I just had this choice as I bought a road bike for commuting and was surprised how quick they are. However I have just sold the road bike and am using my ht with rigid forks and slicks. Much more comfortable with risers and can go up and down kerbs when required, no need to worry about potholes and disc brakes are great in the wet. Whilst it is not quite as quick, it is much more suited to the city and my commute.

i want an Arc-X.

I'd buy a map so I could work out a longer route than the 12 miles. I'd also get a cross bike. Commutes are meant to be as much offroad as possible. Your new map will help you here.

Being able to ride up and down kerbs seems to be a major worry for people looking at on road bikes. Where are all these kerbs (I assume we're not riding on the pavement then) that are too high for a wee bunnyhop? Most road bikes will put up with a surprising amount if you use a touch of finesse.

And why is everyone riding up and down kerbs anyway? Ride on the road, like a car, it's faster 99% of the time than taking all the dodgy shortcuts.

The other thing that confuses me is people saying they prefer flat bars for weaving in and out of traffic. Flat bars are a nightmare in traffic, a nice narrow set of drop bars is what you want – so you're no wider than your shoulders – you can squeeze through on the overtaking much better, and I really don't understand not being able to turn tight enough – I can't remember any situation where I've wanted to do a turn I couldn't do on a road bike, if anything they are a bit more nimble at turning surely? I reckon most of it is just not being used to drop bars.

I've commuted for years, in Surrey, Central London, Nottingham, and now across Derbyshire, none of those times have I thought, aha, what I want now is a wider set of bars without the comfy drops for going fast on?

Joe

I had a CX Crosslight and it was ok for a commute but as I only have two bikes Crosslight had to double up as my road bike. No mounts for bottle cages or mounts for full mudguards so had to use some p-clips. Also sometimes when the going got fast the 48t chainring was not enough with the wider spread cassette (28 biggest). Bike was very good but had it's flaws and I wasn't using it's CX potential. Now however I got a Trek 1200, mudguard fittings on frame and fork, longer TT than Crosslight for the same 56cm frame, Tiagra setup and with new wheels and some finishing kit it weights just over 19lb for road mode. Commuter option is heavier but I've got full sks guards, 25mm tyres no problem, saddlebag for tubes and tools and is still only around 21-22lb with solid punctureproof tyres. I could fit a rear rack as well but it would cost to much for how often I use it so just use a backpack. The bike just works and is good for commuting duties as well as some longer rides.

Get a road bike with guards fittings on frame and fork as it's a must if You ride in all weather. My commute is only around 6 miles one way but as much as I love my mountain bike it's easier to ride the road bike plus You'll get loads more life out of a road bike drivetrain than an mtb one. SS setup would probably be even cheaper to run, easier to maintain. I did 2x much miles on my road bike than on the mtb this year and the chain isn't even stretched to 0.5 and my mtb one had to be recently changed as it was on 0.75.
I would like to have an almost maintainance free SS road bike for winter but that would have to be my 3rd bike as I do like to have gears on my road bike.

for the commute and C2W i bought a specialized tricross comp in the sales @ £899.
it's bloody brilliant actually !
carbon stay and fork with zertz and it handles offroad relatively well.
only problem is the V brakes fited don't permit guard fitment but specialized me some canti brakes FOC !
incredible CS.

That's my commuter and I love it!

Clips and a big gear, perfect for a 12 mile commute 🙂

I have a mud guard on the back, I just hang my lycra up in the office to dry. If I just wear shorts so I have to cycle really fast to keep warm, ending up a faster cyclist.

i'm using a SS pompino atm, but after the success of the alfine on my MTB, I'm getting one for the pomp too.