Tomorrow morning I start commuting 3 days a week by bike because my new job puts me in biking range (streets, not distance).
Not knowing the best solution, buy a dedicated commuter/urban bike or build up, I took the cheaper option and started with my backup MTB (my main bike is a SC Blur LT):
Because it has disc brakes, I can swap out wheelsets and pedals quickly if I ever need to hit the trails because the Blur is in the shop.
I started with a Topeak Explorer rack and bag. The Topeak system is great, it slides into place and latches quickly. Putting it on and taking it off quickly is a snap so when I get to the office I can pop in to work quickly (we have showers.) The sides unzip and drop down for cargo carrying space. I am going to scam an extra locker so that I can keep clothes at the office most days so it is only a few small things that I need to bring with me.
Here is the built out bike:
I changed the pedals from Time ATACs to flats. People had said that the flats were better for short commutes. Since I have a locker, bike shoes don't matter, but there seemed to be a consensus on flats.
I had a set of Mavic Crossrides hanging around that I threw on. Having a second set is nice because it lets you easily move back and forth between commuting and trails. The Crossrides are not sturdy enough for trail riding so they were sitting in the garage.
I put WTB 1.5" slicks on the wheels. They have a special puncture resistant design, so I shouldn't have to worry about flats. But just to be sure I put in Slime tubes. I run tubeless on my main bike, but that has Stans rims, with the wire bead in these tires I figured that a Slime tube would work better.
When buying a rack, be sure to check for a disc compatible rack. Mine has an extra clearance for discs.
The bag has a nice net pocket on the top and a bungie strap that perfectly fits a U-lock.
Right now it is a 15 minute drive to work (35MPH), I'll be seeing how close I can get to that time on a bike.
Not knowing the best solution, buy a dedicated commuter/urban bike or build up, I took the cheaper option and started with my backup MTB (my main bike is a SC Blur LT):

Because it has disc brakes, I can swap out wheelsets and pedals quickly if I ever need to hit the trails because the Blur is in the shop.
I started with a Topeak Explorer rack and bag. The Topeak system is great, it slides into place and latches quickly. Putting it on and taking it off quickly is a snap so when I get to the office I can pop in to work quickly (we have showers.) The sides unzip and drop down for cargo carrying space. I am going to scam an extra locker so that I can keep clothes at the office most days so it is only a few small things that I need to bring with me.
Here is the built out bike:

I changed the pedals from Time ATACs to flats. People had said that the flats were better for short commutes. Since I have a locker, bike shoes don't matter, but there seemed to be a consensus on flats.
I had a set of Mavic Crossrides hanging around that I threw on. Having a second set is nice because it lets you easily move back and forth between commuting and trails. The Crossrides are not sturdy enough for trail riding so they were sitting in the garage.
I put WTB 1.5" slicks on the wheels. They have a special puncture resistant design, so I shouldn't have to worry about flats. But just to be sure I put in Slime tubes. I run tubeless on my main bike, but that has Stans rims, with the wire bead in these tires I figured that a Slime tube would work better.
When buying a rack, be sure to check for a disc compatible rack. Mine has an extra clearance for discs.
The bag has a nice net pocket on the top and a bungie strap that perfectly fits a U-lock.
Right now it is a 15 minute drive to work (35MPH), I'll be seeing how close I can get to that time on a bike.