Looking for a new hybrid bike

[James_dean1986]

Firstly to any admin, sorry for posting this twice but I think the first one was in the wrong forum.

I had a Carrera Crossfire 3 that recently got stolen. It was a bit of an impulse buy and I had not really rode it enough to decide if I liked it.
Going from a normal mountain bike it did feel a bit sensitive on the steering and the pre-tensioner on the front suspension wasn't quite strong enough for someone of my size (6ft 1in, around 15.5 stone.)
The insurance company are offering me a choice of a new bike of the same value (apx £400) so I'm thinking its a good opportunity to look at something else. I like the theory of a hybrid as I do ride on and off road.
Any suggestions welcome.

 

[midliferider]

What is your defintion of off road?
Canal and foot path etc?

 

[James_dean1986]

Canals, foot paths and dirt tracks. Across fields sometimes depending on where I'm riding. I did used to do light trails on my previous mountain bike but not quite sure these hybrids are upto that.

 

[midliferider]

This is why it is impossible to have one bike suitable for all situations.
I use a hybrid, specialised vitae, which is suitable for foot paths but not anything like dirt tracks.

 

[RoubaixCube]

Get a cyclo-cross or 'CX' bike - Covers all the bases. good on the road and can handle towpaths and rougher terrain with ease due to the fatter tyres.