Originally Posted by
daihard
Yeah, some of the high-end hybrid (or "fitness") bikes share the frame with the drop-bar road bikes (i.e. Trek 7.7 FX with Madone 3). Gearing on many performance hybrids are similar to that of road bikes - a compact double up front and 9-10 speed rear.
I do agree that the lack of available hand positions can be a limiting factor on flat-bar bikes, though that's not unsolvable (i.e. bar-ends). I know people have done STP (200+ miles) on flat-bar bikes, so it must at least work for someone.
Bar ends are a work around but not really a solution. Ergon grips with integrated bar ends are better still, though still not as versatile as drop bars which, if properly fitted, provide 5 basic hand positions to 2 with flat bars with bar ends.