New Bike Time - Would Like Input From The Collective Mind
Background: Late 50s male, 6'1” 200lbs, total knee replacement in December of 2017, always been active (tennis mostly, but that's off the table for now) and got back into cycling about 4-5 years ago. My bikes are both hybrids (we have a house in two states) – one is a '15 Trek FX 7.3, the other is a '16 or '17 Bianchi Torino. Both bikes have flats (as will my new bike), one has a 3x9 drivetrain the other is 3x8. Both have bar ends (what can I say, I like them).
I am ready to get something that's a little more comfortable for some longer distances mostly on patchy asphalt and the occasional gravel/dirt road or Rail Trail. The terrain where I will use this bike is not overly hilly. I realize I'm probably going to buy a dropbar bike.
I want to go through my LBS for my purchase. Here's what I am thinking about...
Bianchi Volpe
Breezer Doppler Team
Surly Midnight Special
***I'm not allowed to post URLs until I have 10 posts. Otherwise, there'd be links***
Any thoughts from the collective mind of BF are greatly appreciated. Anybody ride the Volpe? Right now that's the early favorite...
Thanks in advance!