Hello and welcome to the forums! Not to confuse you any more but I have a Specalized Expedition Sport MSRP is around $520. For it's size and specs it's not too heavy and it's quite nimble for the kind of bike it is. I use mine on bike paths, rural gravel roads and paved roads. I use it for pleasure, exercise, touring, commuting and errands. The gearing on the bike is great for climbing hills. I've added considerable weight to it with fenders, a back rack, touring/accessory trunk bag and sometimes a large wicker basket on the front, those items have not slowed me down. The bike is aluminum. I enjoy the upright position and have not found it to hinder me. I have arthritis and knee joint problems and this works great for me. Good luck in your search, test ride as many as you can, I'm sure you'll find the bike you love.