Hybrid bikes are starting to get a lot popular lately around the United States, and we can see why. Every bike type has its own period of popularity. Firstly, touring bikes and 10-speed racers were the most popular types of bikes. Then mountain bikes became a lot popular, and now hybrids seem to control the streets of all major metropolises.
But what exactly is a hybrid bike? Well, hybrid bikes can be mostly categorized as flat-bar road bikes that have very slim tires. They are lightweight with a close-coupled frame, just like a road bike, but the bar is very flat compared to most mountain and road bikes. You can find on the differences between them at bikehint.com. Hybrid bikes are mostly used for routes from home to work. Their purpose is to get you to a specific place in the city and back home.
Source: The Hybrid BikeChoosing the features for your hybrid bike is just as important as the bike itself. And equipment such as helmets can be the difference in certain unwanted situations. When on the market for a hybrid bike, there are a few key factors to consider that will guarantee you the best riding experience possible and the wonderful people at Just Not Sports say those factors are:
• Gears
Gears play an important role in choosing the best hybrid bike. They can vary depending on the type of terrain you will usually ride such as hills, plains, in-town riding, and more. But for hybrid bikes, the best gears will be light and simple. You can find some awesome hybrid bike gears at cheap price from Sportsly.
• Brakes
V brakes, or disc brakes, are the most common type of brakes manufacturers put on hybrid bikes. These brakes are not unique to hybrids, but they are “borrowed” from mountain bikes. They work entirely the same as disc brakes on cars. They have a dedicated braking surface on the wheel which is mounted on the hub, and they work better than normal brakes. Disc brakes can work in any weather conditions, but their purpose is to perform best in wet conditions.
Source: Business Insider
• Wheel and Tires
Hybrid bikes use the same wheel size that is common to most road bikes. The wheel on hybrids is mostly used to steer tires that are 28 inches across. However, 28-inch tires are not the go-to size for hybrid bikes. Some hybrids use light narrow tires that measure 26 inches, and some even use fat tires for tougher terrain.
• Frame and Fork
One thing can be considered as a constant for hybrid bikes, is that the frame will always be made out of aluminum or carbon. This gives the hybrid itself strength and low weight. Suspension forks can be found on some hybrids, although they can be considered as an extra, and they usually add weight to the bike. A rare sight is a bike with super-light carbon fiber frames, which cost a lot of money but they are extremely useful since most people riding hybrid bikes have to carry them several flights of starts to get to their apartment or workplace.
Source: Rutland Cycling
- Extras
Rack & Luggage: Useful if you want to carry stuff while riding.
Mudguards: They protect you from mud spray when riding.
Lock: Very straightforward, you use it to secure and protect your bike from theft.
Lights: Lights are required by law if you want to ride your bike at night.
