Hybrid Bicycles - I cant really make up my mind.

I've been wanting to get a "road" bike for the last couple of weeks now. I went and test road a 10' Trek 1.1 and a 07' Spec Sirrus(they didn't have a 10' in) and I really cant make up my mind which style I like better.

Basically what I am wanting is for a fast(er) bike that I can also commute on, my commute is only 4 miles, and I usually do it on my MTB. And I'm not really worried about fenders or racks, as I wear a backpack, and I usually have to drive my truck a couple times a week to pick stuff up in. But I'm looking for something I can road home, change clothes and turn around and hit the road, and maybe a couple of group rides.

Now I'm not a very strong rider but I do have a fitness goal that is to do the local half century race in the fall.
When I test road both bikes the other day I really couldn't tell a big difference in speed, but then again I was just going around the block a couple of times. I have a GF Piranha MTB that I ride alot, and I do like the upright position of the Sirrus, but I have a feeling that I might get tired after a while in the same position.

So its basically coming down to a fast hybrid or a dedicated road bike. I dont know if any of this makes sense to you guys I just tend to ramble on.

http://revolutioncycles.com/product/10-trek-1.1-wsd-59792-1.htm

Road bike is the way to go.

Road bike is the way to go.
With all due respect, Mr. Mod, Sir, road bikes in general, and drop bars in particular, are not for everyone. The OP is used to and is more comfortable with the more upright position of the mtb. Bar ends will aid in eliminating the OP's perceived hand positioning issue.

OP- While no one is going to fault you for wanting another bike, there are couple of options to make your current ride a bit more efficient (faster): put slicker tires on and lockout the front suspension. If you've already done this, then you go right ahead and get whatever type of bike you want.

With all due respect, Mr. Mod, Sir, road bikes in general, and drop bars in particular, are not for everyone. The OP is used to and is more comfortable with the more upright position of the mtb. Bar ends will aid in eliminating the OP's perceived hand positioning issue.

OP- While no one is going to fault you for wanting another bike, there are couple of options to make your current ride a bit more efficient (faster): put slicker tires on and lockout the front suspension. If you've already done this, then you go right ahead and get whatever type of bike you want.

from the OP: I do have a fitness goal that is to do the local half century race in the fall

OP- While no one is going to fault you for wanting another bike, there are couple of options to make your current ride a bit more efficient (faster): put slicker tires on and lockout the front suspension. If you've already done this, then you go right ahead and get whatever type of bike you want.
My MTB is pretty my dedicated trail rig that I just happen to ride to school/work every once in awhile. And its pretty darn heavy too. Thanks for the input!

My MTB is pretty my dedicated trail rig that I just happen to ride to school/work every once in awhile. And its pretty darn heavy too. Thanks for the input!
No problem. Based upon your OP and ^ you could use something a little bit lighter.

Just remember- if someone tells you that *will* be more comfortable on a certain type of bike, take it with a grain of salt. They are basing their opinion on their personal experience, and they ain't you.

from the OP: I do have a fitness goal that is to do the local half century race in the fallAnd the OP also stated they weren't the strongest rider and that they felt more comfortable riding more upright. Save for the potential racing aspect, there is nothing that a hybrid can't do that the roadie can.

Honestly, everytime I read that "road bikes/drop bars are the way to go" it really steams me. Road bikes work for you, they don't for me (of course, I have a medical condition that prevents me from their use), and it may or may not work for the OP. Let the OP determine that for him/herself.

I know you mean well, but road bikes are not the answer for every one.

In the spirit of attempting to be somewhat objective, I'll list a few pros and cons for road vs hybrid for commuting. I have and use both. Ultimately, it is very difficult to decide what type of bike is needed before having the experience to know.

Road bike:
- Pros: aero position for those who like it, better in headwinds, better acceleration (assuming that it is lighter), some can accommodate rack(1.1 does I think), narrower tires
- narrower tires, may not accommodate fenders, may not have low gears

Hybrid:
- Pros: can take fenders and wider tires, upright position for those who like it, lower gearing for hills/loads
- Cons: taking headwinds on a hybrid requires "laying" uncomfortably on handlebars, may be heavier

What kind of rider are you? Do you like to push yourself? Mosey along? Figure out how you want to ride and get the bike that best supports it. As someone else pointed out though, you can make your mtb more hybrid-like without too much effort. Personally, I would do that, and then get the road bike for group/weekend riding and fast, fair weather commutes.

What kind of rider are you? Do you like to push yourself? Mosey along? Figure out how you want to ride and get the bike that best supports it. As someone else pointed out though, you can make your mtb more hybrid-like without too much effort. Personally, I would do that, and then get the road bike for group/weekend riding and fast, fair weather commutes.

I'm looking for something to push myself on and get in better shape. I'm not really interested on putting slicks on my MTB as I ride it on the local singletrack 3-4 times a week, and it would just be too much of a pain to switch out tires all the time. I'm going to go up to KC this weekend and hopefully test ride a 10' Sirrus and jump back on a Trek 1.1 as its suppose to be in the 40's this weekend which will probably feel warm compared to the last couple of weeks:twitchy:.

Road bikes come in various geometries as well. You don't have to get a light weight roadie that puts you in an aggressive position continually. Touring bikes for example offer a more relaxed position on the tops while being able to go to the drops when wanted. They have lower gearing for hills (many use the same gearing as hybrids and mountain bikes) and have as many brazeons as hybrids. They also can usually take fatter tires and fenders. Personally my favorite bike for all around riding is my Trek 520.