'Hybrids' - Sporty

The term 'hybrid' is a lazy term that has lost all specificity - but unfortunately, it seems to have stuck. It originated in the late eighties to describe a cross between a tradtional utility type road bike and the newer mountain style bike. Generally it applied to bikes that had larger diameter (700c) wheels with medium width tyres suitable for road riding; but that also came equipped with the massive range of gears found on mountain bikes. Such has been the proliferation of bike styles in recent years that the term now serves little purpose. These days one is tempted to ask 'hybrid' of what, as you can buy a cross between all manner of traditional types, with all manner of gears, wheel and tyre sizes. When we rebuilt this site, we pondered long and hard on this one, but eventually settled on a simple distinction between 'Comfort Oriented' and 'Sporty.'  Here, we have set out  below, in very general terms, the three main sporty types that we offer, but to get a better idea it's probably best to search according to your intended use, or to look at the various brands to see what they class as a hybrid - some will span all of these categories!

Hybrid Types: Sports

This type is essentially the closest thing to that first generation of hybrids and is therefore a little more off road oriented than the rest. They are distinguished by derailleur gears (with at least 21 speeds); the same kind of straight, or slightly swept low 'riser' bars as a mountain bike, but with the larger diameter (700c) wheels that are found on most road going bikes and wide-ish 32-40mm tyres. Some are available with suspension and most are unequipped - that is without mudguards, racks and other accessories, but these can be fitted. In short , they look a bit like mountain bikes but with larger and skinnier wheels. With a sloping crossbar and a lack of mudguards, sports hybrids have a contemporary sporty look about them. Mountain bike bars also give more positive and precise steering, especially off road. Larger 700c wheels are a distinct advantage for a bike that's ridden mostly on road, whilst the tyres are thick enough to provide sufficient off road comfort - especially with suspension. On unequipped models you will get slightly better quality transmission and controls for a given amount of money than a similarly priced equipped bike. The advantage of this is that if you want to choose your own accessories you can buy the best and not have to settle for the often inferior versions that often come on equipped bikes.

If your prefer a more upright riding position, you may find the more forward assertive riding position of sports hybrids a little uncomfortable. Please note that we don't recommend these bikes specifically for off road, more for little forays over bridleways or shortcuts between paved country lanes. Indeed, some of the bikes at the top end of this category now have thinner (32mm) tyres which make them more suited to faster road touring than off road, though they will certainly take a wider tyre. If you want to go more off road select one with suspension or perhaps consider a mountain bike. Overall, perhaps they are best thought of as cheaper, but more versatile, touring cycles.

Hybrid Types: 'Flat bar road bikes'

On first glance an odd combination: a 'hybrid' between a mountain bike and a racing bike, these bikes consist of a racing bike chassis with mountain bike handlebars and controls. Compared with other hybirds they are much lighter and faster with straight blade carbon forks, skinnier tyres and road bike gearing (which is higher). Compared with racing bikes they have slightly thicker (25 or 28mm) tyres, more frame clearance for mudguards and fixing points for pannier racks which makes them more practical. They are most popular when equipped for fast commuting and urban riding or left unequipped for short fast fitness rides. Some are now equipped with disc brakes or even the high performance 8 speed hub gear system - the Shimano Alfine. Fit for the road only. Probably a wee bit uncomfortable for long rides on the open road - for this, we would advise a sports hybrid, classic road or touring bike.

Hybrid Types: 'Urban mountain bikes'

These are functionally similar to flat bar road bikes, but built around a mountain bike chassis, usually with straight bladed rigid forks with 26" wheels and slightly lower gearing. They are more rugged. Great for short, agressive urban riding they can take a bit of abuse, but contrary to popular opinion, we would not recommend them for off road riding due to their rigid, hard rides - great for power transfer from your legs to the back wheel, so they accelerate well, but not for off road comfort. For similar reasons we would not recommend them for extended rides on the open road either. A young person's bike perhaps - strictly for metroploitan use.

Key Features of Sports Hybrids

Light, fast and rugged
Semi upright riding position
Contemporary styling
Can be fully equipped, but generally not
Derailleur gears with touring ratios
No chainguards
Available with or without suspension
Rides well on gentle offroad
More comfy for long distance than flat bar road bikes

Brands to consider

Scott, Ridgeback and Cannondale

Alternatives

If you fancy something lighter and faster, then see below
If you fancy something more upright - Comfort Hybrids

Key Features of 'Flat Bar Road Bikes'

Very light and fast
Low, sporty riding position
Not equipped, but can be
Derailleur gears with high racing bike ratios
Fast with great acceleration, but...
Stiff frames not as comfy for long distances
Not good offroad

Brands to consider

Scott, Ridgeback and Cannondale

Alternatives

If you fancy something more rugged, then see above and below

Key Features of 'Urban Mountain Bikes'

Light, quite fast and rugged
Low, sporty riding position
Not equipped, but can be
Derailleur gears with touring or mountain bike ratios
Fast with great acceleration, but...
Stiff frames not as comfy for long distances
Not good offroad

Brands to consider

Cannondale

Alternatives

If you fancy something lighter and faster, then see above