Yes I believe that Crossroads is a better bike for what you said you are going to do with the bike. Unlike many on this board, I don't think most people need drop bars, a flat bar is the better way to go and this bike has that. It also has large volume tires. By playing with air pressure you can let the tires absorb most of the shocks of riding on rougher surfaces. If you have steep hills, the gearing on this bike will allow you to climb them. With what I call the bail out gear in the rear and the triple up front will allow you to climb almost any hill. It has eyelets for fenders and racks. Plus it has a seat made for women. There is a lot going for this bike.