Originally Posted by
Iride01
If you are not wanting to do long rides of over 40 or so miles, Or you are just interested in how much performance you can get for near max efforts, or perhaps all your other friends have them and scowl when you show up for a leisurely ride with them, then there isn't a reason for a road bike. Any other type bike will do.
I would say 25 miles. Because it does get tiring to ride in the same position for 2 hours or more. I know there are workarounds, like moustache bars, albatross bars or trekking bars. But Drop bars, which are pretty much standard on road bikes are more versatile than flat bars both for changing hand positions and riding positions.