The riding position can cause neck and wrist strain, especially for novices. Hybrids have a low center of gravity for stable, easy handling . They have an upright riding position which eases the strain on your neck and wrists, and affords a good view of the passing sights. A variation in the hybrid theme is the comfort bike, which incorporates suspension in the seat and handlebar stem to soak up the trail bumps. If you are looking for just one bike to go on or off-road, and comfort is more important than performance, this is for you.
All marriages have their problems, and the hybrid bike is no exception.
What makes these bikes more comfortable reduces performance. The compliant frames and upright riding position reduces the power transfer to the pedals, and the extra aerodynamic drag of sitting upright can really make a difference at higher speeds. Although it handles like a mountain bike, it can't handle what a true mountain bike can. Similarly, it cannot match the speed and performance of a true road bike. If you want optimized performance, then you should choose one or more specialized styles of bikes.