Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
Consider the Kona Smoke or Jamis Coda. These are not the fastest but are great $400 to $500 bikes.
Also consider the Cyclocross bikes and install 700 x 28 Kevlar tires such as Gatorskins. This will be as fast as road bikes and Cyclocross bikes are tough enough for city streets.
Michael
Yes, road bike can only be ridden on perfectly smooth track.
with 20 lbs of stuff consider something that have eyelets that you can install panniers on. How hilly will your commute be? I have a langster and love it.