Hybrid bike, as the name implies is a cross or mixture of both mountain 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 aluminium/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 assist 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 2018
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 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.
Best Hybrid Bike under $1000
Tommaso La Forma Lightweight Aluminium Hybrid Bike
Claims and General Information
It weighs 25 lbs.
It features a lightweight aluminium frame as opposed to a carbon frame. The aluminium frame protects the bike from rust and hence gives it durability. Moreover, the lightweight makes it easier to commute as well.
The bike is equipped with an HCT carbon fork which comes with a lifetime warranty which helps to minimize vibration when riding on a rugged terrain.
It comes with wide 32 mm Kenda Tires, which are perfect when riding in the city. They also give the bike optimum stability.
One of the interesting features of this bike is the heads-up display. The display allows you to have greater control over the gear and speed.
For your added comfort, the bike is well-engineered with the perfect upright structure and soft gel-grip handlebars.
Review
The gears of this bike can easily be shifted as you ride on an uneven terrain. Whereas, the structure of this bike helps you to maintain an erect posture and further saves you from the direct impact of any road injury.
The HCT carbon is one of the greatest features of this bike as it further assists in minimizing vibration.
Overall, it is a wonderful bike offering you a quick and comfortable ride.
What we liked: What we disliked:
Best Hybrid Bike Under $500
Schwinn Discover Men’s Hybrid Bike (700C Wheels), Black
Claims and General Information
This bike has been specifically engineered for men well-suited to their anatomy.
Built at 31x7x53 in. dimensions, the bike weighs 40 lb. when assembled.
The aluminium city frame is light and durable.
The special features of this bike that stand it apart from the rest are the Schwinn suspension fork and alloy crank. They give the bike stability as well as cushion your body against force when riding over gravels or rough surface.
Another unique feature is 21-speed SRAM gear change. This allows you have greater control over the gears when riding over different surfaces.
Furthermore, for you (your) added safety and comfort it is equipped with gel padded saddles.
The handlebar of this bike has an adjustable stem and fenders.
Review
Schwinn Discover Men’s Hybrid Bike is super convenient as you can easily set it up as soon as it arrives at your doorstep.
It can easily withstand the weight of a strong-built man.
The adjustable seat and handlebar mean you can easily adjust them as per your posture.
However since this bike comes in only one size, it only fits tall men. For short-height men, they might have to reconsider this option.
Other than that, the bike is extremely smooth along with being equipped with all the required safety features.
What we liked: What we disliked:
Best Hybrid Bikes for Women
we also reviewed some best selling hybrid bikes for women who are passionate about cycling.
Best Hybrid Bike Under $300
Northwoods Ladies Crosstown 21 Speed Hybrid Bicycle, White
Claims and General Information
The Northwoods Ladies hybrid bike is white in color. The dimensions of this bike as noted are 72x36x25 in. It weighs 35 lbs.
It is equipped with an aluminium frame making it light and durable. The frame is hand-crafted.
It features a supportive and adjustable seat.
The 21-speed gear and linear brakes allow you to have greater control over the speed when riding on steep roads or hills.
The upright structure of the bike along with 700c tires help you ride it comfortably.
Plus, it also has a rear rack.
Review
The bike combines all the required feature of a typical hybrid bike. From having easy to shift gears and being super light. It offers all.
Moreover, it is extremely easy to assemble. You don’t need any professional assistance or extra help to set it up.
One of the major let down of this bike that it is less durable compared to other hybrid bikes. But with the price it is being offered at, it is a really good value for money.
What we liked: What we disliked:
Best Hybrid Bikes under $500
Diamondback Bicycles Women’s 2016 Clarity 2 Complete Performance Hybrid Bike
Claims and General Information
Perfectly designed for women, it comes in a beautiful shade of grey and pink color.
It comes in variable dimensions well-suited to women of different heights.
The lightweight frame is manufactured from aluminium.
It features 700x32c puncture-resistant tires for quick and comfortable commute over any sort of terrain.
For added comfort, it comes with a gel lined saddle which protects your spine and lower body regions from direct effects of any pressure exerted when riding on a rough surface.
One of the unique features to note is that the forks installed in this bike are integrated alloy straight blade type. They prevent any excessive wobbling of the wheels as well as provide optimum stability when riding.
Reviews
The beautiful color of this bike makes it a must-have. It’s not only appealing to the eyes but extremely comfortable when riding over it.
The special alloys employed in this bike minimize excessive vibration when riding over a bumpy road.
Overall, it is an amazing bike.
What we liked: What we disliked:
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s 26-Inch Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
Claims and General Information
The 26-inch hybrid bike by Sixthreezero comes in beautiful different colors.
The special feature of this bike is that it comes with 4 different speed options; 1, 3, 7 and 21-gear speeds.
Additionally, it is equipped with 2-inch semi-slick tires lined with gel which protect and cushion your spine against direct pressure impact.
It has a curvy lightweight aluminum frame well-engineered to help you ride in an upright position. It has a foot-forward pedaling structure.
Moreover, it also comes with a rear rack to place your valuables.
The bike comes pre-assembled so you don’t have to worry about running to your nearest store for professional assistance.
Reviews
As soon as the bike arrives at your doorstep, you can easily set it up.
The bike is extremely durable. The well-engineered ergonomics of this bike ensure a comfortable ride.
Furthermore, each specific part of this bike is of premium quality. It is extremely safe to travel on it as well.
Unfortunately, it only comes in one size and might not suitable for girls of a certain stature.
What we like: What we disliked:
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.