Hello all, sorry in advance for the dumb newbie questions that I couldn't find good previous answers to!
So, I'm not new to riding, I am new to decent bikes. I generally trail ride my nice fatbike and I love that thing so much. I would like to get into road riding (something nicer than my old crappy mountain type bike), would like to be able to keep up with my (non pro) roadie friends, I have back issues, and I want to be able to ride some gravel, rough asphalt, hit pot holes, etc. I live in a very mountainous area so long steep grades are a thing, do I need disc or rim brakes? Lots of gears or fewer? Narrow tires or wider? Gravel, touring (I would like to be able to ride long hours), hybrid, roadie, what do I need lol!!! Thanks so much!!