Maybe I'm overthinking it. Although he did specifically say he wanted to be more upright and was leang to a cross style/touring bike. I think he'll be happier with a road bike.

It there really much difference between 'relaxed' and racing. I'm coming from an older Trek Aluminum, now to a Carbon DA Synapse. I mostly ride the hoods as it is more comfortable, 10% in the drops.

But it is light and feels like a rocket ship to me. As you say, definately not racing, I, and I suspect my friend, normally do 20-50 mile rides at a moderate pace 13-14.5 avg. I guess many bike will do that, I just leading him to a road style vs a upright style that he seems interested in