Hybrid bike, as the name implies is a cross or mixture of both mountains and a regular bike. It combines the best features from both of the worlds resulting in a bike that is well-suited for riding on smooth as well as rugged terrain.
With a sudden rise in demand for hybrid bikes, there are too many vast options available in the market now. From cheap hybrid bikes to super expensive hybrid bikes, you can easily invest in a hybrid bike without worrying about your budget.
In this article, we have discussed the best hybrid bikes for 2018 ranging from hybrid bikes below $300 to hybrid bikes above $500.
Benefits of a Hybrid Bike
- Lightweight when compared to a mountain bike – The aluminum/carbon steel frame is extremely light. The lightweight allows you to have a very pleasant ride.
- Allows you to travel smoothly over rough surfaces- The 700c puncture-resistant tires allow easy maneuvering over gravels and rocks.
- Sturdy when compared to a regular road bike.
- Extremely comfortable when riding over rocky roads or pavements- the gel-padded seats and well-engineered ergonomics assist in that.
- Variable gears- allow you have to greater control over the speed when riding over different road surfaces.
- Able to carry extra weight.
- Faster than a regular bike- The variable gear option helps you to control the speed and adjust it accordingly. The lightweight also assists in this.
- Safe- the wide tires offer stability to the bike.
Cons of a Hybrid Bike
- Not as strong or efficient as a mountain bike- even though it combines the properties of both, it still doesn’t beat mountain bike in strength
Features to Look for When Buying a Hybrid Bike
Before we discuss our picks for the best hybrid bikes for both men and women, we’d like to shed (throw) some light on the key features of a typical hybrid bike;
Frame
The frame of a hybrid bike is usually built from either aluminium alloys, carbon or a mixture of both aluminium and carbon.
The aluminium or carbon frames are lightweight, just like that of a regular road bike. But unlike that of a road bike, they are durable and sturdy. They give the bike the stability to ride smoothly over rugged surfaces just like that of a mountain bike.
Tires
The standard size of the tires employed for hybrid bikes is 700c. The tires vary in width depending on the specialization of hybrid bike. The 700c allow smooth and comfortable commute.
Gears
From 1-speed gear to 21-speed gear, you can choose either of them depending on the type of roads you have in your area. For e.g. if you have steep roads or hills in your town, then 21-speed gear bike is the perfect option for you.
Seats
Like other regular bikes, hybrid bikes also come with versatile saddles ranging from gel-padded to dual saddle seats.
Suspension Fork
Again, depending on the surface of the road you’re planning to ride it on.
Reviews of the Best Hybrid Bikes 2020
Here are our top picks for the best hybrid bikes for both men and women:
- Tommaso La Forma Lightweight Aluminum Hybrid Bike
- Schwinn Discover Men’s Hybrid Bike (700C Wheels), Black
- Northwoods Ladies Crosstown 21 Speed Hybrid Bicycle, White
- Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s 26-Inch Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
- Diamondback Bicycles Women’s 2016 Clarity 2 Complete Performance Hybrid Bike
Best Hybrid Bikes for Men
Whether you are an 18-year-old or a 70-year-old man, we have picked out our two favorites depending on your budget. You can also find these Hybrid bikes on Sale in different online stores.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hybrid bike is very crucial because you don’t want to end up buying a 1-gear hybrid bike while living in a hill-top area. You will have to resort to a 21-speed gear bike for the perfect commute. Moreover, if you’re a short height woman, you have to make sure you buy the right bike of the right size to fully exploit the comfort of a hybrid bike.
The sixthreezeero might not be the right option for you then. However, for anyone looking for more thrilling adventures, for example, to ride over the mountains, then, unfortunately, they will eventually have to resort to a mountain bike. All in all, a hybrid bike is perfect for day-to-day traveling and for a pleasant ride.