| If you're shopping for a new bike, it is likely that you | | | | cannot handle large rocks and big drops like a true |
| have heard or read about hybrid bikes. Hybrid bikes | | | | mountain bike. |
| are designed to incorporate the best features from | | | | Frames on most hybrid bike frames are made of |
| road bikes and mountain bikes, thus resulting in a bike | | | | lightweight aluminum or steel (also called "cro-moly"). |
| that is capable of achieving high speeds on asphalt | | | | These materials allow for both speed and durability |
| and handling packed dirt paths. | | | | while still be very affordable. The handlebars on a |
| Hybrid bikes tend to have an upright frame allowing | | | | hybrid are typically flat like a mountain bike, and go |
| the rider to achieve a more comfortable riding | | | | straight out from the stem. They also have a wider |
| position. A short, low frame can handle more weight | | | | grip, allowing riders to sit upright and offer a better |
| and absorb the average amount punishment from, | | | | position for vision and control, and perhaps most |
| potholes, curbs, etc., that you might encounter during | | | | importantly, comfort. In this position the rider has an |
| a ride to work or the grocery store. Hybrid bikes also | | | | ideal center of gravity and the least amount of neck |
| have slightly wider tires that road bikes for better | | | | and back strain possible. |
| traction and stability on dirt bike paths or grass. | | | | Hybrids take gearing design cues from both mountain |
| However, like a road bike, hybrids tend to have | | | | and road bikes. Most reviews of hybrid bikes claim |
| lighter rims and taller gearing for faster riding on | | | | that they not only allow the rider to both climb hills |
| pavement. | | | | easily, but also go fast on flat or downhill sections. |
| Most reviews of hybrid bikes reveal that the wheels | | | | However, a lack of very low gears does not allow |
| on a hybrid are a marriage of the heavy duty | | | | for the power that many mountain bikes offer for |
| mountain bike wheel and the lightweight high-speed | | | | powering through loose or rocky terrain. Typically a |
| road bike wheel. Wider tires are good for stability and | | | | hybrid bike will have either two or three chain rings in |
| durability during a ride on a slightly rocky packed dirt | | | | the front, much like the crank assembly on a road |
| bike path, but a higher recommended air pressure, | | | | bike. In the back there are eight or nine gears in the |
| similar to a road bike wheel, allows for speed on | | | | cassette. The combination of the two sets of gears |
| roads and asphalt paths by reducing rolling resistance. | | | | allows for 16 all the way up to 27 possible gear |
| The rims and spokes on hybrids are lighter, also like a | | | | combinations. You will find that these gears are more |
| road bike. Because of this feature it is important that | | | | than sufficient for conquering almost any challenge |
| you not purchase a hybrid if you plan on doing a lot | | | | you will find commuting to work or enjoying a |
| of rough off-road riding. Reviews of hybrid bikes | | | | weekend ride on a countryside bike path. |
| have shown that the lightweight rims and spokes | | | | |