Hybrid Bicycles - Newbie Question

Around 10 years ago I used to really enjoy cycling, I had a 1999 Canondale M400 Tommy Hilfiger edition.
About 6 months ago I decided I was going have another go at cycling so got the old 'dale out of storage at my parents and moved it into our garage where it was promptly nicked.

Im attempting to claim around £800ish from the insurance as that was the cost of the bike when new.
I also want something that rides similarly to the canondale in that it is nice to ride on road but is capable of venturing off road too.

I think this is a good time to try and describe "off road" as my understanding of it. I'm not wanting to go racing around over rocks and tree roots or dropping off cliffs or jumping etc. I want to be able to ride on grass, gravel, muddy paths, mountain trails etc.

at the moment, I have my eyes on these two:

Portobello (http://www.whytebikes.com/2011/bike_page.php?ModNo=W-1-020-11)

I'm concerned about this ones ability off road, with off road tires would it cope alright? I dont want to brake a bike that costs this much.

http://www.whytebikes.com/2011/bike_page.php?ModNo=W-0-018-11

This one will obviously cope with the off roading I want to do but is it overkill?

I dont really want a proper mountain bike as most of my riding will be on tarmac or cycle paths, a Hybrid seems the best option but if not capable of doing what I need, maybe a cyclo cross like the specialized tricross 2011?


Any help much appreciated,

Griffo

I cannot open your hyperlinks.

For doing mostly roads but moderate offroad aswell I would advise you to run cyclocross tyres like the ones I have: Schwalbe CX Comp ... if you want them more expensive and more pro you could go for something like Michelin Jet S or similar but believe me: for just a few bucks those CX comp's really are nice tyres for this purpose.

First you'll have to decide what type of handlebar you want though ... that cyclocross bike has drops whereas most hybrids have flatbars or riser bars.

If you want to do more serious ofroad aswell, maybe you should be looking at front suspension too. It doesn't hurt to have it on roads either when encountering big potholes or other such hazards.

I can hardly help you in these choices as they are very personal ... I also do not know much of brands and types of bikes as I am a strong believer in buying a frame and components and assembling one's own custom bike. It's the only way to truly get what you want ;)

You have lots of options, in fact, for the kind of riding you describe. We in North America don't see the Whyte bikes, but they are very well thought of in the UK. Given what you say, probably the suspension version would suit best; search on website 'RoadCC' for reviews.
Others to look at: Giant Roam, Specialized Crosstrail. All of these would do exactly what you want.
Just a note: the Specialized Tricross is not a cyclocross bike (the power of marketing!); it's essentially a light touring bike, marketed as having the ability to be used to dabble in 'cross racing. Specialized's own "all road" description is rather more accurate. However, it too would most certainly be suitable to the kind of riding you describe, with appropriate tires, as would a hardtail mtb with appropriate tires -- lots of options out there!

You have lots of options, in fact, for the kind of riding you describe. We in North America don't see the Whyte bikes, but they are very well thought of in the UK. Given what you say, probably the suspension version would suit best; search on website 'RoadCC' for reviews.
Others to look at: Giant Roam, Specialized Crosstrail. All of these would do exactly what you want.
Just a note: the Specialized Tricross is not a cyclocross bike (the power of marketing!); it's essentially a light touring bike, marketed as having the ability to be used to dabble in 'cross racing. Specialized's own "all road" description is rather more accurate. However, it too would most certainly be suitable to the kind of riding you describe, with appropriate tires, as would a hardtail mtb with appropriate tires -- lots of options out there!

Thanks,

I'm looking at the malvern now (maybe the caledoina depending on budget).
Suspension is definatley going to be they way to go. Will the malvern be sturdy enough?