So, I picked up my new bike on Friday, Sunday I removed the toe clips (the strappy kind) and practiced figure 8's, gear-shifting and braking, and then Monday the official bike-commuting began. It's all very exciting. And liberating. If I can bike to work, I can bike to school, church, Amsterdam, etc....! I felt a bit nervous Monday, but I was pleasantly surprised to feel noticeably more comfortable (with the new hand positioning and the traffic) the very next day.
Though I still need some of those flashing red light thingies, and perhaps a fluorescent yellow reflective vest. :)
So far my opinion is that a mountain bike would likely be more comfortable (because of the suspension - I don't even know, can road bikes have suspension or is that counter-intuitive?) and sturdy (those lovely fat tires) as a commuter bike, but I have no regrets with my choice...since my ulterior motive is to use commuting as a stepping stone to road biking.
Even though it will definitely take some getting used to, I think after a few weeks of this I'll feel much more prepared for my upcoming triathlon. And eventually I'll do...something more. Yes. ;)