Originally Posted by
gcomeragh12345
chipcom - get what you're saying about the handlebars, to be honest is all new to me. Get what you're saying though.
If this is the case - I'm realistically looking at a tourer or a Cyclocrosss it sounds. In essence road bikes but with a bit more stability and comfort, this sound right? If so, I'll prob have to buy 2nd hand, as new is out of my price bracket for most part I think
If you are not going to be carrying a load on the bike nor are worried about protecting the components wet road crap with fenders, a regular road bike would do you just fine. Unless you can do your own maintenance & repairs, you may be better off with a new bike and the support of a local bike shop to start. But I'd highly recommend learning to maintain/repair your own bikes, in which case you will find some great deals on used bikes that you can upgrade/modify to suit your own preferences as experience molds them.
My favorite fair-weather commuter is my 80ish Bianchi xcross bike (the only thing 80ish these days is the frame). For days when the weather forecast is dodgy, I use my touring bike with rack and fenders (or flat-barred snow bike).
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