Thanks for the article Steve.
I rented an aluminum Cannondale hybrid many years ago on a bike trip, liked it so much I bought one after I got home, rode it for over twenty years, put tens of thousands miles on it before gifting it to someone that needed a bike. Then I rode another aluminum Cannondale hybrid until very recently. They are comfortable, reliable, affordable and versatile, work equally well from Chicago streets to the hilly hundred.
Now I know I have Joe Montgomery to give thanks to.