Originally Posted by
Yo Spiff
An 80's road bike would work nicely and be affordable. I'd suggest a model that can accept some wider tires with a bit of grip to them. At least 700x28, 32's being better. Something with clearance for fenders would be useful if you plan on riding in bad weather. This would mean staying away from a pure racing machine and looking at road bikes made for touring or recreational use.
Why stay away from the race machine? Why go with 28s or 32s? He said that he is not using racks and will be carrying a backpack. He could go stage race and not crit race geometry and be able to go 25. He could go psychocross and use a 28, but we shouldn't say that one should stay away from a certain geometry. It is his choice. I went from a relaxed stage frame, TDF geometry, to a steeper seat tube angle and shorter chainstay. No room for racks, fenders or other non-sense. Just ride.