I had a hybrid for 10 months (before it was stolen) after borrowing a(nother) hybrid for about 18months. They were PERFECT for starting to ride, getting comfortable with the taxi drivers on my commute. I went and purchased a road bike recently. It's lovely - but it's tyres are a bit thinner and consequently I find her a bit more skittish in the wet. I also had a puncture within the first week - which was more trouble than I think I ever had with the hybrid (different times of year, different road conditions etc. it's not a representative sample etc....).
I think it's really up to what you feel more comfortable on. I haven't yet done a long ride on my road bike - but the hybrid was perfectly okay for long(ish) rides to the coast with the FNers.
Good luck, and welcome aboard.
