Hi - just thought i'd throw this out to you as food for thought. I am going thru PT myself after total knee replacement in May. I am now riding on a Giant Fastroad Advanced bike and love it. It's got a lot of the features others have recommended here ie:, CF, 105 components, tubeless tires and is billed by Giant as a road bike with a flatbar . What I love about this bike is : very comfortable riding position for me, great hand position for me, bike is very quick and lite and rides great !! I also live here in the Northeast and bike 4 - 5 times a week on paved rail trails ( usually about 20 milers) on this bike and couldn't be happier.