Which type of bike? Your opinions please.

Hello,

I'm looking for a new bike to replace the 15 year old tank of a
mountain bike I've been riding. It's been a while since I've been bike
shopping and a lot of things have changed so it might help to get your
opinions. I haven't done any test rides yet, I'm still trying to get
up to speed on what's available.


I ride both on and off road. My road rides are often around 20 miles
and sometimes as much as 40. They might be longer if my bike was more
road worthy. The off-road riding I do isn't really technical but often
is pretty bumpy or sandy or muddy, stuff that fat tires might help.
There's a few challenging hills too. One type of bike I'm looking at
is cyclocross bikes. They seem made to do well both on and off the
road and seem like they might be a good choice. I've read some great
things about the Surly cross check and the LeMond Poprad. I've looked
at the Redline conquest but some people have complained about a harsh
ride.

I'm also thinking of a hardtail mountain bike with a set of street
tires, maybe one of those 29" mountain bikes. I've looked at the Gary
Fisher Dual Sport 229 and it seems nice. I'm also intrigued by the
Surly Karate Monkey but haven't been able to find much info except
what's on the web site.

I haven't decided if I need suspension or not, I've never had it but
maybe I just don't know what I'm missing. Also trying to decide
between drop handlebars and flat handlebars. The answers to these
questions might be the deciding factor.

Is there any reason you can't put flat handlebars on a road bike or
drop handlebars on a mountain bike?

Any information, comments or opinions would really help.

Thanks.