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Imagine being able to use the same bike for your daily commute and your weekend adventures. You could seamlessly transition from the smooth concrete of your bustling city center to the rough terrain of your favorite off-road paths. It would be nice, wouldn’t it?
What if I told you that the best hybrid bikes can do just that?
If you’re like most cycling enthusiasts, you probably have a couple of bikes that are catered towards specific riding environments. Regardless of their design, bikes can cost hundreds of dollars each. Having multiple bikes taking up room in your garage can turn your relaxing hobby into a pricey endeavor!
Unfortunately, this can cause many enthusiasts to abandon the sport altogether! Of the 100 million Americans who own a bike, only 14 percent ride twice a week. Without a doubt, that figure belongs to weekend warriors who have to choose between a commuter bike and an off-road bike.
Does that sound like you? If so, you don’t have to settle for just one type of riding experience. Hybrid bikes offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to hit whatever trail you please. Not sure of what to look for? We have you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down all of the most important features you need to look for. Later on, we also provide some great recommendations to get you started.
Comparison Table: Top Hybrid Bikes 2020
| Rank | Hybrid Bikes | Best For | Shifters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike | commuting | 21-speed |
| 2. | Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bicycle | men and women | 7-speed |
| 3. | Sixthreezero Hybrid Bike | cruising and commuting | 7-speed |
| 4. | Kent Springdale Women's Hybrid Bicycle | recreation, commuting | 21-speed |
| 5. | Concord SC700 Men's Hybrid Bike | commuting, training, casual use. | 21-speed |
What is a Hybrid Bike?
To put it simply, hybrid bicycles are a unique combination of many different kinds of cycling gear. They have characteristics from some of the most popular bike designs. Let me explain…
When you step into a bike shop, you’ll be met with a few different bike categories. The main options you’ll find are commuter bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes.
Commuter bikes are all about getting you from one point to another. These are the bikes that most people use to get to travel. They have basic suspension systems and wider tires for comfort. Plus, they keep your body in an upright position for better visibility in urban settings.
Road bikes are built for speed and endurance. You’ll see these models zipping through paved streets in the Tour de France or your local highway. They’re agile, have curved handlebars, and put your body in an aerodynamic position.
Finally, we have mountain bikes. Built for off-road ventures, these bikes are tough. You’ll find beefier frames, more rugged wheels, and robust suspension systems.
Hybrid bikes are meant to be used in a wide range of environments. So, they combine many of the key features of these individual bikes into one. Of course, bikes can only take on so many elements. As a result, you’ll find hybrid bikes that lean more towards one environment than others. We’ll get into the different types of hybrid bikes in a bit.
What are the Important Features to Look for When Buying Hybrid Bikes
Finding the best hybrid bicycle doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is to choose a model that has all of the key characteristics that meet your unique needs. Here are some features that you should pay attention to.
Tire Size
The most common wheel size you’ll see on hybrid models is a 700c. This is a nice standard to start with. It’s often the same kind of tire that’s used on road bikes as well. The size is perfect for climbing inclines and rolling through smooth pavement. The great thing about this standard size is that you can choose the type of tire you need. 700c wheels accept tire widths between 23 and 42 millimeters, so you could easily choose an option with a bit more grip.
Handle Bars
For hybrid bikes, flat handlebars are used. This is to provide enhanced control and more comfort regardless of where you’re riding. With that said, you may also come across models that have dropped handlebars or riser bars.
In addition to checking out the shape, pay attention to the handlebar’s placement compared to the seat. If the seat is lower than the handlebar, the bike will feel more comfortable to ride.
Saddle
The possibilities are endless when it comes to saddle design. These seats aren’t like those uncomfortable plastic pads from yesteryear. These days, bicycle seats come in a range of shapes and are equipped with gel and dense foam. Some even have cutouts to prevent unnecessary perineal pressure. Consider how you want your riding experience to be. Want the most comfortable ride possible? Stick with wide contoured saddles with all the bells and whistles.
Brakes
There are a few different types of brake options available. The most common are V-brakes. Also known as linear-pull or direct-pull brakes, this gear is quite powerful and serves as a good universal option. Most hybrid bikes are sporting hydraulic pumps on the handlebars to give you superior braking power. Also available are cantilever and caliper brakes. While not as powerful as V-brakes, they still get the job done well.
Gears
Gears are a fundamental part of modern bikes. The equipment allows you to maintain your pedal speed and comfort level while exerting more power. If you plan on riding up variable terrains, it’s good to get a bike with more gears to choose from. On the opposite side of the spectrum, you can get away with only a handful of gears in flat environments. Hybrid bikes can have upwards of 27.
Bike Frame
For a majority of hybrid bikes, aluminum is the material of choice for frames. It’s lightweight, affordable, and tough enough to withstand most riding environments. However, if you need something a bit more durable, you can opt for a steel frame. For premium models, you can also find carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is much stronger than steel and weighs less than aluminum. But, it comes at a premium price.
Suspension
Hybrid bikes are all about having the versatility to ride anywhere. So, expect to see flexible suspension systems. Some of the best hybrid bicycles utilize a fork suspension. It absorbs the force of impact from uneven terrain, rough bumps, and more. You can also find bikes with a seat post suspension and rear suspension for even greater comfort.
Other Features
Is there anything else to consider? Well, that depends on your personal preference. Hybrid bikes can be fully customized to meet your needs. You can install a bike basket to hold your gear, a pannier to balance the load for heavy cargo, bells to alert pedestrians, lights for night riding, and much more.
Types of Hybrid Bikes
Earlier, we mentioned that there are several different kinds of hybrid bikes. Truth is, there’s no universal design that manufacturers have to follow. Bikes can lean more towards one purpose than all the others. This is a big advantage, as you can easily choose a model that accommodates your riding style.
For hybrid bikes that are geared towards adrenaline junkies, you’ll find features like large tires, low-travel suspensions, and wider handlebars. Hybrid bikes made for road cyclers are influenced by road bikes. So, they have lower flat handlebars, thinner tires, and a lighter frame.
If you want the most versatile hybrid bike available, go with a utility model. They have the rugged wheels and durable frame of a mountain bike. However, the bikes also have the riding position and low suspension of road models.
Best Hybrid Bike Reviews (Recommended Picks)
1. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
Schwinn is a brand that you’re probably familiar with if you’re a dedicated cyclist. The Discover hybrid bike is a welcome addition to the company’s lineup. At first glance, the bike looks like your average commuter bike. However, it’s hiding some great performance features.
First, it has a 21-speed gear system and a robust rear derailleur system. You can easily switch gears to climb hills or control your speed down steep declines. Plus, there’s a front fork suspension system and a seat post suspension, ensuring that your ride is comfortable no matter what.
Features:
- Rear gear rack
- Fork suspension and seat suspension systems
- Adjustable handlebar stem
- Padded saddle
Specs:
- Available in 16 and 18-inch aluminum frames
- 21-speed gears
- Alloy linear brakes
- Slightly curved handlebars
- 700c wheel size
- Comfortable for varying heights
- Easy to customize
- Grippy foot pedals
- Limited handlebar height
- Heavier build
Conclusion:
No matter what your riding style is, this Schwinn bike has you covered. It has a great rear cargo rack for your daily commute. However, the robust build lets it transition to more thrilling adventures once you clock out.
Looking to recreate retro summer vibes? The Wayfarer from Schwinn might be the bike for you! This cool hybrid bike has a classic design that’s reminiscent of the brand’s early days. Even still, it’s built for modern cyclists.
The frame is made of tough steel. The added weight makes it easier for you to keep your center of gravity as you ride. While the bike doesn’t have any wheel suspension systems, there are some springs underneath the seat for comfort. The steel fenders and cargo rail add to the weight of the bike. But, they also keep the wheels protected and provide tons of functionality.
Features:
- Retro design
- Front and rear fenders
- Rear cargo rack
- Padded saddle
Specs:
- Available in step-over or step-through steel frames
- 7-speed derailleur
- Alloy pull brakes
- Curved handlebars
- 700c wheels
- Comfortable riding position
- Customizable build
- Light suspension on seat
- No wheel suspension
- Heavier frame
- Fewer riding gears
Conclusion:
Don’t let the urban look of this bike fool you into thinking that it’s a commuter model. It’ll do just fine on the road for more intense riding sessions.
For those that will predominantly use their bike in a city setting, check out this modern gear from sixthreezero. It has a distinctly modern look. Thanks to the matte black finish and clean lines, it’ll fit right in with any modern urban landscape.
The cool thing about this bike is that it has all the things you need for your daily commute. There’s a light reflector for safety, rear cargo rack for all the essentials, and enough gears to accommodate most elevation changes. Yet, the bike is perfect for road riders, too. The slick wheels and slightly curved handlebars offer optimal control in fast-paced riding situations.
Features:
- Matte black finish
- Front and rear fenders
- Durable cargo rack
- Front light reflector
Specs:
- 7-speed derailleur
- 28-inch heigh
- Aluminum frame
- 700c wheels
- V-Brake system
- Wide padded seat
- Comfortable for most heights
- Sleek design
- Can be difficult to assemble
- No wheel suspension
- Fewer riding gears
Conclusion:
We have no doubt that this hybrid bike can serve city dwellers well. It’s built with flexible performance in mind. However, it still manages to keep that modern urban aesthetic.
The Kent hybrid bicycle is purpose-built for women. It’s got a comfortable design that accommodates a wide range of heights. While most bikes aren’t that comfortable to ride for shorter women, Kent has included an adjustable seat post to let you get things just right.
From a performance standpoint, there’s not too much to complain about! The bike uses a touring derailleur with 21 different gears. Whether you’re on the road or navigating an urban setting, the wide gear availability ensures that you have all the power you need.
Features:
- Quick-release seat
- Wheel fenders
- Cargo rack
- Faux leather saddle
- Straight handlebars
Specs:
- Aluminum frame
- 21-speed derailleur
- 700c alloy wheels
- Linear-pull brake system
- Modern design
- Comfortable for shorter women
- Affordably priced
- Weak suspension system
- Finnicky gear shifter
Conclusion:
With its clean white frame and faux leather seat, this bike looks great no matter where you’re riding. Thanks to the powerful derailleur and strong braking system, it performs well, too.
This hybrid bike from Concord leans more toward road riding. The frame is made of aluminum. Thus, it’s lightweight and agile enough to make quick cycling maneuvers. The wheels are thin and slick to make riding on smooth concrete a breeze.
Despite all of those road-focused features, the bike is all about versatility. The stem has a threaded height system so that you can adjust it to how you want. Plus, the seat post can be moved up or down. These two elements work together to let you get the perfect riding position.
Features:
- Adjustable threaded stem
- Slight angled handlebars
- Wheel fenders
- Adjustable saddle post
Specs:
- Available in two sizes
- Aluminum frame
- 21-speed derailleur
- Linear-pull brakes on front and rear wheels
- Lightweight frame
- Front and rear reflectors included
- Customization mounts
- Questionable construction quality
- No wheel suspension
Conclusion:
Ultimately, this is a versatile bike that has a lot to offer cycling enthusiasts. It has the looks and performance features of a roadster. Yet, it can be your go-to commuter as well.
Wrap Up
With the best hybrid bicycle that money can buy, you can ditch that collection of bikes and stick to just one model. Hybrid units are some of the most flexible pieces of cycling equipment that you can own. They work well in a wide range of environments, ensuring that you can use them wherever you want. So, what are you waiting for? Give one of our recommended picks a shot and see how it can change your cycling game!
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