I was wondering what was the exact name for the brake/shift levers, I guess you drop "sh" in shifters and replace it with "br" from brakes and you get brifters... nifty!
Would you buy a road bike or build it up? I have been looking around trying to get some ideas. I know what you mean about tinkering around and I feel I can almost go down that road but on the other hand I have to keep in mind any extra time I have I need to spend it on riding. I was looking at the Felt Z100 and Z85. And many others, Bianchi, Cannondale, Fuji, Trek and Specialized. I think in that price range, $700-$1200, they look like the have similar components. I'm not sure, I'm also looking at used.
http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2011/Road/Z-Series.aspx
In hindsight I should have just picked up a beater for the city and put all money in road bike. Although, it has been a pleasure riding the hybrid zipping in out through Brooklyn, Manhattan traffic.