Originally Posted by chasm54

Another vote for a road bike here. They are not fragile, they can be ridden on much poorer surfaces than many people imagine, and with slightly relaxed geometry (Giant Defy, Trek Domane, Specialized Roubaix etc.) they will have the clearances for 28mm tyres and can provide a very comfortable as well as fast and sporty ride.

'Cross bikes are also excellent, versatile machines. I know plenty of people who put a rack and panniers on their 'cross bike and do extended tours. And a touring bike is also an option, though these will be somewhat heavier and you won't find one in carbon fibre.

Speaking of CF, the material your frame is made of matters less than some will tell you. Aluminium is fine, steel is fine, CF is fine. I would suggest CF forks, they radically cut the weight of a steel bike and dampen road buzz better than most alu forks.

The advice about 105 or equivalent components is sound, they work pretty much flawlessly and it's quite a big jump in price, and a smaller jump in quality, to the higher-end stuff. As far as brands of bike is concerned, there really isn't much difference in quality at a given price point. Pick the shop, and the bike, you like best.

Personally I am anti-hybrid, I feel there is nothing you can do on a hybrid that couldn't be more fun on something else. However, the important thing is to buy the bike that fits you, that you feel comfortable on, and that will make you feel excited about riding it. A hybrid that gets ridden is a better bike than a road bike that hangs in the garage.