Start pedaling and get to work

Commuting by bicycle in car-clogged L.A. seemed like a silly idea until the $3.45 gallon of gas. To maintain a sudden enthusiasm for joining the two-wheeled workforce, however, you need a dedicated commuting bike. Festooned with fenders and kickstands and available with various wheel sizes and frame configurations, these safe, practical bikes will help get you to work on time. How you get a shower is up to you.

-- Roy M. Wallack

*

The bargain bike

KHS Urban X: Everything you need for a song.

Likes: Comfy flat-handlebar steering. Stable 26-inch mountain bike wheels. Fast 21-speed transmission. Steel fenders keep mud and grit off your clothing. A kickstand helps keep the gray-painted aluminum frame unscratched. A rack handles cargo.

Dislikes: Mountain-bike wheels don’t roll quite as fast as slightly larger road bike wheels.

Price: $329. (800) 347-7854; khsbicycles.com.

*

The fold-up

Giant Halfway: Fold it in half, stick it in a bag and carry it over your shoulder.

Likes: Very convenient. In seconds, the pedals, frame and steering column fold, making it compact enough to lug onto a bus, subway or office elevator. No more stress about leaving it outside for thieves. Includes a bell, kickstand, a rear cargo rack and a nylon carry bag that straps to it.

Dislikes: No mounts to attach a water bottle cage. Small wheels don’t feel as stable as normal-sized wheels, though you get used to them fast. Small number of gears limits top-end speed, though large gear at the crank gives it respectable cruising speed.

Price: $500. (800) USGIANT; www.giantbicycle.com.

*

The Cadillac of commuters

Breezer Uptown: High-end “town” bike designed for shopping errands as well as commuting.

Likes: This bike has a built-in headlight and tail light with a self-generating hub, so you never need batteries -- and can commute in the winter. It even includes a sensor that automatically turns on the lights in dark spots, like tunnels. The shifting is stress-free; unlike traditional gear/derailleur systems, the slick eight-speed internal-hub transmission can be shifted when the bike is not moving, such as at a red light. Includes front and rear racks, fenders, kickstand, bell and a ring lock, which prevents thieves from riding off on it.

Dislikes: Expensive for a low-performance eight-speed bike.

Price: $909; (415) 339-8917; breezerbikes.com.

*

Double duty

Cannondale Bad Boy Disc: Mountain bike with super-fast road wheels that can be converted to off-road use.

Likes: Reduces garage clutter. Two excellent bikes in one: A hot-rod street bike with speedy 700C wheels and powerful disc brakes that can be changed, in seconds, into a fine off-road machine (requires separate purchase of 26-inch mountain bike wheels: $300 to $500). The frame includes a suspension fork that can be instantly turned off for street riding.

Dislikes: Although the frame accommodates standard commuter fare (racks, fenders, kickstand), you must buy these yourself.

Price: $1,300; (800) 245-3872; cannondale.com.