I ride my Columbia Northway comfort bike every day to work (4 miles), and like it so much I signed up for a 60 mile metric bike race. Having had zero experience with races or long rides and being a moderately in shape 38 year old I wasn't sure what I was getting myself in to. It was difficult and I noticed I had to pump those pedals like hell in order to keep up with literally anyone else but it was still a lot of fun and I managed to finish after 5 hours. I'd do it again but Im curious how I would do on a road bike. If they weren't several hundred dollars I would get one. In the meantime I'll be content putting around on my comfort bike and enjoying the scenery.