Can you help me find the ideal commuting bike?

[PushingUpHill]

I have a quick cycle to work (10 mins on the flat), so I'd like a bike that I can ride in a dress/skirt, but then I have to pick up my toddler after work, which is 30 mins up a long hill. Can't decide what sort of bike would be best.

Any suggestions?

I have a trek was 7.2 hybrid. Its lovely, I cycle to work, a hilly 6k each way no problem. Great for town too. I can lug my hefty 21mo around on a toddler seat too no problem ??.

I have a trek was 7.2 hybrid. Its lovely, I cycle to work, a hilly 6k each way no problem. Great for town too. I can lug my hefty 21mo around on a toddler seat too no problem ??.

How high is the cross bar? Can you cycle in a shift dress? Don't want to be flashing my nether regions!

I have a Specialized Ariel Sport hybrid which is lovely. I really like the disc brakes and the gearing is good. def rideable in a skirt

I wear leggings or sport (lycra) shorts under a shift dress & ride a Mountain bike or ancient tourer, both suitable.

If you need bare legs & just knix under there, then a sit up & beg Dutch style bike is the only possibility, I should think. Not sure about a hybrid, check how you'd be sitting, I think you'd want a woman's bike without cross bar. Giant brand women's hybrids seem to be popular on MN.

Hybrid yea I wear a dress but leggings underneath and whip them off in the toilet before work.

Hadn't thought about wearing shorts under, might give it a go. Thanks!

I've got [[http://www.decathlon.co.uk/elops-5-women-city-bike-id_8202827.html this]] bike.

I can't vouch for it being able to carry a child but it does have a sturdy frame and rear rack.

It's also got shimano hub gears, decent brakes, dynamo front and rear light, skirt guard, full chain guard and a stand. Comfy saddle too!

I've had it for a couple of weeks now & I'm really pleased with it.

Oops link fail

Nice looking bike. I think i need more than 3 gears if I'm ever going to cycle up the hill; the hills here are evil. How do you find it up hills?