fair question. i should have worded it differently. i want to spend the w/e's on my bike as well. a hybrid won't work for me. too upright. my arse can only take a couple of hours at a time. for me, distributing my weight between the pedals, saddle and handlebars allows me to ride for longer periods of time. if you have no probs with riding a mtb or other bike all day, then a hybrid will be a cost-effect way to go. also, if you think speed and efficiency will be important to you....an aggressive hybrid (like the trek fx series - trek calls them "fitness" bikes) or 'cross bike may be a good direction to look. they will allow you to tackle some off-road paths (at least a 'cross bike will) as well as do some "road riding."