Know anything about hybrid mountain/road bikes?
I am looking into buying a hybrid bicycle. Any advice on what I should look for, good brands, models, stores, etc?
The advantage of a hybrid is its combination of versatility and durability. Its pretty good on the road and in the city. Its comfortable to ride and probably a little faster than a mountain bike on roads. But its broad tyres, greater weight and upright stance mean it is not as fast or fun as a dedicated road bike.
Unlike a road bike however, the hybrid can be used off-road. Its tough and it’ll take it. It isn’t as good as a mountain bike in the rough but it’ll serve you well on a long multi-terain ride. A hybrid is also good for touring and will happily take panniers.
So its a bit a Jack-of-all-Trades – it does most things well, but it excels at none. A good all-rounder.
I owned a Cannondale H600 Hybrid some time ago. It was a great bike and served me well. I gave it to a friend about 3 years ago and although its about 12 years old now, its still going strong.
A hybrid is a good choice if you want only one versatile bike. Go for a good make though, the best you can afford and always look for good componentry – I recommend Cannondale, Trek or Specialised.
Happy riding!
The most important factor by far is fit. Find a bike that fits. A superior bike that doesn’t fit is no bargain. The bike companies are so competitive that the difference between a $600 Trek, Cannondale, or Giant are very subtle.
Buy a bike that fits (both seat tube and head tube) and ride the crap out of it.
References :
Comment by The Bear — July 19, 2010 @ 6:36 am
The advantage of a hybrid is its combination of versatility and durability. Its pretty good on the road and in the city. Its comfortable to ride and probably a little faster than a mountain bike on roads. But its broad tyres, greater weight and upright stance mean it is not as fast or fun as a dedicated road bike.
Unlike a road bike however, the hybrid can be used off-road. Its tough and it’ll take it. It isn’t as good as a mountain bike in the rough but it’ll serve you well on a long multi-terain ride. A hybrid is also good for touring and will happily take panniers.
So its a bit a Jack-of-all-Trades – it does most things well, but it excels at none. A good all-rounder.
I owned a Cannondale H600 Hybrid some time ago. It was a great bike and served me well. I gave it to a friend about 3 years ago and although its about 12 years old now, its still going strong.
A hybrid is a good choice if you want only one versatile bike. Go for a good make though, the best you can afford and always look for good componentry – I recommend Cannondale, Trek or Specialised.
Happy riding!
References :
Comment by speenth — July 19, 2010 @ 6:50 am
I would suggest that a hybrid bike is neither here nor there, it wont do eith trail riding or road riding perticularly well. Obvoiusly not everyone can afford a road and mountain bike so theres the answer. I think that hybrids are fine so long as you dont take either too seriously. A mountain bike can easily be fitted with road tyre for the odd jaunt but a road bike cannot be fitted with knobbly’s.
Give it some thought but I would go for a hardtail mountain bike with a spare set of rims which can be easily exchanged.
References :
Comment by b_man — July 19, 2010 @ 7:35 am