Apologies if this is the wrong section but I vaguely remember from one of the old forums discussions on the best bike for training on.

Basically since moving down south I am lacking in big hills to run up so I got myself a turbo trainer which is fine for the winter. I use the same bike I commute on which is a tatty old 'hybrid' type thing.

I have been thinking about getting a new bike for long training rides but am not sure what type of bike would be best. The routes I would take will be about 2 thirds on road, the other off but they would mainly be farm tracks etc. I still would like the option of maybe an epic 5-6hr ride.

My choice boils down to either a cyclocross bike or a hybrid but not being a bike nut I am not sure of the (dis)advantages of each. Would a hybrid just be like a cross bike without the 'drop' bars and high gears, and possibly without the expense? What do the people on here use?

Thanks for any help.