What Graham said. I did buy a ‘proper’ (well, entry level if you’re a serious roadie) road bike last year, but found it:
@ too big (or I was too short for it)
@ just a bit too hash for bimbling spins
@ too delicate to pop down a little track to see where it goes, or even just use the numerous back roads, some of which are pretty agricultural.
So I sold it, and then waited for a year for an “all roads” or “rough touring” bike – which is lovely.. Doesn’t quite lend itself to caning it on the road, but long explores of the local county are definitely back on the agenda.