If you have heard about hybrid bicycles but you are not sure what they are talking about, this post is for you. These types of bicycles are designed for urban use and combine characteristics of mountain and road bikes, hence their name. They are ideal for use as a means of transport or recreation. Here we tell you a little more about these bicycles.
The birth of hybrid bicycles In the late 70's the market was dominated by road bikes, commonly 10-speed and city bikes with speed and a brake pedal. At the end of this decade and the beginning of the '80s, mountain bikes emerged, which quickly gained popularity. Despite its popularity, mountain bikes were not an ideal solution for those looking for a bicycle for urban use, because they are heavy and slow. To this, the manufacturers responded with the creation of bicycles specially designed for the city, combining characteristics of mountain bikes and road bikes. And thus the hybrid bicycles were born.
Characteristics of hybrid bicycles Within the hybrids you can find variants, some are more similar to road bikes and others with characteristics more similar to MTB as you will see later. But in general this type of bike is characterized by:
Strength
Speed
Comfort
Versatility
Handlebar / Handlebar Normally they use straight or double height handlebars, similar to those of mountain bikes. It is possible to find models, focused more on comfort that use trekking handles and some that also use adjustable powers.
frame The frame of the hybrids are have a geometry that aims at comfort, allowing a position with the erect torso, relaxing arms and neck. They are usually made of aluminum, although you can find high-end bicycles manufactured or that use carbon fiber components. Although in general the geometry is more similar to that of MTB frames, some models tend more than tend a bit towards the route frames, as you will see later. Wheels The wheels of the hybrids are usually of an intermediate width between the road and the mountain. In general, they use ideal tires / tires for pavement use, although both the width and the drawing may vary depending on the particular objectives of each bicycle. The 700 shot is very common, but some models use 26 ″ especially in small and medium sizes.
Speeds The hybrids use multiple speeds, generally with a wide range of speeds that facilitates the climbs and allows a good speed on flat terrain. Also, it is possible to find models that have low ranges, more similar to those used by mountain bikes and others with High ranges such as road bikes. The vast majority of these bicycles use derailleur changes but it is possible to find some models with internal changes.
Some variants of the hybrids Urban hybrid These bicycles are intended to be used as a means of daily transport. They are intended to be efficient and provide comfort for the urban cyclist.
Bikes are usually rigid frame and scissors.
Many of these bikes have powers of varying height to fit the cyclist.
Generally they use rolled 700c and covered with flooring ideal for drawing.
They are usually equipped with dashboards and luggage carriers.
Bike comfort These bicycles aim to maximize comfort. They are ideal for short and relaxed tours.
The geometry of the frame allows a slightly more upright posture allowing the upper body to relax even more.
They are usually equipped with suspension in the scissors and some cases in the seat post.
Commonly they are equipped with rolled 26 and covers of greater volume which gives them greater smoothness when rolling.
They are usually equipped with variable power and dashboards.
Hybrid for long trips Also known as fitness bikes, they are designed to travel long distances, mainly on paved roads, efficiently and comfortably. Its geometry is more similar to that of road bikes, but with straight handles.
They use 700c rolled with thin and rather smooth covers. This makes them faster than the other hybrids.
Its frame is quite similar to that of road bicycles with the difference that the frame has the option of installing dashboards and luggage carriers.
The speed range is similar to that of generally three-course road bikes and a wide range in the sprockets.
These bicycles are generally rigid, without any suspension.
All-terrain hybrids
This variety offers greater versatility than the previous ones, in terms of the variety of land on which it can be used. But it is important to note that using wider tires sacrifices speed a bit.
The frame of these bicycles is robust, similar to that of a mountain.
They are usually equipped with front suspension.
They use slightly wider covers with moderate segments.