The spectrum hybrid bikes vary from "fitness bikes" to "comfort bikes." My 2004 Giant Cypress SX was advertised as a "road bike with flat bars." I have flipped the stem and changed the tires to 700C x 25. Today, my rides are whatever I can do in one hour...15-20 miles. Over the years, the Giant Cypress SX has morphed into more of a "comfort bike." If I had to get a new bike today, I would look at the Giant FCR 2 or OCR 2. The point is, a hybrid bike can be many things to many people. It is not a necessarily bad bike. Just find one that works for you.