Anybody into hybrids any more? They were the new thing back in 1991 or so, and my first purchase after moving back to SoCal after 20 years out east was a Specialized Crossroads Hybrid with 21sp 300LX componentry. I learned to MTB on it and it was fully worn out after two years.
I found this (says "road hybrid" on the stem and has offroad geometry) Performance Parabola 21sp bike at Goodwill, actually two of them, for $40 each, I handed the cashier a $100 bill and told her to put $20 to a donation.
I sold the bigger one and kept this one for myself, used it as a spare CX bike for a few of the muddiest races (the few that were muddy, this being Sacramento).
With Tange Infinity tubing, 38c tires and Shimano CX500 triple component group it's no lightweight, but really does cover any mileage/terrain in confident comfort.
