Originally Posted by ericgu
Different bikes have different goals. Within road bikes, some are designed to be all-around bikes, some are designed to be comfortable while touring, and some are designed for performance...
Hi ericgu!
You're completely right about different goals. Above a certain price point, though, almost ALL road bikes are "designed for performance" which is a polite way of saying "they're racing bikes." This has significant consequences:
Racing bikes have steeper angles and less "hands-off" steering stability
Racing bikes are lightened, sometimes to the point of fragility
Racing bikes sacrifice versatility for sprinting and climbing performance
Racing bikes, lacking mounts for racks and fenders, make poor commuters
What does this mean for the OP? It means that unless the OP is wanting to race (or to look like a racer) that her/his money is wasted above a certain price point. What might that price point be? It varies with brand, but I'd be willing to argue that above the $1,500 mark, you're primarily paying for racing features.
Some folks just like to ride racing bikes. The OP may be one of them. In general, though, the general cycling public is poorly served by racing design, IMHO. My opinion is certainly the minority on this forum, so value the advice at what you paid for it.