Hi all,

I'm thinking about purchasing a bike to go commuting back and forth from work a couple times a week and maybe quick grocery run here and there. I live about 4 miles from work and most of the road to work will be slightly steep uphill climbs and coming back will be mostly downhill climbs. I will probably bring a change of clothes and some work items along (which includes a large heavy laptop). I'm thinking about getting a road bike and add fenders, a rack, and a small rear basket. I've been looking around 300 dollar bikes at BD, but I'm not sure what to look for in the specs. I'm also unsure whether or not a road bike can handle the extra weight I plan on putting on it. Do you have any suggestions on what I should look for?

Thanks in advance