Get in shape faster on a road bike?

Whatever bike you'll ride more, you'll get in shape faster on. You may *go* faster on a road bike but the added effort of a hybrid can mean better shape.

It sounds like you want to be talked into a road bike - or do you? If you can "parallel" on roads, and you like riding on roads better than off-road, then get the bike that will do that.

THere are lots of variations and in-between grounds. My 'hybrid' has slick tires and an aluminum frame and goes as fast as I need to - but I wouldn't take it off road. However, on our 'chip and seal' secondary roads it does fine. I have even more aversion to real off-roading than I do drop handlebars