If it’s Earth Day, can Bike To Work Week be far away?

I’m not a bicycle commuter — yet. But I was interested enough in the growing trend to check out some commuter bike models on the Web, then ask some Flagstaff  bike shops what they would recommend.

Here’s what I learned:

Absolute Bikes

Manager Anthony Quintile went straight for the high-end commuter model: Breezer Uptown 8.

Features: Fenders, lights, rack, plush Velo seat. Saddlebags can be added.

8 to 21 speeds

Aluminum frame

Generator hubs to power the lights

Whitewal tires for pavement and urban trail

Price: $1,159, with other models priced from $500.

AZ Bikes

Owner Bryce Wright prefers a a more basic approach: Kona Dew.

Features: No fenders or reflectors, but can accessorize

Higher handlebars for more upright seating

Skinnier tires than the Uptown — less resistance

Up to 24 speeds

Aluminum frame

Price: $399

Alternative choice: The Kona Africa bike has fenders and a basket for $450. For every two sold, another is donated by Kona to a relief organization.

Cosmic Cycles

John Strnad suggests keeping your old mountain bike and customizing it.

Change out knobby tires for slick tires

Rear rack,  $40

Fenders, $30

Panniers, $70-$200

Plus lights with batteries

Flagstaff Bicycle and Fitness

Owner John Harden went for sleekness and color: Masi Soulville 8.

Features: Fenders, with options to install lights, kickstand and racks

8 speeds

Internal hub, with manual hand shift on the handlebar

Coaster brake by using foot pedal

Price:  $800 

Single Track

Jack Stewart  showed me a classic model: Trek Cruiser.

Features: No handbrakes or gear shifts on handlebars

Coaster brakes by pedaling backward

3 internal gears on the hubs shift automatically as the front wheel slows or speeds up

Price: $540