What is a hybrid bike?

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or entirely new to cycling, there’s such a wide range of bike options out there that it can be hard to know what to choose when the time comes for a refresh.

If you haven’t heard of a hybrid bike before, this blog is going to explain all, including the benefits of using a hybrid bike, the different types available, and how to choose the right hybrid bike for you. But first, we’ll answer the all-important question: what is a hybrid bike?

What is a hybrid bike?

A hybrid bike is a blend between a typical mountain bike and road bike. This makes the bike very versatile, and a good option for recreational cycling.

What’s the difference between a hybrid bike, mountain bike and road bike?

Hybrid bikes have been designed for touring and commuting but can also be suitable for light off-roading. Their tyres are midway between the thickness of mountain bike and road bike tyres, and their frame is designed to allow riders to sit in a more relaxed riding position than what they’ll find with a road bike.

Additionally, the handlebars are usually straight and flat like a mountain bike, so  you can sit upright whilst you ride, making them safer for riding through traffic.

A hybrid bike often has a wider gear range, which can make it easier to climb hills. Ultimately, whether you’d prefer a hybrid bike, mountain bike, or road bike depends on the terrain you’ll be riding on, your fitness level, and the purpose of your rides.

Why should I consider a hybrid bike?

There are several benefits to investing in a hybrid bike. Hybrid bikes are:

suitable for a wide range of uses: hybrid bikes can handle roads, canal towpaths, and trails with ease
lightweight in build: hybrid bike frames are lightweight, making them easier to transport and control
designed with comfort in mind: the upright seating position and wider seats make hybrid bikes more comfortable, which you’ll be thankful for on when cycling long distances
more affordable: you’ll often find hybrid bikes cheaper than road or mountain bikes, but with a mix of the same great features

Different types of hybrid bikes

Now that we’ve explained what exactly a hybrid bike is and why you may want to consider getting one, we’ll go through the different types of hybrid bikes available on the market.

Classic hybrid bikes

A classic hybrid bike is ideal for cyclists based in cities or those looking for a more relaxed cycling experience for leisure rather than training for optimal speed or performance.

Electric hybrid bikes

Electric hybrid bikes offer you the opportunity to choose whether to turn on the batteries or not. This is great for days when you want to exercise but need some help getting up those hills.

Related: How to clean and e-bike safely

Sport hybrid bikes

Sport hybrid bikes usually fall into one of two categories: ones for the road and ones for mixed terrain. Road hybrid bikes often have narrower tyres and a more rigid build, which makes them ideal for roads and cycle paths. On the other hand, mixed terrain hybrids come with wider tyres and are more similar to mountain bikes, with suspension for cycling on rougher terrain.

How to choose the right hybrid bike for you

If you’ve decided to get a hybrid bike, you now have to choose which type of hybrid bike you want to get. This should be decided by:

The purpose behind your cycling

If you’re looking for a bike that’s just going to get you from point A to point B with ease, you’ll want a bike with a more relaxed seating position and a wider seat for comfort. But if you’re looking for a workout, you might want a more aerodynamic configuration to help you perform at your best.

The terrain you’ll mostly be riding on

Think about how you’ll use your bike and where you’ll be riding it the most. This will largely affect the wheels, tyres, and suspension on your bike, as rougher terrain will require wider tyres with more suspension to absorb bumps in the road.

Your budget

You may have already thought about this, but make sure you’ve set out a budget at the start before you pick out your bike, as the feature changes and add-ons can start to add up quickly.

Related: 9 safety tips for mountain biking

Adjusting the features of your hybrid bike

Once you’ve decided what kind of hybrid bike you’re interested in, you can customise the bike further by changing some of its features. For example:

Gears

Hybrid bikes can come with a range of different gears, from one to more than 20 (a 21-speed configuration is the most common). If you’re unsure of what you need, a wider gear range will make it easier for you to go uphill if you’re a less experienced rider. If you’ll only be cycling on flat terrain or you’re a more experienced cyclist, you won’t need a larger gear range.

Wheels and tyres

Most hybrid bikes come with 700c-size wheels, but you can swap these out for 26″ wheels (also known as 650c wheels). 700c wheels are larger, which makes for a smoother ride when you’re cycling over holes in the road. However, 650c wheels are stronger and come with more options in terms of tyres and rims.

Suspension

If you’re cycling on paved roads or city streets, you may not need any suspension at all, as it can  add unnecessary weight to the bike. Hybrid bikes often come without any suspension as standard, so if you know you’ll be cycling over slightly rougher terrain, such as canal towpaths, you may want to consider getting suspension forks to make your rides more comfortable.

Frame

When it comes to your bike frame, you’ve got three choices: aluminium, steel, or carbon fibre. Aluminium is the most common and cost effective, but steel is heavier and stronger if you’re looking for a smoother ride. Carbon fibre frames are lighter than aluminium and even stronger than steel frames, but you’ll be paying more for the privilege, so it depends on your budget and whether you’re concerned with having a more high-end bike.

Brakes

Hybrid bikes usually come with either V-brakes, disc brakes, or rim brakes. V-brakes can be a good option and provide decent stopping power unless you’re cycling in wet conditions.

Disc brakes come in two forms: mechanical disc brakes or hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes are the more powerful option, and they don’t need to be adjusted due to wear and tear of the pads or cable.

Rim brakes used to be the most common brakes found on road bikes, but they’ve now been overtaken by disc brakes. They may be cheaper, but their performance is often not great in wet weather either.

Handlebars

If you’re considering changing the handlebars on your hybrid bike, it helps to know the best use for each handlebar style.

Drop handlebars help cyclists reach higher speeds and are a good choice for those who want a more aerodynamic bike.

Flat handlebars offer a more upright seating position, which is common with hybrid bikes and perfect for the more relaxed rider or commuter.

If you want to cycle more off-road on slightly rougher terrain, riser handlebars are a good option, giving you more control over the movement of the bike as you ride.    

Related: 7 bike essentials you should never leave the house without

Whatever hybrid bike you choose, it can be a big investment, especially if you decide to kit it out with additional accessories and improved features. Insuring your bike and its accessories through Cycleplan can help to protect them against damage, theft, and loss.

You can also get Public Liability cover through Cycleplan, which can help cover the costs involved should you be deemed liable for injury to another person or damage to third-party property while using your bike.

Find out more about how Cycleplan can help, or get a quick online quote today.

Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.