What is the best hybrid for around $1000?

I'd say forget a hybrid if you would like to go on longer rides. The hand position offered by a flat bar is limited. You will find that it can be tiresome and you'll possibly get aches related to having only one hand position. You would be better off with a regular road bike with a drop bar but one with a more upright position to mimic the position on a hybrid.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=...

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/CUSA/model-6SA4...

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/3/

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/ventu...

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_category...

I work at the local shop, we carry fishers and treks. I like the trek 7600, it comes with great components, xt stuff. Its a great bike and the bare metal finish with the clear looks good. Ive assembled a few of them and there very nice bikes, probally the highest end hybrid ive ever dealt with.Ive only built 1 fisher mendota, its a 700c or 29er right. Im not very sure on the components, but from what I remember it has disc brakes. I cant say ive worked on alot of specialzeds, a few. There nice bikes. Personally if it was me I would go with the fisher becouse I have had more luck with thier bikes and they seem to be better built for some reason. Dont get me wrong the Treak is a great bike, but I think you should consider the fisher over them. I hope I heled, good luck with the purchase!

I personally like the lineup from KHS. They tend to have a better quality build and 1 or 2 steps higher grade components than Trek, Gary Fisher (same as Trek with a different name) or Specialized.

Grab a Kona Jake the Snake----its TOUGH! ( www.ebay.com---click Sporting Goods---then SEARCH 'Hybrid bikes' ---you'll find COOL rigs with wonderful price tags! )----Enjoy your rides!

all of the bikes you mention are pretty good

but I prefer the Specialized (very durable and sturdy)

your price range is good, so you have options