Originally Posted by
hybridbkrdr
I mean given the stable steering and longer chainstays? Put on flatbars and voila, hybrid?
no. "hybrids" are an abomination that came out of the 80's when folks discovered that mtn. bikes really didn't have a more upright posture but they could utilize the inexpensive 26" alloy wheels to make light bikes with fatter tires than "10-speeds". The most important part is that the bars were higher than the seat. Later on they got 700c wheels and shocks. Hybrids are a 60's 3spd bike tarted up with cheap mtn drivetrain and cheap shocks.
Touring bikes are road bikes that can carry a load.
here's the first "hybrid" which has a better hand position for upright riding than the ubiquitous straight bars used in hybrids.