Hybrid or MTB

[Tonberry]

I've pretty much ridden hardtail my entire life, weigh 90kg and lack finesse / ride aggresively.

My problem with MTB is the lack of speed on tarmac. My issue with buying a hybrid is I'm not sure it'll cope with canal paths, cobblestones or forest trails.

I also like going downhill really fast over crap surfaces.

Do I need two bikes? How tough are hybrids? Should I just buy a different wheelset for an MTB?

[Steve Evil]

Get a Cyclocross bike, much better than a hybrid for what you're proposing.

[Woody]

I'd get a spare set of wheels for the MTB and stick some semi-slick/road tyres on.

Can you lock the suspension out on the MTB? - that'll make a difference on the road too.

[Tonberry]

I think I'm heading down the slick tyred MTB route.

Thoughts on Whyte as a brand?

Specifically the 20C carbon hardtail.