imho - for pleasure and utility riding a road type bike with 28-32 mm tires provides more comfort (presuming it fits well) than a comfort bike, more pedaling efficiency than a mountain bike and better on trails or unpaved surfaces than a road racing bike. challenge is to find a road type bike that isn't focused at the go fast bunch. one choice is a surly pacer. soma smoothie is good, but only offered as a frame set. salsa casserole is another possible option, perhaps a little more touring leaning and a fair amount more $. gunnar sport would be a great choice, $$ compared to pacer or smoothie.