The bike I jus bought is a cyclo-cross bike(
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross_bicycle). It's essentially a road bike that's just a bit sturdier and slacker(not as twitchy). Cyclo-cross bikes also have the frame clearance for fatter tires to help smooth out the bumps and pot holes.
I have yet to see a basic model though. They're all kinda high end. I was able to get mine for $800. Down from $1100 because it was last years model and nobody wanted it because it's fucking some kind of weird purple color.
The bike is definitely worth it. I fucking love it. It's so smooth and solid and can take a beating compared to a full blown road bike.
Cyclo-cross bikes make real good city bikes.