Originally Posted by
InTheRain
And if someone's main purpose for commuting is exercise, then it seems that you would want to make it more difficult, not easier. In other words, you would ride an 80 lbs bike and not a 14 lbs bike. When someone tells me they commuted 10 miles on their Walmart bike, I'm more impressed by their effort than the guy that did the same commute on his 14 lbs carbon fiber bike.
I would say there is a difference between wanting to get a good workout in and being a masochist towards yourself! 10 miles on a walmart bike sounds about as fun as a prostate exam. I don't think my crabon fibre bike would make a very good commuter...I love riding it, but it doesn't hold anything (though next time I'll probably put my Carradice on it). Whereas my 30 lb Peugeot is at least smooth and shifts/brakes well (when thinking of a wal mart bike).
I might consider a pedal assist if I had a cargo bike and no car, as I live in a moderately hilly area, but for carrying a change of clothes and my lunch, I'm just as happy to pedal.
Anyways, glad it is working out for you. They have their place, it's just not with me in my current lifestyle or commuting situation.
I also wonder if they are significantly less expensive in those countries.