I've been riding a 2009 Q5 hard for two years now. Of course there are better bikes out there, lighter, perhaps sexier with higher end components.....but......this bike has been absolutely bullet proof and all the mixed components have performed wonderfully for me. I ride it hard, hae dumped it on asphalt twice with no problems other than a scrape on the pedals etc and I've learned how to adjust the derailleurs and brakes. I credit the learning curve to the fact that I only spent $450 on the bike new from my LBS, had them behind me to fix things that I messed up and the price encouraged me to ride hard and fix it myself.

I consider this to be an entry level bike and in several years I will be in the market for another....which will probably hitting a price point of $1200 - $2000. At that point why spend any more on a hybrid? I might build the next one myself for that matter because as I fix and adjust things I understand the difference between high end components and those that aren't. Partially because of our wonderful biking communities and a lot of good LBS's, there is enough information to make informed decisions about what does what well.

Right now I actually feel that the mid level plus components are wonderful because they aren't as susceptible to damage than higher priced ones are and they can take a licking and keep on ticking. Bottom line is that this bike has been perfect for me and I may not need another bike unless I want to add a suspension front end or disc brakes....both upgrades being things that for my purposes would be nice to have but not necessary.

The higher end bikes are wonderful and if one has the cash to get one then by all means, knock yourself out, but for a newbie rider or someone who isn't going to ride a lot, a $500 hybrid is fine and dandy and the Cannondale lines of Quick and Adventurer are great bikes for most multiuse trail/town purposes.