Pam, I agree with most all of what you say, but I disagree about hybrids. I really like mine and find it perfectly comfortable and great for riding around town and on bike paths and even gravel roads. It isn't a road bike but sometimes a road bike isn't the right bike. It isn't a mountain bike, but sometimes a mountain bike isn't the right bike.

However, if Wildrider plans to ride mostly gravel roads than a mountain bike may be appropriate with tires to swap out for city riding. I actually find that my Cannondale Quick does fine on gravel unless it is really loose. But, I run wide tires on that bike, 1.7, as wide as the bike will take. It is a good all around bike.

Wildrider, if you lean towards a mountain bike you likely are in the same size range, 13 inche to 15 inch on the outside.