Might I add that if you are not sure if you want a Hybrid or a Rodie... why not go rent each type of bike and take 'em for a test drive.

My boyfriend wasn't sure if he wanted a Hybrid or a Rodie... and after a few rentals, he knew that a Rodie was for him.

You certainly don't want to buy a Hybrid, just because it's cheaper... only to find out that you want a road bike.

Keep in mind that if you want to do group rides with groups, you will probably need a road bike to keep up, unless it's a really slow group.