I don't agree with the Hybrid Hate. While I've been on Road Bikes since '11, I started on a Trek 7300 (Hybrid) and regularly did rides of 40+ miles daily. To say that a hybrid is only good for rides up to 20 miles is, well, wrong. Are there more efficient bikes? Certainly. But I wouldn't write them off.
I don't think you "need" a Triple or a specific gear range. What you "need" is the bike that best works for how/ where you ride. That may very well be a Triple. But it may also be a Compact Double with a 10 speed Cassette. My Hybrid had a Triple chain ring and I never used the small ring. My Roadie has a Compact Double and I love it. But that's me, you may be different.
I do very much agree with the advice given to test ride as many bikes as you can, both Hybrids and Roadies, and whatever else you can put your butt on. If you have the luxury of time before you purchase, take advantage of it. The shopping time can be one of the funnest parts. When you find the bike that's right, you'll know it.