up with a cross -- it'll be much better suited for our bike vacations, as well. Of course this is a want and not a need but what better way to reward myself for paying off my loans?

I think I will start parking in the foyer and see how that goes. I'll just have to pretend to be a morning person for the few minutes it takes me to get through security, so that they actually like me!