Hybrid Bicycles - Help with new bikw purchase

I am looking for a new bike. I own a Giant OCR-2 road bike that I purchased about 3 years ago, but now I am looking for a Hybrid/fitness bike for around $600 (+or-). Just starting to research the subject and would like to buy within the next few weeks. Prior to my OCR-2, I had a Trek 7100 (not sure about the model number, it's been awhile) and it was an "OK" ride. I'm sure things have changed in the last 3 or 4 years since I've done my original "research" for a bike. Any suggestions/comments?

Thank you,

Tom

Welcome to bike forums, Tom. What do you want to do on a hybrid/fitness bike that you can't do on your road bike? The answer will help us understand what you are looking for.

Hey there Mi77915,

You've got two choices the Jamis Coda Comp or the Fuji Absolute1

Auf Weidersehen!

- Slim :)

I guess it comes down to a few things that I don't like about my road bike. The first thing is that I would like to ride on surfaces other then pavement. I would like to be able to to go "off-road" (gravel, or old 2 track trails) from time to time. The other thing is that riding a road bike, I am somewhat "hunched over" and over time, this hurts my back (previous back injury).

Thank you,

Tom

GT Traffic 3.0, Kona Smoke.

I could do a bunch of research but I think those bikes are cool.

edit: oops, I think the Smoke might be discontinued.

I highly recommend the Giant Escape. :)

I've been looking at the Trek DS 8.3 (Gary Fisher Collection), this bike seems to fit my requirements. Any comments on this bike? Of course, before I purchase any bike, I will go to my favorite bike shop and ride a few different one that seem to match the requirements that I am looking for.

Tom

If you want a suspension fork and disc brakes, that looks like a reasonable bike. I like the fact that it's 8 speed so if you ever want to change to friction shifting (like Falcon etc.), you can do so with the drivetrain that's already there without changing anything.