I'm considering these three flat-bar road bikes:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../cafe_noir.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...afe_sprint.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../avenue_fb.htm
Are these safe to drive off and up onto curbs? Over cobblestone?
Are the brakes powerful (as in, able to cause tire skidding)?
For typical distances of 1-5 miles, which would you choose and why?