I want a commuter, but I have no idea where to start

[WindingRoad]

I have some serious holes and gravel on my commute and I found the TranSend by Giant to be a good commuter. It's technically a hybrid but it doesn't have the heavy shock on the front. Comes with rack, fenders and ergo grips which really rock. Only drawback is the components aren't the best but you could upgrade them. I'm a roadie and surprisingly I really like this bike, it's fun to ride.

[NoNo]

If the problem is mostly that the tires on your Dolce are too skinny, why not just get another set of wheels and mount fatter commuter tires? Should be a heck of a lot cheaper than a whole 'nother bike.

That being said, I bought a 'cross frameset (LeMond Poprad) & built it up for commuting. I didn't want a slow bike with a long wheelbase, but something that was snappy like my road bike, but that had mounts for a rack & that I would put more gears on vs. my regular road bike.

Well the skinny tires led to the crash which led to me thinking maybe I shouldn't be using my nice road bike for commuting I want something that I'm not afraid of beating up a little and has a better set up for commuting. Wider tires are just a part of that equation. Your bike sounds like a good solution and a lot like what I'm looking for. I don't want a big, heavy bike, it needs to take racks, and I need to be able to get up hills while I'm carrying stuff. I'll have to look that one up, thanks!

[NoNo]

Oooh, this looks nice!
2001 Bianchi Eros Donna

Only problem is it ends Sunday and a) I'm going to a picnic that day, and b) I don't even have internet at home. It would drive me nuts if the winning bid was only like $50 over my max.

[ilima]

If you're 5' the Poprad won't come small enough. Another poster mentioned the Surly CrossCheck, which does come in smaller sizes. Steel, like a commuter should be!

Cyclocross bikes come with frames & forks that allow clearance for bigger tires & fenders. Some, like the CrossCheck have eyelets for racks, etc.

[NoNo]

I put a bid on that Bianchi. It's steel and has eyelets, which is good enough for me. I could get some wider tires to throw on it, and be good to go, hopefully without too much damage to my pocketbook

Edit: it would also appear to be in my size, which helps, too. Plus it gives me that "Ooooooooooh!" feeling when I look at it