For that sort of riding, I'd suggest something in the touring or sport touring (often called "Audax" or "Randonneuring") or maybe cyclocross range. A road bicycle with a somewhat more relaxed geometry and the capability of taking somewhat wider tires.


When I looked for my sport touring bicycle, I let my fingers do the walking first. I looked up websites for all sorts of bicycle companies to see what they had in that type of bicycle. Unfortunately a lot of bicycle shops don't actually stock that sort of bicycle ... they tend to stock either racing bicycles or mountain bikes. So part of your decision making might be to find out what your shops will order, or what you can order online ... what's available to you.