Hi everyone,

I am new to cycling and need a bike for two to four hour rides--around town, maybe some gravel trails--but also good for short trips and commuting. I was thinking because of duration I should get a touring bike--the Raleigh Sojourn seems to make good sense to me. Would you guys say that I should just get a commuter bike for this purpose, and, if so, what are some opinions on the Raleigh? I hope to take longer more adventurous rides in the future but probably not a ride longer than five hours--touring across country is a definite no, since mama raised a fancy boy

My budget is 1-2k...Any help would be great!