Picking Out the Right Bicycle: Hybrids
Whether you ride competitively or like to ride casually for pleasure, it's a worthy investment to have a good, solid bicycle. If you're not interested in a racing bike, you may want to give a hybrid a look.
What are Hybrids?
Hybrids have become increasingly popular over the years as an all - purpose method of transportation. They are generally considered to be a very user-friendly bicycle, while at the same time incorporating elements from touring, road and mountain bicycles. Hybrids especially come in handy for those who do less intense riding, such as traveling back and forth to work, or just riding around town.
Hybrids offer an upright, stable frame, which allows for an overall more comfortable riding position. Most hybrid frames are made out of extremely durable and very light aluminum or chromoly steel, (a combination of chromium and molybdenum), that gives you the ability to ride at a faster pace. The frame itself has the ability to hold more weight, and most hybrids feature wider tires, which provide better traction.
Different Kinds of Hybrids
There are different varieties of hybrid bicycles available.
Trekking bikes are primarily used for touring, while a cross bike can be seen as a distant cousin of a mountain bike. While hybrids are primarily road bikes, they do have the capacity to ride in some, but not all, rough terrain. The cross bike, for example, uses 700c wheels that can provide greater stability should you find yourself riding on rougher roads, as well as terrain where there exists dirt and sand.
Commuter bikes are used for both short or long distances and often come with such bells and whistles as a chain guard, so your pants won't get snagged in the chain in addition to front and rear lights, for riding when it's dark outside.
City bikes are very similar to the commuter model, yet it has elements usually found in most mountain bikes. These include wide tires ranging from 1.5€"1.95 inches (with 26 inch wheels) that can handle foreign objects usually found on city roads as well as potholes and curbs.
Comfort bikes are also very popular hybrids. Similar to a mountain bike in terms of its frame, this type of bike has front suspension forks, a seat post suspension, as well as drop-center angled handlebars that can be easily reached while you're riding in an upright position.
Hybrid Gears
Hybrids are neat in that they have an upfront crank assembly equipped with up to three chain rings. The rear wheel often has up to nine gears, giving the possibility of having 27 different gear combinations that will accommodate most riding in towns or on bicycle paths.
Hybrids do not have low gears, since they are designed primarily for riding on streets and paths. The brakes are extremely sensitive, like in a mountain bike, so you want to apply pressure accordingly.
Hybrid Wheels and Tires
Hybrid wheels tend to be wider, similar to a mountain bike, which helps provide better stability. They require a higher air pressure, which allows them to ride at a faster pace while at the same time lessening any resistance. As hybrids aren't really designed for intense mountain biking, their rims are usually made from lighter material.
Cost
Hybrids can range anywhere from $250 to $3,000, depending on the make, model and assorted features. The most expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's the best, so take the time to research different makes and models. Visit your local bike shop to get a feel for the different hybrids available, and take a test ride to see if a hybrid is right for you.
What are Hybrids?
Hybrids have become increasingly popular over the years as an all - purpose method of transportation. They are generally considered to be a very user-friendly bicycle, while at the same time incorporating elements from touring, road and mountain bicycles. Hybrids especially come in handy for those who do less intense riding, such as traveling back and forth to work, or just riding around town.
Hybrids offer an upright, stable frame, which allows for an overall more comfortable riding position. Most hybrid frames are made out of extremely durable and very light aluminum or chromoly steel, (a combination of chromium and molybdenum), that gives you the ability to ride at a faster pace. The frame itself has the ability to hold more weight, and most hybrids feature wider tires, which provide better traction.
Different Kinds of Hybrids
There are different varieties of hybrid bicycles available.
Trekking bikes are primarily used for touring, while a cross bike can be seen as a distant cousin of a mountain bike. While hybrids are primarily road bikes, they do have the capacity to ride in some, but not all, rough terrain. The cross bike, for example, uses 700c wheels that can provide greater stability should you find yourself riding on rougher roads, as well as terrain where there exists dirt and sand.
Commuter bikes are used for both short or long distances and often come with such bells and whistles as a chain guard, so your pants won't get snagged in the chain in addition to front and rear lights, for riding when it's dark outside.
City bikes are very similar to the commuter model, yet it has elements usually found in most mountain bikes. These include wide tires ranging from 1.5€"1.95 inches (with 26 inch wheels) that can handle foreign objects usually found on city roads as well as potholes and curbs.
Comfort bikes are also very popular hybrids. Similar to a mountain bike in terms of its frame, this type of bike has front suspension forks, a seat post suspension, as well as drop-center angled handlebars that can be easily reached while you're riding in an upright position.
Hybrid Gears
Hybrids are neat in that they have an upfront crank assembly equipped with up to three chain rings. The rear wheel often has up to nine gears, giving the possibility of having 27 different gear combinations that will accommodate most riding in towns or on bicycle paths.
Hybrids do not have low gears, since they are designed primarily for riding on streets and paths. The brakes are extremely sensitive, like in a mountain bike, so you want to apply pressure accordingly.
Hybrid Wheels and Tires
Hybrid wheels tend to be wider, similar to a mountain bike, which helps provide better stability. They require a higher air pressure, which allows them to ride at a faster pace while at the same time lessening any resistance. As hybrids aren't really designed for intense mountain biking, their rims are usually made from lighter material.
Cost
Hybrids can range anywhere from $250 to $3,000, depending on the make, model and assorted features. The most expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's the best, so take the time to research different makes and models. Visit your local bike shop to get a feel for the different hybrids available, and take a test ride to see if a hybrid is right for you.
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