Hybrids come in numerous styles, and to a lesser extent so do 'cross bikes. However, the critical difference is the handlebars: hybrids have flat or riser bars, 'cross bikes have drops.
Other than that, though, non-suspended hybrids can be very similar to cross or road bikes: similar tire clearance, and you can find both types of bikes with cantilevered or disc brakes, and in materials ranging from steel to carbon.
One point to make note of is that most Cross bikes are in the Tiagra to Ultegra component range, due to the fact that they are still pretty much a niche style. I know of only one cross bike in the Sora range (Redline Conquest Sport) now that the Kona Jake is full Tiagra. Hybrids, on the othe rhand, can be found with the lowest levels of mountain bike components. If you are on a very tight budget, I suppose this is a consideration.
Originally Posted by
D-Fuzz
Forgive my ignorance when it comes to componentry, but are the derailleurs, hubs, brakes, etc. on a cyclocross based on road bike stuff or mountain bike stuff? For a cyclocross bike, I am looking at a Kona Jake or Jake the Snake. Where does Tiagra and 105 fit into the scheme of things? When I was last into bikes in a big way, XTR was king and I remember XT, LX, STX. Am I right that hybrids use more of these types of components?
"cross bikes use primarily road components, however it is not uncommon for them to have mountain bike rear derailleurs to accommodate a wider range cassette.
Tiagra is approx. deore level, and 105 is more or less LX. 105 and Tiagra (as well as Ultegra and Dura Ace) are road, whereas Deore/LX/XT/XTR are mountain.