well they really are a great way back into biking. they have lighter frames and much of the geometry of a road bike, but have enough of a hint of a mountain bike: front shock, seat post shock, straight handlebar, 35mm tires with some bit of tread... all to make your "road" experience a bit more managable. sure many people "upgrade" to a true road bike... but I know for one after 10 years off a bike i wouldn't want to ride in traffic on a narrow tire, drop bar bike... at least for now.