Opinions on Hybrids.
- Thread starter Deanno1dad
- Start date
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wiggydiggy
Guru
Definately essential
Even just a pair of 'stubbies' like mine let you move around a little....
scotty110788
Active Member
- Location
- Tyne and Wear
I enjoy mine loads, nice all rounder but tbh i wish i went for a road 
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
Hybrid? Hybrid? What the **** is a hybrid?
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
If the term hybrid has to be used, folk need to say more than just that, its such a broad spectrum. My town bike is described as a Sport Hybrid by the manufacturers, which is a bit misleading but if I was pushed I'd describe it as a mtb orientated hybrid, its quite heavy, has low gears and wide tyres (37mm). I think my Sirrus is also described as sports hybrid it is a very different beast, again if I was pushed I'd describe it as a road orientated hybrid, its a lot lighter, higher geared and narrower trod (28mm).
I ride a hybrid (Trek 7.3 fx) for everything - shopping, commuting, day rides, and some very light touring. I find the added comfort is very much worth the slight drop in speed (I quite often catch the roadies on the next hill anyway...).
The main argument I see for changing to a proper roadie is the varying hand positions offered by drop bars. It might just be some specific oddity of my physique, but that has never been a problem for me (on rides up to 5-6 hours). I don't see myself getting a road bike anytime soon.
The main argument I see for changing to a proper roadie is the varying hand positions offered by drop bars. It might just be some specific oddity of my physique, but that has never been a problem for me (on rides up to 5-6 hours). I don't see myself getting a road bike anytime soon.
Dunlopdave
Active Member
- Location
- Horley,surrey
Yes I do !!!!Ahhh... nah, you don't really want to hear my opinion of hybrids
Great bikes for people who don't enjoy cycling! There's nothing hybrids can do that another bike cannot do better. Having said that, my girlfriend rides hers everywhere by preference
, which is particularly hilarious given how awesome some of the other bikes she has access to are!
Brandane
Legendary Member
- Location
- Costa Clyde
A slightly biased opinion if you don't mind me saying so! Perhaps you live in an area with good cycling roads on your doorstep? I am not so fortunate. Busy trunk routes heading north and south; sea to the west, and another narrow trunk route with a painful climb to the east. So the alternative routes I take involve a certain amount of off roading on dirty bridleways and/or LandRover tracks. So I would argue that my hybrid (Tricross) CAN do something that another (road) bike cannot do better
. The usual story of each to their own; not everyones circumstances are the same.I have a road bike too, but it only gets used when I take the train to a more suitable start point, where I can use it for the purpose it was intended, rather than dragging it over off road routes.
Riding a hybrid and losing a couple of mph certainly does NOT mean that I don't enjoy cycling!
A slightly biased opinion if you don't mind me saying so! Perhaps you live in an area with good cycling roads on your doorstep? I am not so fortunate. Busy trunk routes heading north and south; sea to the west, and another narrow trunk route with a painful climb to the east. So the alternative routes I take involve a certain amount of off roading on dirty bridleways and/or LandRover tracks. So I would argue that my hybrid (Tricross) CAN do something that another (road) bike cannot do better
I have a road bike too, but it only gets used when I take the train to a more suitable start point, where I can use it for the purpose it was intended, rather than dragging it over off road routes.
Riding a hybrid and losing a couple of mph certainly does NOT mean that I don't enjoy cycling!
Didn't want to cause you distress with my somewhat tongue in cheek response - but almost any CX bike will beat the pants off almost any ''hybrid'' in the scenario you describe, both on speed AND comfort. And be faster on road, and singletrack to boot. Not to mention outclimb it too.
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
What is a hybreed?
youngoldbloke
The older I get, the faster I used to be ...
- here's one definition:
An organism that is the offspring of two parents that differ in one or more inheritable characteristics, especially the offspring of two different varieties of the same species or the offspring of two parents belonging to different species. In agriculture and animal husbandry, hybrids of different varieties and species are bred in order to combine the favorable characteristics of the parents. Hybrids often display hybrid vigor. The mule, which is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, is an example of a hybrid. It is strong for its size and has better endurance and a longer useful lifespan than its parents. However, mules are sterile, as are many animals that are hybrids between two species.
interesting points about vigour and sterility - think I'll stick with a road bike
Sheffield_Tiger
Legendary Member
If someone finds their bike most suited to their riding style, terrain, posture and enjoyment, then it is the right bike for them.
It does not necessarily mean that it is the right bike for someone else - and vice versa
I think people are getting too obsessed about terms and technicalities and forgetting that (sounding like an old hippy) a bike is a very personal thing (I shall stop short of saying "be one with the bike")
It does not necessarily mean that it is the right bike for someone else - and vice versa
I think people are getting too obsessed about terms and technicalities and forgetting that (sounding like an old hippy) a bike is a very personal thing (I shall stop short of saying "be one with the bike")
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
- here's one definition:
An organism that is the offspring of two parents that differ in one or more inheritable characteristics, especially the offspring of two different varieties of the same species or the offspring of two parents belonging to different species. In agriculture and animal husbandry, hybrids of different varieties and species are bred in order to combine the favorable characteristics of the parents. Hybrids often display hybrid vigor. The mule, which is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, is an example of a hybrid. It is strong for its size and has better endurance and a longer useful lifespan than its parents. However, mules are sterile, as are many animals that are hybrids between two species.
interesting points about vigour and sterility - think I'll stick with a road bike
The point I'm trying to make is that the word 'hybrid' is of absolutely no use if you don't know what the parents are and which particular characteristics the offspring has inherited. How are we to know our ass from our orchid.
In bicycle classification terms the word 'hybrid can always be replaced with a word or words which give a much better understanding. It is my strong belief that if we/the bicycle industry stopped using this lazy term that more people would be riding bikes which are more suitable for their needs.
The last bike I bought was a Trek FX 7.5 because it was the one that best fitted my needs and budget. I found out afterwards that it is a hybrid. Does this make it a poor choice and not suitable for my needs?
