Just a comment: I finally decided I will never be as fast as anyone else. So now I go my own speed and enjoy the scenery.

I own a Specialized Carbon Ruby Elite Road Bike. The beginning of September I purchased a Trek FX 7.6 WSD hybrid. Guess what? I haven't seen much difference in my MPH between the bikes. The MPH seems to always be within 1.5 mile of each other. Of course, I use them for entirely different types of riding, so maybe I am not comparing apples to apples.

I can ride a lot longer on the Ruby Road bike and it is much easier to ride. I don't get nearly as tired on the Road bike either. My shoulders, back and knees hurt when I ride the hybrid too long, so it's only used for short trips to the store and library.

I think wearing clipless shoes would increase my mileage.

I guess you just have to figure out what you want, where and how you are going to ride, and just go with it.