Originally Posted by MRT2
At this point, I wonder if the hybrid is not the ideal choice for road riding.
It is not.
I suspect this is because of the gearing issue, the upright stance, and the weight of my bike.
None of the above are optimal, but the biggest difference is the tires. Road bikes use those skinny, high-pressure tires because the rolling resistance is much lower than the round mattresses they put on hybrids.
Definitely pull the trigger on an old roadie. But be sure that it fits you and you'll have much happy riding ahead.