How can I make my bicycle commute quicker?

I used to bicycle commute to Soho in nyc from Riverdale (15 miles) and door-to-door my time was a bit under 2 hours. I've moved to a neighborhood that now puts me 20 miles away from my job in Soho.

Before my commute was tough (I'm 51) but exhillerating! But it seemed like my limit (4 hrs on a bike each day!)

I tried the new commute and it was like 3 hours each way! How can I make this work? I have a good commuter bike (Jamis Commuter 1.0) but if I buy a women's racing bike, would it cut down on my time coming in?

I'm toying with the idea of an electric bike, but not sure about that...my bike now puts me in an upright position for riding, which helps me see traffic, but I'd be willing to try a racing bike if you thought that would shave time off the commute...any suggestions? thanks...

electric – you might possibly run out of battery with a commute like that

and – trying to do it every day might mean there isn;t time to completely charge, either during work or at home

depends on a LOT of factors

i guarantee one thing, if the batteries die,
you are going to wish you had never heard of an electric bike – the @#$ing things can weigh 90 lbs!

wle
Most bikes that are marketed as commuter bikes really aren’t designed for 20 miles commutes – but they will work and be comfortable…but slow. I would strongly recommend avoiding a "racing" style bike – they are stiff and you won’t enjoy your ride as much. Plus most won’t accommodate a rack with is essential for a good commute. 20 miles is a long way to want to haul a back pack, panniers are the only way to go.

What you need is a touring specific bike. They are designed for long haul comfort, have plenty of braze ons for racks and bottles, are generally (not always) made of steel tubing with absorbs shock more than aluminum or carbon fiber. I ride a touring bike (Novara Randonee from REI) on my 12 mile each way ride with a 20lbs bag on back holding my clothes, laptop, lunch, etc. It is the best commuter bike I’ve every had. Other good touring bikes are the Trek 520, any Rivendell bike (they are great!) http://www.rivbike.com, REI has a Novara Safari that is very versatile as well http://www.rei.com.

With a good bike you’ll be able to comfortably increase your speed and enjoy the ride. You’ll be waking up excited for the ride to work – I know I do.

Another item I have that has made my commute very manageable. I have this great garment bag pannier. I wear a shirt and tie at work and this things keeps my clothes nice and has room for other stuff too. Here’s the one I have but I know you can get other brands. http://www.twowheelgear.com.
A road bike will improve you time but 20 miles twice a day is enough for anybody. An electric bike would help but I would carry an extra battery and have another set at work charging for the ride home. A small gas engine would be a good choice, I am not sure what the law is regarding them in NY.
It seems your commute is quite long – I sort of agree with daddylonglegs for the biggest part, but as for being excited about riding to work ????? – he must be having a laugh!!

An electric bike usually has a radius of about 15 Miles – forget it!
(Bob A and me must have a serious talk one day! – " carry a spare battery and leave one charging at work????" – totally impractical)

Unless you are very fit and active – your best bet is a touring type bike, find steel if you can, Drop bars will give you various hand positions to combat fatigue or strong headwinds and thinner tyres will make for a speedier ride. Have a look around!

Best of luck.

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