I am not a Hybrid basher but ... I bought a hybrid because as a new rider I thought it was what I wanted. I rode for about 4 weeks and realized it just wouldn't satisfy my craving for speed and distance. I switched to a road bike and never looked back. I still occasionally ride it to tool around the neighborhood on those "after dinner" rides but mainly kept it to loan to visitors that wanted to ride with us. It is very comfortable but just doesn't fill my needs.