Hybrid Bicycles

The hybrid bicycle seems to grow in popularity each year. It is proving to be a favorite of more mature riders and those who are coming back to cycling for health reasons. As the term hybrid might indicate to you, this type of bike is actually a compromise between the road or touring style bike and the mountain bike. The developers have taken the very best parts of each type of bike and made a very comfortable riding bicycle that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.

Where as the knobby tires of the mountain bike are not at home on smooth roads and the smooth hard tires of the road bike aren't suitable for anything but smooth roads, the new hybrids use a tire that is a cross between the two. Their tires are skinnier and smoother then mountain tires but not as skinny as the road tires. This provides a nice comfortable ride on the paved road as well as any gravel or dirt roads. They provide a softer ride so they are excellent for city streets and short commutes. Actually the hybrids are very good for commuting since they offer a softer ride then a mountain bike and much more comfortable ride then a road bike.

Their gear range will offer anywhere from 16 to 27 speeds but the range will be closer to that of a road bike then a mountain bike. The overall speed will also range between the other two types of bikes also. The frames will be closer in weight to the light weight road bikes but present more of an upright riding position with higher ground clearance similar to the mountain bike frame.

Probably the most important point leading to their popularity is their comfortable upright riding position which is similar to the mountain bike. But due to a softer suspension, softer and larger seat and upright handle bars, you won't find many more comfortable riding bicycles.