If you want to race or ride for fitness only in fine weather, then a standard road bike is great.
If you want to commute or ride in wet weather, then you need a frame which has threaded eyelets to take a luggage rack and fenders. If you want to ride on rougher roads and occasional good trails, then you need slightly wider tyres. These more practical road bikes include cheaper training bikes like the Fuji Ace, light touring bikes like Bianchi Eros, cyclo-cross bikes and touring bikes.