Originally Posted by
WCoastPeddler
What's not "real" about the bikes that you've listed?
Why does it seem necessary for so many to trivialize the hybrid bike?
I've got a fast hybrid and am very, very pleased with it (paid $800 for it). I'm now contemplating getting a higher end fast hybrid -- I feel no need for drops or tighter geometry and I go plenty fast. A hybrid bike is real enough for me.
It's just that at the $900 price point you get very good components, carbon fork, carbon seat stays... pretty much everything you'd want in an all purpose fast bike. I believe that if you're only going to own ONE bike, this should be it but IMO it makes no sense to spend a ton of money on much better upgrades if you'll always have drag from the upright position. If you want more speed then why not go with a bike specifically designed for that?