A hybrid bike combines the features of two bikes of different types. Their popularity is on the rise these days. You have a myriad of hybrid bikes to choose from.

You Can Choose From a Variety of Bikes

Comfort bike – These bikes come with an enhanced suspension system to provide the rider with a greater degree of comfort while breezing through the streets. Also, the tires of these bikes are smoother.

Trekking bike – It is tailor-made for the rider who wants to undertake leisurely rides while enjoying the weather.

Cross bike – It caters to the needs of one who wants recreation. These types of bikes are known to sport wide tread tires, providing the rider with better control while making his way through uneven terrains.  Also, these bikes are lightweight.

City bike – City bikes can easily withstand the challenges thrown at them by uneven terrains. These bikes are accompanied by lighting on both the sides (front as well as rear). Their construction is synonymous with that of mountain bikes, giving these bikes a greater degree of durability.

Commuter bike –  It suits those who wish to travel from home to the office and vice-a-versa. This bike comes equipped with derailleur gears, giving the rider a greater degree of control while shifting speeds.

These Are the Features You Should Look for In a Bike

Before beginning your search for an ideal bike, it is very important for you to decide what you really need. Experienced riders know what they require, but are often caught in a myriad of available options. Riders should ascertain the kind of terrains they’d be riding their bike. This is the first and perhaps the most important thing that needs to be kept in the mind while purchasing a bike. Moving on, biking, in all fairness, is an extremely personal experience. The concept of biking can be divided into various genres. It can be ridden for sport, fitness purposes and pleasure.

The type and size of your wheels – Ideally, the wheels having a size of 700cc are put to use while manufacturing a hybrid bike. A rider needs to make sure that the wheels used in his bike are tough enough to withstand daily wear caused due to riding. He also needs to keep into consideration the tread size.

Other Things You Need to Keep in Mind

  • Gearing – The terrain you’d be riding on would determine the kind of gears you’d be using. Also, your fitness levels would also decide the kind of gears you’d put to use. The fitter you are as a rider, the lesser the number of gears you’d be needing.
  • The braking system – The terrain you will be riding on would again prove to be the biggest determinant behind the kind of braking system you would be using.

The two different types of breaks are:

  • Rim brakes
  • Disc brakes (two types)
    • Hydraulic disc brakes
    • Mechanical disc brakes

A Striking difference between the two is that hydraulic breaks can adjust automatically for wear and tear, whereas mechanical disc brakes need to be adjusted manually in case of wear and tear of any kind.

The positioning of your handlebar – It is an important feature that determines how good or bad your bike riding experience would be. If the seat is positioned higher than the handle bars, the less comfortable it is for the rider. It is because the rider would require to exert extra energy on the paddles. On the other hand, if the seats are positioned below the handlebars, the rider would be able to ride the bike comfortably. You need to take this aspect into consideration while riding a bike.

Suspension – Now comes the suspension. The suspension would be dependent on the terrain where the bike would be ridden. If you love riding your bike in the streets, then you’d certainly opt for front suspension as it would help you nullify the impact of the potholes you may come across while riding.

Hybrid Bikes Usually Feature:

  • Flat bar handlebars
  • Riser handlebars
  • Fenders
  • Cargo racks and pannier bags
  • Frame material

Lastly, no matter how good a rider you are, don’t forget to test ride your bike.