Quote Originally Posted by featuretile View Post

I wonder when I read this forum and am around bike club people, why they consider this bike a 'cute little hybrid'. I read about the Sora components as if they are cheap and not good, but it seems to work fine. I don't think I would ever use drop handlebars, so why would I need them? Is this some sort of status thing to pay lots of money for a road bike, or are they really that much better? I also read about all the body pains and complaints with these more aggressive styled bikes, and I don't have any. So, perhaps if I rode one I would notice a difference (or not). Right now this suits me just fine and I think you might like to test one yourself.
No, it's not a "status" thing to ride a road bike. Like the way your bike suits you, a road bike suits me. I cannot ride comfortably with flat bars due to wrist issues. I am comfortable in an aero position, and I most often ride in the drops. Road bike geometry is right for me.

I'm glad you've found a bike you like. It sounds like someone offended you for riding it, but just remember to do what works for you, and ignore the rest. We are here to support and encourage your love of the sport.

And the price of different component groups is due to weight, finish, and quality. If you are happy with what you have, no need to change because you feel pressured. There's no pressure on this forum, as far as I can tell (except maybe to wear wool as much as possible ).

Good luck!