for 1.5k look into used markets. You can get a ridiculous nice used roadie for 1.5k or a kinda nice new roadie for same 1.5k. I would go road bike all the way. you get all options with drop bars, don't be afraid. Most riders only use the drops 10% of the time anyway. I ride my main ride in town, on trails, on group rides, on long rides, to get groceries, etc etc. My budget was 1.2k, I paid 600 for it then used saved cash for upgrades like bars and stem that fit better, new saddle, and high end tires. I still had money to use for a pair of cycling shorts, extra tubes, a multi tool, a handlbar bag, etc etc. This is a lot more bike than what you'd get for 1.5k new. food for thought. use ot or not, no biggie, i understand consumption.