The Impossible Hybrid

[Coalfield]

It seems to me that rigid mtn bikes would come very close to meeting your needs. Maybe a change of handlebars? Tires without knobs?

You have one = What am I missing?
OK, maybe not every rigid mtn bike fits the need. But upright riding position, shifters on h'bars, slack angles, etc.

 

[bikeworkshop]

It seems to me that rigid mtn bikes would come very close to meeting your needs. Maybe a change of handlebars? Tires without knobs?

You have one = What am I missing?
OK, maybe not every rigid mtn bike fits the need. But upright riding position, shifters on h'bars, slack angles, etc.

But the bigger wheel of a hybrid rolls nicer on decent ground.
Frame geometry up to mid 90s was very similar.

 

[Woz]

At one point in time if you went in a bike shop and didn't want a DH monster or road bike you got pulled aside to the unlit corner to eye over 3 sad pathetic Hybrids. All some generic AL crap and sporting the worst generic toss with low end gruppos.

AFAIK, Bridgestone, Breezer, Marin, and Gary Fisher all had good Hybrids that may be easier to find in your parts.

 

[Woz]

Consider to turn it all around. Get a more available good tourer / CX and slap some flat-bars on.

[ there would potentially be other considerations to take in account, but all feasible ]