Originally Posted by
njkayaker
Almost all of it is due to rider position.
IIRC I noticed the performance effects even when I had the bars lower. Thus, I suspect tires, wheels, hubs, fork design, brake design, rack etc are also adding drag.
Unfortunately, without a power meter I can't effectively test such theories. Maybe in a few years, when Garmin actually releases its pedal-based meters and the price becomes quasi-reasonable....
Originally Posted by njkayaker
It would seem that the OP is just starting out. Targeting "fast club rides" in preference to other his immediate needs might not make sense.
True, but he asked if anyone regretted using a touring-type bike as a regular road bike. Hence my answer of "yes but only for X." He can decide for himself if that's relevant to his planned use.
Originally Posted by njkayaker
What's the widest tire you can put on it?
Most "endurance" road bikes max out with 28c's.
Again he isn't planning to tour; he's planning to use a touring bike as his road bike. Cross bikes can work, but an endurance road bike may be a better fit.