road bike or hybrid?

[Grog]

I strongly feel against a hybrid on group rides (with roadies). It will severely handicap you, unless you are already a prime cyclist (which is unlikely if you are just buying a bike right now). Road bikes are also more resistant than we tend to think (although jumping curbs should not necessarily be a frequent activity with 23C tires).

However, when I run errands around town, I still love to use my hybrid. I would also commute on a hybrid bike for the more upright position. There is no clear rationale for this because, when I am riding my road bike in traffic, I feel extremely confident, fast and happy, but I don't think I'd like to do this every day if I was using it to commute.

The only terrain where a hybrid will go and a road bike with 23C tires will not is soft gravel trails.

Depending on your budget, you could consider getting an inexpensive hybrid and an entry-level road bike, use both and decide which one you will upgrade in the future

You could also consider a cyclocross bike, if you are really interested in multi-terrain...

Enjoy!

[maryellen]

my hybrid is my first and only bike. it's a relatively light hybrid w thinner and slicker tires than are typical for hybrids. i rode it 560 miles on an aids ride in august. i love my trek 7500fx *BUT* i do wish i'd gotten a road bike instead. go ahead and get the road bike..................

[Fuji Girl]

Go with the road bike first. If you still desire a hybrid, they are relatively cheap. I bought mine in 2000 (it's a Trek 7200) and now it sees very little riding time since I bought my Fuji road bike. The Fuji is faster, with better handling and control. It's just more comfortable. The only thing I use my hybrid for now is Critical Mass rides (where you're usually going so slow anyway) and to get back and forth from the library.