When I bought my Trek 7.5 hybrid, I wanted street gears but I didn't want to bend over because of my gut. Now I've lost the gut and now realize even with "street" gears I don't have a prayer of keeping up with racers, but I can ride my hybrid on the sidewalk in certain parts of town when I nervous about the drivers.
But as soon as the pockets permit I'll be buying a nice racer so I can go on the long rides with the big boys.