Hi guys. I am in this very fun process of defining which/when to buy a road bike. However I keep asking me this recurrent question: Should I buy a race bike or a plush bike?

Let me give you some background so with luck you can help me with your infinite knowledge and wisdom.

So there are some things that I know:

- I want a good quality bike, light, carbon and I could spend between 2 and 3K.

- I probably would not race a lot, but I would do some races, cyclosportives or centuries. I definitely like to push my limits and I like to know what are MY limits. Net I don't want to feel limited by the bike. While I don't need a barely UCI legal 6.8 kg bike I would probably won't like to go above 8kg.

- I would use the bike for training and longer rides should usually be in the 4 hours range.

- I do not want to spend a lot upgrading later, but I could buy lighter wheels or groupset if I feel the need.

- My biggest concern, which connects to  the title is if I will get used to the position and to not having shocks since I have always ridden MTB. You can have a really aggressive XC race machine (I have a spark) but I think it still does not compare with the road position. I dont really want to feel a lot of back pain and that this makes me avoid ride my roadie.

So does the geometry really makes a big difference? If I race a plush will it limit me? If I buy a race machine will I get hurt because of the position?

I read a lot of reviews and I know I need to ride the bikes and have a good fit. But here in chile I couldn't find any bike store that allows you to have a decent ride, just the around the block 5 min ride. I read a lot of good reviews about the Giant TCR advanced series and I think this could be a good choice. Any recommendations?

Last limitation: I can find here Giant, Trek, Orbea, Specialized, Scott, Cannodale, Fuji and Merida.

I have never seen Cervelos, itallian bikes, BMC, Riddley. etc....