Hybrid bicycles mix the comfort, ruggedness, and security of mountain bikes with the quick steering response and reduced rolling resistance of wheels designed for road use. They typically have mountain-bike gearing and straight handlebars, and some even have front and rear suspension systems designed to absorb road shock, just as mountain bike suspension systems absorb the shock of rough gravel or trails.

Hybrids are subtly different in their frame designs, however, which allow crisper handling than can be achieved on mountain bikes. Wheels will vary; some come with relatively narrow road tires; others will accommodate the same range of narrow to mid-width tires you can put on a dedicated touring bike. The choices can get confusing, changing from year to year as manufacturers tinker with designs.

Narrow-tired hybrids work well on day rides, organized tours, and other forms of light touring, although the upright riding position encouraged by the straight handlebars increases wind resistance, slowing you down somewhat. Fatter-tired hybrids can be excellent for loaded touring. They may even have specific touring features such as front and rear braze-ons or a third water-bottle cage, and many people will find the hybrid design more comfortable than a pure road bike.

If the bike can take a fatter tire, perhaps 700 x 42c, it will also allow you to traverse a wide range of gravel or dirt roads, even with a load, making it the best choice for wide-ranging conditions.

Don't limit your shopping to hybrids claiming to be designed for touring. Bikes designed for commuting can make excellent touring bikes, since many of the desired features are similar.