I'm in the market for a new bike and am looking for advice. I've been riding a Marin hybrid for many years, and I love it, except that I can't keep up with other riders on road bikes. Marin now has a new line called the Alp that is classified as a road bike, but has slightly wider tires, flat handlebars and brake and shift levers like a mt. bike or hybrid. So, it still sounds like a hybrid to me, but they claim it's faster. Has anyone tried one of these? If so, how do you like it? Has it helped your speed?