Bike for paths, light road use?

[F8th637]

I kind of tend to think of hybrids as being in the same class as cruisers...too upright of a sitting position for me, and without a lot of gear choices. I guess there are a lot more of them than there were when I was last really into bikes, though. Gosh things change fast in the bike world!

I'm poking around the makers' sites, but I'd really love any first person input - someone who has put some time on one of the newer hybrids and has some opinions on what models I should seek out.

Are the more road bike-like hybrids still OK on dirt paths? And are hybrids as a whole OK for decently long distances - up to thirty miles or about that?

I recently bought a GT Nomad LTD hybrid and I love it! It is more upright but there are a heck of a lot of gear choices. The bike is light also. The tires that came with mine were thinner than mountain bike tires and not as treadless as road tires which was perfect for me. The LTD also has a lock-out front suspension. I bought this particular hybrid because it seemed more in line with a mountain bike than with a regular cruiser. I ride mostly on bike trails but wanted the option of taking it slightly off-road too if need be. I'd definitely check out the new hybrids. I know there are a lot out there that are like cruisers but there are just so many options out there that I'm sure you're bound to find the one you're looking for just like I did. Good luck!

ETA: I just checked out the Kona Dew and my bike is a lot like it except without the front lock-out suspension.