Clarify - differences between a road bike and a "hybrid"

[RhythMick]

ok the obvious differences ... flat bars and bigger tyres on Hybrids are plain to see. In general though, are most hybrids just road bikes with those changes ?

This goes to an earlier post of mine about the Planet X Carbon Hybrid ... http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPFB/planet-x-pro-carbon-rival-hybrid-bike

It looks great value - most of my riding is road or "light trails" but I don't want to be scared of taking it on the Trans-Pennine Trail with the kids. Is a Hybrid generally strengthened compared to a road bike ?

As far as handlebars go, I like to be able to change positions a lot during long rides - at 48 I get lower back problems. Looking at the customisation options on the Planet X bike I like the look of the Midge bars ... http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBOOMI/on-one-midge-handlebar Looks to me like they are not quite as deep as full drop bars but give a few hand positions and heights. Why don't bikes have some easy adjustment on the handlebar height ?

 

[Theseus]

The term "hybrid" is so meaningless it has become a marketing term.

You get hybrids that are based on road bikes and you get hybrids that are based on MTB's.

Far better to define what you are going to use the bike for, list the requirements, and choose one that fits. Whatever it is called by the suits.

 

[apollo179]

The term "hybrid" is so meaningless it has become a marketing term.

You get hybrids that are based on road bikes and you get hybrids that are based on MTB's.

Far better to define what you are going to use the bike for, list the requirements, and choose one that fits. Whatever it is called by the suits.

Spot on.
Ive got a hybrid with mtb wheels - now im looking for a hybrid with road wheels , or is that a road bike.

 

[Hilldodger]

'mountain bike' is meaningless and a marketing term, too.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

'mountain bike' is meaningless and a marketing term, too.

Why do you say that. Leaving aside BSO's, Mountain Bike is a good basic description of a bike capable of off road mountain riding.

 

[vickster]

All depends on how you will be using the bike and where IMO

 

[twobiker]

My Hardrock is only used on the road, it has road tyres,is it a MTB,Hybrid,or roadbike,the only guideline is [bike] who cares what its called just ride the damn thing.

 

[Hilldodger]

Why do you say that. Leaving aside BSO's, Mountain Bike is a good basic description of a bike capable of off road mountain riding.

But most of the things sold as mountain bikes are not fit for that.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

But most of the things sold as mountain bikes are not fit for that.

If by most you are including BSO's then you are probably right. If not then I disagree completely.

 

[MacB]

Easy, the term hybrid just means a mix so every bike in existence is a hybrid by some definition, you just select the mix, or hybrid, that will best meet your requirements, doesn't really matter what the manufacturers have labelled it.

My road bike is my road bike when I ride it on the road and is my offroad bike when.....you get the picture. The only thin that matters is that whatever bike I am riding will do what I need it to do without breaking.

Purists that talk out of their backsides about exactly what something needs to look like to qualify for a label only matter if you listen to them. Whereas the ones worth listening to are the ones that can describe how suited any particular setup is to your intended use.

 

[Hilldodger]

A great many of the cheaper 'mountain' bikes from well know manufacturers are not much better than the supermarket bikes.

 

[Alun]

The terms are confused, but at least they give you some idea of what it's for. You wouldn't enter the TdF on a mountain bike, or VTT as the French might call it.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

A great many of the cheaper 'mountain' bikes from well know manufacturers are not much better than the supermarket bikes.

That has not been my experlence but if it is yours who am I to argue?

 

[gaz]

A hybrid bicycle is a bicycle designed for general-purpose utility and commuting on a wide variety of surfaces, including paved and unpaved roads, paths and trails. It combines features from the road bike and the mountain bike, and includes variants such as the city bike, cross bike and commuter.