I've been told by others that I've been riding with "Man, you're working really hard to keep up...you need a better (road) bike." Truth is, I am working really hard to keep up. I have a Cannondale Hybrid (aluminum frame). Pack-free it weighs in at 30 lbs, with the seat pack and front pack it's 40+ depending on what's in the front pack. I've already gone to skinny slick tires (armadillos) which gave me another 2 mph or so. My avg speed is 13 - 15 mph. I averaged 17mph (fully loaded) in a recent (self imposed) 3 mile time trial. I have tested the Fuji Team and Specialized Allez Elite road bikes, and felt like I wasn't working as hard, but I like the comfort of the upright position on my hybrid. I'm sure I can lighten up my packs with a few changes to tools and by going to an MP3 player instead of a CD player, and yes, it wouldn't kill me to loose 5 lbs, but is there anything else I can do to lighten it up and get better efficiency? Lighter seat, wheels, tires, handlebars, cranks, gearing...or do I just need a better (road) bike?