Originally Posted by NameTaken

You aren't going to be going fast enough on an upright hybrid that having hydraulic disc brakes would really matter. For the hands going numb you could try some different grips. I had Ergon GP5's on my Roam and they helped. I'd suggest a drop bar bike but you seem pretty set on an upright position, It is much easier on the hands though in my opinion. Some Gel gloves might help too.