| All bicycles used to fall under 2 common categories - | | | | compared to traditional mountain bike wheels. Over |
| mountain bike and road bike. The mountain bicycle is | | | | long distances, such wheels can save the rider lots of |
| meant for rough terrain riding, while the road bike is | | | | precious energy! |
| meant for smoother roads. | | | | 3) Middle weight frames for a balance of stability and |
| However, many riders are uncomfortable owning | | | | speed. |
| more than 1 bicycle. They usually travel on a wide | | | | There are many types of bike frames in the market, |
| variety of terrain - both rough and flat. So the | | | | and the frame on a hybrid can vary greatly. |
| mountain bike alone or the roadie alone just won't | | | | However, most hybrids are targeted at the "leisure |
| meet the needs of such people very well. | | | | riding" group. So prices are quite affordable. Most of |
| So bike manufacturers come up with the idea of | | | | the bicycles are built with aluminum. Aluminum is an |
| hybrids - a cross between a mountain and road bike. | | | | affordable material that can be easily engineered into |
| What are some characteristics of a hybrid bike? | | | | durable frames. Unfortunately, such frames are |
| 1) Flat handlebars with more than 1 hand position. | | | | usually heavier and less stiff, which leads to power |
| A traditional mountain bike has flat handlebars. But | | | | loss. |
| the rider is forced to stay in the same hand position. | | | | If budget permits, take a look at hybrids that are |
| On occasion, a hybrid rider can change hand positions | | | | made from carbon fiber frames. Such bikes can cost |
| due to the improvements made on the handlebars. | | | | thousands of dollars, but once you own one, you |
| This will help achieve a more aerodynamic posture, or | | | | won't want to own another hybrid bike. |
| provide a more comfortable posture. Many riders | | | | The carbon hybrid is the cream of the crop. It's one |
| prefer such handlebars as it makes it so much easier | | | | of the lightest building material around, and it offers |
| to navigate the bike through different types of | | | | very good power transfer capabilities. That means |
| terrain. | | | | every pedal and every ounce of energy comes from |
| 2) Thinner tires for less rolling resistance. | | | | you is put into good use. |
| Hybrid bikes have thinner tires compared to mountain | | | | Such bikes are perfect for those who are safety |
| bikes. But these wheels are still thicker than those on | | | | conscious. Due to the rider friendly designs of |
| road bikes. The size of the wheels is the perfect size | | | | hybrids, even beginners find it easy to ride one. |
| if you are looking for a balance between safety and | | | | The next time you go social riding with your friends, |
| speed. It's safe enough to ride (even in wet | | | | bring a hybrid along and zip past all those mountain |
| conditions) and it provides less rolling resistance | | | | bikes as if they are standing still! |