Originally Posted by
Devingirl
Well, I'm not opposed to a road bike, but didn't want to be limited in terms of terrain. For example, coming across cobblestone, mud, sand, etc. I certainly won't be seeking this out, but I don't want to have to worry too much about handling this. Ideally, I would like to stick near the $800 range, however I'm willing to make the investment for the right bike that best suites my needs.
You can ride a road bike over cobblestones, though I am wondering how many cobblestone roads and paths you will come across unless, of course, you live in Belgium or France.
. I wouldn't ride a flat bar road bike through mud or sand. For that, you really need a mountain bike or fat bike.
a closer call is crushed limestone or dirt trails. Now, you certainly could ride a hybrid on that sort of terrain if you fitted them with the right tires, but then again, cyclocross bikes can handle everything a hybrid can, and can also be set up to go fast it you mount slick tires.