I think the most important aspect that changed my opinion of bike commuting from "a chore" to "time I look forward to each day" was choosing a bike that I enjoy riding.
Personally, the only time I enjoyed the aggressive stance needed to ride a hybrid or mountain bike was when I used to build jumps with my friends when I was a kid. As an adult, I've found that getting an English 3-speed from the 1970s-1980s with an upright stance (like a beach cruiser) was part of the key to me enjoying my commute. If I had to suggest anything to someone getting into cycle commuting for the first time, it would be to take some inspiration when choosing a bike from the Dutch or mid-1900s England cycle commuting culture, get a leather saddle, get a bike with an internal gear hub, and learn some basic bicycle maintenance.
None of this has to be expensive and there are many used, vintage bikes that are still quite serviceable and they easily beat the riding experience of contemporary commuting bikes.
I think the most important aspect that changed my opinion of bike commuting from "a chore" to "time I look forward to each day" was choosing a bike that I enjoy riding.
Personally, the only time I enjoyed the aggressive stance needed to ride a hybrid or mountain bike was when I used to build jumps with my friends when I was a kid. As an adult, I've found that getting an English 3-speed from the 1970s-1980s with an upright stance (like a beach cruiser) was part of the key to me enjoying my commute. If I had to suggest anything to someone getting into cycle commuting for the first time, it would be to take some inspiration when choosing a bike from the Dutch or mid-1900s England cycle commuting culture, get a leather saddle, get a bike with an internal gear hub, and learn some basic bicycle maintenance.
None of this has to be expensive and there are many used, vintage bikes that are still quite serviceable and they easily beat the riding experience of contemporary commuting bikes.