i live in southern california
what i'm trying to do is bike from irvine to brea and back
we dont really get rain or snow or anything, maybe some earthquakes.
the commute is 19.4mi on google map one way

on weekends ill bike from irvine near the 5 to fashion island/corona del mar (about 10 miles one way)
have some ice cream/ sit for a bit, then bike back

i dont get sore, or that tired ,
but carrying stuff on myself does make me more tired.

there are always a lot of wind resistance when i bike from irvine to fashion island ,
that's why i'm considering a road bike

i believe the route is mostly flat , with a couple freeway bridges.
ill try to bike it and see,

my friend with the 1k bike is telling me its worth it ,
but iono , i suppose 500 ? or less?