NoShiftSherlock

+1 - Among other types likes cyclocross, I've always been drawn to touring bikes for the exact reasons you outlined. It's nice not having many limitations on a bike.

I also think you should certainly test ride. Some people do NOT like drop bars and the slightly more aero positioning compared to hybrids. A buddy of mine has a Trek 7.3FX he recently bought a few months back. He likes it OK, but he's quickly realized how much he really wanted steel instead of aluminum, drops instead of horizontals, etc. He still rides it and all, as it's his commuting bike, but he never really mentions positives to it. I feel kinda bad because I'm generally always glowing about my touring bike with the only negative being I can't ride it for longer. For $100 more he could've gotten something like the Fuji Touring and been set.

The reason I'm stating this is mainly because it's not worth it to make a hasty decision (like my friend did) and just buy something because people are talking it up in a forum or whatever. Generally, most bikes are going to get you from point A to point B. I would recommend you make a list of things you WANT to do with your bike. Want to go off-road? Roads only? etc. All of these questions will play a role in the type of bicycle you pick. Test ride! Have fun! BIKE!

TO_Commuter

Wow some incredible responses here so far, thank you to all of you that have responded! I hadn't checked this in a few days as I've continued to do research but it seems as though many of my answers can simply be found here.

I will certainly test out a few different styles to go a feel for each one. As far as road bikes go, I've never ridden with drop bars before, so I heard there's a learning curve there and it doesn't allow for me to hold as much weight? I'd be carrying a work briefcase with my lunch in it, so I would prefer to have something that could support that (occasionally a laptop too but less often now that I am more or less single sited).

Typically, my commute involved little to no cars since I primarily ride the waterfront trail, so the added visibility from riding upright is not necessarily required. Thanks again to all of you that responded and I'll come back with more questions once I've actually tested out a cyclocross, road bike or any of your other suggestions!

TO_Commuter

Sadly, I had never even heard of a cyclocross until visiting his forum! Upon reading more on the distinction between that, a road bike and a touring bike, it seems that a cyclocross could certainly fulfill my needs in a commenting bike.

I will go test some this weekend - are there any brands you would recommend (starter or Value ones?)

NoShiftSherlock

Sure! What's your budget? From there we could probably point you in the right direction.

TO_Commuter

Realistically, I'd probably only be willing to invest $1,500 max in a bike right now. I have no issues with buying 2nd hand, as I really enjoy finding good deals. The weight of a frame with carbon fibre was pretty amazing but I understand how a brand with a frame of that quality may be out of my price range.

Primarily, I'll be riding roads and some off road here and there, so it's important that I have something relatively light and can get me through any weather conditions (aside from extreme weather of course). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

ThermionicScott 

It's both. Leaning forward transfers body weight from the butt to the hands, so the option to pull up on the handlebars and transfer it to the pedals is greater than with an upright position. But you are right that there is a penalty in going too far, where the ability to make power is compromised by the position.