I agree that trekking bars are the easiest path forward, I am currently trying them on my hybrid and am provisionally happy with them. Another option that many seem to be happy with is to put aerobars on the flat bar setup. I'd say it is worth considering. There is a current thread on handlebars in the hybrid section of this forum that is worth checking out and a few older ones there that you could find by searching. My LBS owner is building a bike for himself that will have a Titech J or H bar (they are very similar) and I am waiting for him to complete that because it seems like it could also be an interesting option and it will take the smaller diameter shifters and brake levers found on most hybrids. It is taking him forever to get it done though since he has too many paying customers to service at this time of year. He has no time to work on his own gear.

Oh, I too tried those Origin 8 drop bar ends and was not really happy with them. I don't know why exactly, they seem like they should work better than they did for me.

Ken