Originally Posted by
Arabesque
While cyclocross bikes are efficient for both road and dirt, they are more than your stated budget....
No.
Here's just one:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...m_cross_xi.htm
There are lots more.
IMO avoid a hybrid - you wind up with a bike that sucks at everything other than noddling around for short distances at 9 mph. I've seen way too many people who start with a hybrid wind up ditching it as soon as they start riding any bit seriously.