

You’re on the right track. Road bikes can be sweet, but a hybrid is better for a casual rider or someone who has to deal with spotty infrastructure. I love Bontranger parts myself. A good bike store will do the gaming-computer thing of grabbing the best of assorted parts. Usually 500-700 USD is the sweet spot if you want something that can more or less perform alongside a car in some capacity.
I jumped to $1000, but I training for a long trail.
Kinda hate how my favorite WKUK line is from their most unfunny and offensive sketch.
spoiler
Something about this lead pipe in my hand says this fucker ain’t magic!