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This is a left field opinion, but how about a Specialized Sequoia? I used mine as a club ride bike for quite a while and with lighter road wheels and skinny, well skinny for something with clearance for 700x45c it was super comfortable and kept up ok. I had 700x32c with full guards at one point and there was plenty of space.
But I’ll give a massive thumbs up for the Surly MS absolutely love mine, proper road geo and room for massive tyres or just run some smaller ones if you like.
Not sure if best place, but any recommendations on a nice functional, sporty bike?
I love my AWOL, but the wheelbase, weight and tall head tube make day trips a bit tiring when wanting to go faster (as opposed to being a real joy on tours etc).
Would need full fenders, absolute minimum of 32 tyre clearance (more better), will be using a bagman too for Carradice. Sporty, but not a race bike.