Hmmm. I would neither describe the FX as a "pig" nor the purchase of accessories for it pointless "lipstick". It's not a road bike, but that doesn't mean you can't ride it a good long way, and make additions / upgrades to make your riding safer, more efficient and more comfortable. Making it go faster is largely down to your legs and lungs - and riding the heck out of it will accomplish that.

I'm not hating on road bikes - I'm looking to add one to my FX as we speak. But this notion that a Hybrid is some kind of second class citizen is a pile of rubbish, IMO. It's not a bike that you merely tolerate while you save up for a "real" bike. Different tools for different jobs - that is all.