After years of a split work-remote/crazy commute arrangement, I started a new job just five little miles from my home. With my old commute, I was either walking 60 feet to my backyard shed or driving an hour, biking 5 minutes, riding the train for 40 minutes, and then biking 15 minutes and then doing the whole thing in reverse. I was a bike commuter, but barely.

With the Gazelle Arroyo Elite, I’ve got a rear rack and bungee straps to carry anything I can imagine. I’ve carried a large duffel bag stuffed with groceries, six volleyballs (in a mesh bag, of course), four folding beach chairs, and even branches to make wreaths. I did get some funny looks coming out of the woods on my upright city bike, with boughs of acacia fanned out behind me like some kind of peacock doing a mating display. And, the fenders and covered chain guard help keep everything clean and protected.

The integrated front and rear lighting is a huge benefit as well. No more worrying about forgetting to remove or reattach lights. They’re always there, always fully juiced, and much brighter than the lights on my other bike. Lastly, the integrated AXA lock is amazing. I feel so much more secure leaving my bike with the sturdy hub lock, especially with the handy chain lock that integrates with it perfectly. And, when I’m not using the chain lock, I keep it tucked in the straps on the rear rack. Everything I need is on the bike and I don’t have to remember a thing.