I’m thinking about getting a hybrid bike but it’s supposedly more upright than a road bike. I would be using the bike to ride on the road but sometimes when people sit more upright, it look sort of weird. Is it possible to be more haunched over?
To make it more aerodynamic on a upright/hybrid, you can bend your elbows and grab the middle of the handlebar. That means you will move away from the breaks. Also, with the bended elbows you don’t have as good control of the bike
Another adjustment is stem. Go to your LBS and have they find you a longer stem. A stem that’s 1 cm longer will make you reach 1 cm forward and have a lower angle. Going to a bigger frame size will have a similar effect.
I don’t recommend any of these though.
From what I read, the "cool" factor seems to be more of your concern. There are some well-designed upright-bikes by companies like Trek, Fuji, Specialized, etc. that are quite stylish and with good speed. I think you will find one you like there.
I ride on a road bike when I need the speed, particularly if I ride with a group. But I still use my upright Trek FX 7.1 for weekend relaxed rides from time to time.
Whether it’s a road bike or hybrid, have your bike fit correctly, ride with a good posture, with efficient power transfer during pedaling. You will fall in love with it in no time.
would any bike riders help me to understand or know what is the best road bike? to use as commutte? I’ve seen a lot of "hybrid" adds what exactly does this mean and what’s the cm?
A hybrid is a type of bike that is half way between a road bike and a mountain bike. It has road tires with mountain bike gearing and handlebars. These bikes have a more upright and comfortable riding position and offer a wider range of gearing than a traditional road bike. Road and hybrid bikes typically use 700c wheels. They are a lot of great bikes out there. The best way to choose a bike is by size (and not by manufacturer). A good bike shop should be able to help you choose the right size bike for you. Here is a good fit calculator to help you choose the best sized bike:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO
This will give you centimeter measurements, you can use these to compare bike geometry, as most bikes are sized small, medium, large.
and which brand has the better one depend on my usage?
Get a hybrid or fitness bike, both are lite and fast and be ridden on smooth dirt and gravel roads. The fitness bikes wont have shocks and usually have a more aggressive riding position. Look at the Trek 7100 series or the FX bikes.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/
I’m looking to purchase a Hybrid bike as it will be for mostly work commuting but like to have the option of trail riding on the odd occassion. Have no real idea what to look for but have a set budget, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
Lots of good bikes out there in this price range, visit your LOCAL BIKE SHOP, see what they stock, they will supply a fully assembled bike at a competitive price, do not buy on-line unless you know what you are doing as bikes are much more complicated than people think.
I want to get a bike to use around the city but want to be able to go on off-road trails as well. (probably a 50/50 use). Just how off-road can a hybrid bike go? Would I be better off just getting a mountain bike?
Hybrids range from almost road bikes to almost MTBs depending on the model. The ones close to a MTB can easily handle dirt and gravel roads and light MTB trails. If you want to ride hard single track you really need a MTB.
My office building is located around 2 miles from home. The road to the office is fully paved and about 75% of the road is on a mountain. I am debating purchasing either a mountain or a hybrid bike. Any thoughts?
If only riding 2 miles (or 4 round trip) on paved mountsinous road –
Then either bike will work.
It will take slightly more effort to ride the mountain bike that distance – mainly because of wider tires that come on a mnt bike. More effort would also equal more calories burned…if that is a goal the MTN bike is better.
A hybrid may have higher gearing too – better for roads. and not great for really steep hills…A hybrid bike will have smoother tires and take less effort to ride in the conditions you describe.
Ask yourself what ELSE will I do with a bike? Are you more likely to ride on dirt trails ever? Or more likely to only ride on paved roads……then you know which to get.
In my opinion a MNT bike is more versatile cause it can do both – but not great at longs distance on the road….but a hybrid would almost never go on real off road trails. And you can buy smooth tires for a mnt bike.
But for only 2 miles on pavement….either MTN or Hybrid will work. A Hybrid works slightly better for just this requirement.
I have a nice Trek 7100 hybrid, and want to train for a sprint triathlon. Is this bike okay?
Simple Answer is Yes. You will not be competetive but you will be fine on this "fat-tire" bike. However, if you enjoy doing this Triathlon, start saving your money. Because if you get caught up into doing more Triathlons you will want a road or Tri specific bike.
Also, some Triathlons have a "fat-tire" division. Something you can check on with the race organizers.
Remember " You don’t have to win..you only have to TRI"
Good luck with your Triathlon and here is a great website www.trinewbies.com. Also http://www.usatriathlon.org/ which is the "governing" body for most Triathlons.
Just bought a ‘hybrid’ bike with incredibly hard and therefore uncomfortable tyres. What are my options for replacing these with something more comfortable?
Check your tire pressure and make sure they aren’t over-inflated. As it is a new bike, it could possibly be that the frame is what you are actually sensing as "uncomfortable". If it’s aluminum w/ aluminum forks, shock is not absorbed well and will give you a harsh feeling ride, especially on bumps and rough road. You don’t say what size tires/wheels you have; some hybrids have mountain bike style wheels and tires, some have road. Road tires, being narrower, are going to feel harsher than a big soft mountain bike tire.
I’m looking to purchase a hybrid for mostly city cycling but might also see some rougher terrain. What kind should I get? (Model, size, etc) I’m 5′ 7” :}
I’m on a budget, so hopefully nothing over $400.
I’d also like to know if there is a good bike retailer that would have what I’m looking for in the San Francisco area.
Thanks!
try this place: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_500042_-1_600002__ this is a store in your area that has hybrid bikes and if you can find any of these here you are in luck: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/SubCategory_10052_10551_400307_-1_400001_400001 sounds like you need a medium frame or even maybe a small but you better go and stand over one or two to get a better Idea, im guessing here and I could be wrong on size only. Many are in your price range too!
*I commute to work and do a lot of fitness work as well.
*Any websites would be great.
*Not looking at second hand or ebay.
I’ve read a lot of commuters like Jamis, Kona, Specialized, Trek, etc. They have fitness versions, fast commuters, etc.
Recommend you read bikeforums.net and ask in the commuter section for specific models.
