Hybrid Bike Guide
What is a hybrid bike?
A hybrid bike is a general-purpose bicycle, for cycling over a range of terrains with a mixture of road and mountain bike characteristics. Hybrid bikes will usually have flat handlebars similar to a mountain bike, but come with rapid rolling 700c road bike wheels.
The flat handlebars offer a more upright riding position compared to that of a dropped handlebar road bike. This makes hybrids popular with commuters as they offer better visibility than a road bike when cycling in traffic, while the fast rolling 700c wheels mean they are quicker and more efficient than a mountain bike.
Hybrid bikes aren’t restricted to the road though. While the tyres are not as wide as mountain bikes, they are suitable for light off-roading on gravel tracks and canal towpaths. Hybrids also tend to have a wider gear range than road bikes making them easier to pedal up hill.
Are there different types of hybrid bikes?
Hybrid classic bikes
These look similar to traditional bicycles, and offer an upright, comfortable riding position. They are ideal for relaxed urban cycling as hybrid classic bikes are often supplied with chain and mudguards ready fitted.
Step through women’s bikes are very popular and may have both a basket and rack attached, making them perfect for trips to the shop or a picnic in the park.
Hybrid Sports Bikes
There are two main types of hybrid sports bikes:
Road Hybrids
With narrow tyres (compared to a rough terrain hybrid) and a rigid road bike fork these hybrids are built for riding on roads and cycle tracks. Road hybrids are more like a road bike with flat handlebars. The riding position is more upright than a road bike and the handling is nimble without being twitchy.
Road hybrids are lighter weight than equivalently priced rough terrain hybrids. This makes these bikes ideal for city cycling, cycle path commuting and fitness training.
Rough Terrain Hybrids
These bikes have wider tyres than a road hybrid with a mountain bike style suspension fork up front. This helps to take the sting out of rough roads and tracks so you can cycle comfortably on rough and smooth roads alike.
Rough terrain hybrids are great for riding through the park and along canal towpaths as well as on roads and cycle paths.
Should I buy a hybrid bike, a mountain bike or a road bike?
Where you plan to ride your bike is the main thing to consider when choosing which type to buy.
Off road only
For gravel tracks and forest roads then a hybrid sports bike with wider tyres and a suspension fork up front will be ideal. A mountain bike will be best if you intend to ride on technical off road trails and cross country tracks.
Mixture of on-road and off-road
A hybrid sports bike with wider tyres and a suspension fork up front will be ideal.
Urban roads
A hybrid sports bike with narrower tyres and a rigid fork is a good choice as it offers better visibility and easier handling than a road bike but will still be fast and efficient. Hybrid classic bikes are also ideal for more relaxed urban cycling.
Rural roads
A road bike will be faster and more efficient on quiet rural roads, especially on longer rides. Hybrid sports bikes are still suitable for riding on country roads if you value comfort over efficiency.
What to look for in a hybrid bike
Frame
Aluminium frames are lightweight and robust. Steel frames are heavier than aluminium but do offer a smoother ride. Carbon fibre is more expensive but provides the combination of a light frame and compliant ride.
Drivetrain
Most hybrids feature mountain bike style derailleur gears with a triple chainset upfront 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.
Saddles
With an upright riding position, more of your weight will go through the saddle. For this reason, hybrid classic bikes have wide saddles with plenty of padding. Too much padding can be a disadvantage with a more aggressive riding position, so hybrid sports bikes have narrower saddles with less support.
Brakes
V-brakes are common and offer good stopping power in the dry, although they become less effective in the wet. Disc brakes are powerful in both the wet and dry, but the best brakes are hydraulic discs as they offer easily controlled stopping power in all conditions.
Forks
A suspension fork will help to smooth out the trails but does add weight. A rigid fork is ideal for efficient road riding.
Wheels and tyres
Nearly all hybrid bikes have 700c wheels but tyre width does vary.
A narrower tyre (those with low numbers) will be faster while a wider tyre (those with higher numbers) will offer more comfort.
28c - 35c tyres- These tyres have a low rolling resistance and are ideal for road focused riding. The 28c tyres are typically found on high-end sports hybrids.
35c - 40c tyres - These are often combined with chunky tread and are found on hybrids with a suspension fork. They are suitable for riding on both road and trail surfaces.
40c – 50c tyres - Providing increased cushioning for a more comfortable ride these are found on hybrid classic bikes, where comfort is more important than speed.
Mudguards and racks
While all hybrid bikes are compatible with mudguards and racks, fitting them can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately many hybrids come with mudguards ready fitted and this is the best option if you know you require them before you buy.
Summary
Nothing beats a hybrid bike for versatility. If you're after a general purpose bike for commuting, fitness training, light off-roading and for meeting up with friends - these are the bikes for you. No matter your fitness level or needs, we've got a hybrid bike for you.
