I have a Giant Cypress, which is a hybrid.

Haven ridden it about 4000 miles now, here's my opinion:

I personally want a primary commuter which has 32mm+ tires. Given another chance I wouldn't bother with the suspension fork up front. I didn't take care of mine, it froze solid and I really didn't notice, so I guess I wouldn't miss it, and it'd knock a pound off the bike.

Whatever I get MUST be able to mount FULL fenders and mudflaps. I was starting to think about a touring frame, looked at the Trek 520 and there's NO room for a standard front fender there, so it's not for me. It's hard for me to understand why anyone would make a touring or commuting frame that couldn't mount full fenders.

I'm intrigued by internal hubs. I'd like to test ride one someday. Not sure what I'd think. Not sure if the efficiency drop would bug me.

I don't personally want a mountain bike as almost all of my riding is rural on flat pavement in good shape, so not much point and it's a lot more effort to get there.

I'm thinking about converting an old steel touring frame I've got in my garage to a single speed to mess with in the summer, but if I only had one bike, something like a hybrid would be it.