Hybrid Bicycles - Flat bar road bike options ?

I'm thinking of upgrading from my 37 lb. (with my accessories) Trek 7300 to a lighter faster more 'road bike' type bike. I test road a road bike and didn't like the handlebars and brake / shifting position. That leads me to think that I want a 20 lb.'ish hybrid / flat bar type road bike.

I'm currently considering a Trek 7.5 / 7.6 /7.7 and would like to know what other makes and models of comparable bikes are available in the market place?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Spud

I own a 2008 carbon fiber Specialized Sirrus Pro w/Shimano 105 and a 2009 Aluminum w/carbon fork Cannondale Quick 1 w/Shimano Ultegra. Both bikes weigh about 20 lbs, both have Conti GP4000 700x23 tires, both have Mavic wheels and I would describe them as flat bar road bikes. My brother bought a 2011 Trek FX 7.6 (700x25 Bontrager R3 tires) early this spring. We've ridden each others' bikes and we both agree that the FX 7.6 is MUCH more like a mountain bike....the geometry, gearing, handling, the ride, etc. than my Sirrus and Quick. The FX is also noticeably heavier. To me, riding the FX is like pedaling a dump truck. First time my bro rode my Quick he literally said "Wow, this thing flies."

In May I bought my first ever road bike, 2011 Madone 6.2 Project One. I never liked the bars and brake position either, but I got used to it very quickly and I love my Madone. My Sirrus and Cannondale aren't the Madone, but they are much more similar than the Trek FX.

I've put 7600 miles on the Sirrus and just under 5000 on the Cannondale. I'd recommend the Quick. It is a sweet ride.

Raleigh Cadent
Giant Dash
Scott Sportster
Nashbar FB-1
Specialized Sirrus

Raleigh Cadent
Giant Dash
Scott Sportster
Nashbar FB-1
Specialized Sirrus
The Giant Rapid fits into this line up better- the Dash is a WSD variant of the Rapid.

Might also add something from Jamis Coda (steel) or Allegro (aluminum) to the list.

The Giant Rapid fits into this line up better- the Dash is a WSD variant of the Rapid.

Might also add something from Jamis Coda (steel) or Allegro (aluminum) to the list.

Thanks.. knew it didn't sound right but I just blasted through a bunch of sites quick. The Rapid is a nice looking one too.

Check out the Marin ALP line (http://www.marinbikes.com/2012/bike_series.php?seriescode=ALP)...

Maybe something from the Orbea Carpe (http://www.orbea.com/us-us/bicis/familias/carpe/) series??

I think the FX's look fun myself. I will probably end up with one eventually.

GT Tachyon (http://www.gtbicycles.com/bikes/road/performance)

Fuji Absolute (http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-30-usa3)

+1 on the Jamis Coda line. The Coda Sport doesn't meet your weight wishes (26 lb.) but it is a blast to ride. It's quick, smooth shifting and the steel frame handles the road beautifully.

+1 on the Cannondale Quick line. If price is a consideration you can go down to a Quick 3 and still have a hybrid that is more roadbike-ish.

I own a 2008 carbon fiber Specialized Sirrus Pro w/Shimano 105 and a 2009 Aluminum w/carbon fork Cannondale Quick 1 w/Shimano Ultegra. Both bikes weigh about 20 lbs, both have Conti GP4000 700x23 tires, both have Mavic wheels and I would describe them as flat bar road bikes. My brother bought a 2011 Trek FX 7.6 (700x25 Bontrager R3 tires) early this spring. We've ridden each others' bikes and we both agree that the FX 7.6 is MUCH more like a mountain bike....the geometry, gearing, handling, the ride, etc. than my Sirrus and Quick. The FX is also noticeably heavier. To me, riding the FX is like pedaling a dump truck. First time my bro rode my Quick he literally said "Wow, this thing flies."

In May I bought my first ever road bike, 2011 Madone 6.2 Project One. I never liked the bars and brake position either, but I got used to it very quickly and I love my Madone. My Sirrus and Cannondale aren't the Madone, but they are much more similar than the Trek FX.

I've put 7600 miles on the Sirrus and just under 5000 on the Cannondale. I'd recommend the Quick. It is a sweet ride.

Wow, I've got some expensive CF road bikes as well as both a Trek 7.5FX and a Trek 7.9FX. But in comparison to the road bikes, or other flat bar road bikes for that matter, neither FX comes across like a "dump truck" such as you describe. Bizarre ... but I guess everyone has different perceptions.

diamondback Insight 3. Get a 2011 leftover. They've down graded the components for 2012. Nashbar is closing them out at $440.00. That's a great price for a very nice bike.

I test road a road bike and didn't like the handlebars and brake / shifting position.

What didn't you like about them? It might just be that they're too low, as most road bikes come with the handlebars in a very agressive position. I have drop bars on one of my bikes set just above seat height. Here you can use all the hand positions they offer without breaking your back.

... as most road bikes come with the handlebars in a very agressive position...
The road bikes' handlebars never come in an agressive position here in Japan. They usually have 4 or so spacers and the stem can be flipped. Makes sense because that way they can fit the bike to the rider not the other way around. Also the shops will swap the stems accordingly.