In this buyers guide for hybrid Bikes, as the name suggests, blend the features of both road and mountain bikes. Hybrid bikes are a popular choice among commuters and leisure cyclists. Some hybrid bikes come pre-fitted with pannier racks, mudguards/fenders, and even lights. At the one end, a hybrid bike can be more towards the road end of the spectrum, and at the other, toward the MTB end with front suspension forks. There are many variations in-between. Hybrid bikes offer some of the most versatile and most accessibly priced options on the market. Designed primarily for the commuter, leisure, and urban cycling markets, the best hybrid bikes combine flat bars and an upright riding position on bikes that are ideal for attaching panniers, keeping a good view while zipping traffic, or riding through parks and lanes.
Start With These Questions
Here are a few easy questions/considerations to help you select the best bike:
* Where do you plan on riding?
* Is top quality a priority, or is affordability more important?
* Do you plan to lock your bike up on the street?
* Do you consistently select high-tech gadgets or do you prefer practical, simpler designs?
* What is your budget for this purchase? (This is an easy way to narrow down the selections.)
* What type of riding do you plan to do?
The last question is one of the best ways to determine which bike type is the correct choice. If you envision leisurely Sunday rides along the Wivenhoe Trail, occasional outings with friends in search of the perfect picnic spot and having fun while you exercise, commuting to or from work in a low-key experience, or running errands with a bike that is lightweight and easy to maintain, a hybrid or city bike is a great choice.
If you’re looking to commute, city and commuter bikes offer features such as racks, mudguards, lights, bells, and kickstands – all you need to be equipped for the streets and tow your belongings.
If you plan to ride longer distances, climb hills, and work a bit to get in better shape, you still want to be comfortable, but you’re interested in lightness, nimble handling, and even easy climbing, hybrid bikes are a perfect fit.
So what other features vary between models? Tyres are a simple but visible difference.
Have a look at the tyres that are provided by the manufacturer. The thinner and smoother the tyre, the more likely it is at the road end of the spectrum. In the middle you’ll see bikes that have been fitted with ‘cross’ tyres, which have nobbled on the edges, but are smooth in the middle – these are multi-purpose and will be for bikes intended to be 50:50 road and off-road. Then closer to the mountain bike end, you’ll see even more nobbly tyres.
Hybrid and city bikes usually (but not always) use the Road bike’s 700c tyre standard. These are lighter to roll more easily on pavement for easy acceleration and climbing. There are 700c tyres in different widths and treads for riding on all surfaces.
The frame is the backbone of any bicycle and features a variety of different frame materials. Here’s how they compare:
Aluminum Frame
PROS: Light, strong, affordable, rust/corrosion resistant, great ride
CONS: Normally heavier than carbon
Carbon-fiber and Carbon/aluminum Mix Frame
PROS: Lightest, strongest, and rust/corrosion resistant, smooth ride
CONS: Most expensive
You’ll love the bump-busting smoothness of a front suspension!
A common feature on some of today’s hybrid bikes is a suspension fork. These compress to absorb impacts from bumps, cracks, ruts, and obstacles. This insulates you from jolts for a smoother and more comfortable ride and ensures that you remain in control even over rough surfaces.
These are for riders looking for a more aggressive ride, but the versatility of a city bike: we recommend hybrids with front suspension. They are tough, and great for the road (especially if they have a lockout on the suspension) – and for having a little fun, too, while riding on and off curbs or other city environments.
Suspension seat posts soak up the bumps so you ride more comfortably
Suspension seat posts are another excellent feature found on many hybrid bikes. They smooth rough terrain and pothole-covered roads absorbing vibrations. Keep in mind that, should you find a bike you love that doesn’t have a suspension seat post, it’s usually possible to add one, too (sold separately).
Gearing
Some of the greatest advances in bicycle technology have been in gearing. On modern bikes, it’s easier than ever to change gears and this means it’s easier to ride than ever, too.
Most hybrids feature mountain bike style derailleur gears with a triple chainset up front and a seven, eight, nine, or 10 speed rear cassette. This offers a wide range of gears with plenty of options at the lower end for easy climbing. Some higher-end hybrid sports bikes will feature road bike style derailleur gears with a compact double chainset for faster riding.
While less common, hub gears offer the advantage of very low maintenance with the ability to change gear while stopped. Hybrid classic bikes tend to have a narrower range of gears suitable for lower intensity cycling on relatively flat terrain.
Brakes
You may see some (or most) hybrid bikes featuring disc brakes, the newest brake type, which sport calipers and rotors at the center of the wheels. Disc brakes are popular for offering more braking control in descents and can perform better in muddy situations. If you intend to cycle all year round, these are a must and are possible to have on even reasonably low-cost hybrids.
Keep in mind that there’s nothing like a test ride to feel the difference in brakes and see what you like best. We can also make recommendations based on the riding you plan to do.
Seats
Saddles offer perfect ergonomics, materials, and features to make them comfortable, versatile, and supportive. Hybrid bikes feature cushioned seats so it feels like you’re sitting on a cloud!
You’ll find anatomical shapes, cutouts to eliminate pressure on soft tissue (which prevents numbness and pain), flexible frames, gel padding, and cushioning springs. Sometimes, all of these things are in the same seat, even.
Still, the most important thing is making sure that the seat on the bike is the right one for you. Everyone’s different so you should sit on the seats and try them out to make sure that they’re right for you (we can easily swap seats, too). And, even on a great seat, it takes a few rides to get your body used to the ride, so be sure to pedal for a few days before judging your new throne.
We’ll Make It Fit Like A Glove
It can be confusing to know your size in bicycles. While road bikes sizes are named such as 52, 54, or 60, hybrids and commuter bikes are usually either small/medium/large or 15″, 17.5″ and 20″. As bicycle engineering has changed, size terminology has changed too. Don’t worry – we’ll help you be sure it fits properly.
