Originally Posted by
79pmooney
I'd put decently fast 28s on the commuter if roads permit. Save the good bike for longer days and better weather. (If the commuter is not a drop bar bike I take that back. 20 miles is a long ways to go if you cannot get comfortably aero in a headwind.) Ride at least two days a week because with just one, it will feel hard. Two becomes routine. And (say) Tuesday, Thursday, weekend - you'll be rolling when spring hits!
Actually I might start on 32s or 35s just to get to know the road and its hazards before I moved up to 28s in the dark. And - important - first ride is on a Sunday! Maybe with a map so if any of it is sketchy, you can try other roads.
I do know the commute okay already and tried it when I was out of shape. I was beat for two days, but I am training this past two weeks and have one more month to get back to speed. Most of the commute is very nice, but the last 4 miles aren't fun as they are more dangerous with traffic. I take precautions and leave extra time to ride very safely. Been around this a long time, but never had a commute of nearing 20 miles one way. Probably best not to push it much. This is going to add a lot of time to my day, but riding a bike is great!
I am not getting any younger! 55 is very different than 40 to be honest. I like to pretend it isn't, but it is. lol