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.
You can make anything work if you have to, especially for a ride that is a one time event.
A guy showed up for a club road ride thus week riding an old steel mountain bike with suspension and trail tires. He had a mechanical problem with his road bike, so he brought out his mountain bike. When asked how it felt riding 40 plus Miles on a mountain bike, he smiled and said he missed his road bike.