Guides Cycling

Best Hybrid Bikes: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Best Hybrid Bikes

The world of cycling has changed over the past few years. As people turn to sustainable, affordable transportation options, bikes have transformed and led to the creation of hybrid bikes.

While many bikes in the past may have different gears, the hybrid bike is the first all-purpose bike that works for commuting and mountain biking.

As cyclists and bike fanatics, we researched and curated the content of the web’s best hybrid bikes and wrote this guide to help you pick a bike that is a perfect ride for your budget and needs.

What Is a Hybrid Bike?

In a simple phrase, a hybrid bike is a mountain road bike, meaning that it can take you on the trail or give you agile gears for biking on your commute. You get the best of both worlds in this cycling machine, giving you a comfortable ride through all terrains.

There are a few features that stand out in hybrid bikes. If you are shopping for one, then these are an absolute must:

<strong>Tire Size</strong>
With most hybrid bikes, they have a tire size of 700c. Wider tires than typical road bikes but slightly narrower than a mountain bike’s tire. You may also find a variety of bikes with 24 to 38c, but some hybrid bikes have 42c tires. This is about your comfort. You should consider if you want more of a road bike or mountain tires for that all-terrain feel.
<strong>Handlebars</strong>
  • Flat Handlebar Design

The design of the hybrid bike is a happy mixture of a relaxed position for cycling around town with flat handlebars to help you navigate the road. Cyclists on hybrids typically sit with a straight back and can pedal hard while not being forced to lean forward in this design.

  • Drop Bar

With designs geared more towards road bikes, you typically see a drop handlebar. These are lightweight and aerodynamic, which gives you all kinds of different riding positions.

  • Riser Bar

These are another common feature of hybrid bikes that extend slightly upward. They allow you to sit upright and farther back, giving you more control and vision.

<strong>Saddle</strong>
Most hybrid bikes have light padding. Cycle shorts are a good investment if you are an avid cyclist. However, if you are commuting to work, you may opt for a more comfortable saddle rather than the skinnier designs. More padding means more comfort for your backside!
<strong>Brakes</strong>

Hybrid bikes have powerful brakes so that you can quickly stop. There are a few different types to note.

  • Rim Brakes

Rim brakes are equipped on the front tires. There are some advantages to this design over disc brakes. It’s easier for economic reasons because you can quickly tell when your brake pads are worn down. However, rim brakes also wear out the wheel, which means you will have to replace it with the brake pads more often.

  • Disc Brakes

These brakes grip onto a rotor mounted at the type. They come in two varieties: hydraulic or mechanical. Hydraulic brakes can withstand strong braking and will self-adjust depending on wear. Mechanical brakes need manual adjusting as pads wear down over time.

<strong>Gears</strong>
There are a lot of different designers that go up to 27 or more gears. You may not need all of those combinations. This depends on your fitness level and comfort during the ride. If you are a strong cyclist or you only ride on flat terrain, then you don’t need different gears for hills and such.
<strong>Bike Frame</strong>
Hybrid bikes are not different in materials from other bikes, but you will find that they are made from aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. These are typically light materials that allow you to adjust your weight to more sharp turns and navigation.
<strong>Suspensions</strong>

There are two basic types of suspension designs found in hybrid bikes.

  • No Suspension

Most hybrid bikes do not use suspension because it makes pedaling less efficient. If you ride on paved roads most of the time, you won’t need suspension.

  • Front Suspension

There are some bikes made with front suspensions to absorb impact on the front wheel and smooth the ride on bumpier streets. If you take your bike along brick roads, rough terrain, or on trails, then you want to purchase a hybrid with a front suspension.

<strong>Other Features</strong>

One of the newer designs is eyelets, which allows for pannier racks and mudguards. If you live in a particularly wet area, this feature comes in handy. Even with the extra weight, you protect yourself from mud and oil getting on your feet, pants, and legs.

Built-in lights are another feature of the latest hybrid bikes. These are perfect for night-time rides. Reflective lights are also necessary if you plan to bike at night.

There is a lot of variation in the types of hybrid bikes. Some are made for the road with a few options for exceptional terrain, while others are made for serious terrain and sit closer to the mountain bike design. If you are unsure about how it will suit your cycling needs, you can always rent one before purchasing so you can see how it will handle on the road.

Types of Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are not broken down into categories. You can pick a hybrid based on features that accommodate what you are using the bike for.

For example, if you use the bike mostly for long commutes on congested roads, you want a bike that is more suited for the road but possibly has some gears or hydraulics to deal with different terrain.

However, if you genuinely want a bike that can provide speed and agility on the road while also handling mountain biking trails, then you want a bike that comes with hydraulic brakes, front suspension, multiple gears, and reliable disc brakes.

The Best Hybrid Bikes On The Market Now

These are a selection of the best hybrid bikes that we think fit most of the needs of riders today. They have most of the features listed above and are designed for smooth cycling in all types of terrain.

Pinnacle Lithium 4 Hybrid Bike 

pinnacle-lithium-4-2019-hybrid-bike

Pinnacle Lithium is the best-selling bike right now. It is partly a mountain bike and somewhat a city or touring bike. With its secure and confident specs and features, you can go on it slow during the rush hours as well as fast while you are on the tracks. It is an all-rounder.

Is it a bike for me?

If you are looking for a hybrid bike that goes a long way for a long time, Pinnacle Lithium 4 is for you. Its high adaptability for roads and tracks makes it an excellent option for regular riders and occasional racers. If you need a versatile and adventurous bike, Pinnacle Lithium 4 is for you!

Overview

Pinnacle is a high-end UK brand when it comes to hybrid bikes. Over the years, it has produced top-quality hybrid bikes, and Pinnacle Lithium 4 is a prime example.

Pinnacle Lithium features 6061-T6 alloy frame, which is neither very light nor very stiff. Also, its alloy Hi-Ten fork offers high compatibility for mudguards. However, do not forget to keep a check on its maintenance.

It comes with a Shimano Alivio 27 speed shifter that helps you in fast and accurate speed and gear shifting. The Shimano hydraulic brakes are highly powerful yet controllable. With consistent stopping power in all the conditions, it makes biking safe for you.

When you have a look at the tires of Pinnacle Lithium, you will be amazed. These Continental 2.2” MTB tires are great for traction and acquire excellent rolling ability.

Coming at £575, it is an inexpensive yet all-rounder hybrid bike. However, enthusiasts might want to look at other better options in the list.

Comes from a reliable brand
Alloy frame and fork
Shimano Alivio speed shifter
Powerful hydraulic brakes
Affordable
Equally great for tracks and roads
Continental 2.2” MTB tyres

Needs high maintenance
27 speed could be very complex

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

 Cannondale Bad Boy 4 

Cannondale Bad Boy 4

The second on our list from the Cannondale range is Bad Boy 4, and it offers everything you would expect from a hybrid bike including the usual Cannondale innovations, but at a more reasonable price.

Is it a Bike for Me?

If you are hooked on the idea of that very original single-fork design, and can’t afford the Bad Boy 1 listed above, you might be interested in having a look at this one, as it offers a lot of excellent features and doesn’t cost the Earth.

Overview

Featuring a C2 grade aluminum frame, plus the trademark single left fork – which is rigid – this bike is one that brings the latest technology in bike design to the fore. Designed primarily for the urban user – the single fork is for steering precision and added visibility – it combines comfort with performance, with a fabric saddle for support.

The drive set is a Shimano set up with a 27-speed shifter, Promax mechanical disc brakes are fitted front and rear for guaranteed stopping performance, and 650 size tires mean this is a bike that can handle road and off-road use. Notably, it weighs less than 12kg – that missing fork surely helps – so is very light and easy to handle.

The looks of this bike are partly what draws the buyer in; there is no doubt at all that the single left fork is a talking point, but it also has its merits in terms of performance. Some riders have claimed there is not a better bike for less than £1000 – that’s certainly food for thought.

If you are hooked on the idea of the Cannondale’s innovative front fork design – and many riders have said it makes a different in a positive fashion – then there is little on the market to match this very neat and stylish, let alone fine handling, hybrid bike at the price, so you should put it on your shortlist.

Great design
Innovative single fork
Shimano running gear
27 speeds
Disc brakes
The price
 Single fork may put some off
27 speed could be over-complex
Fork is stiff, no suspension

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Specialized Sirrus Expert Carbon Hybrid Bike 

Specialized Sirrus Expert Carbon Hybrid Bike

Specialized Sirrus Expert Carbon has provided a perfect blend of everyday efficiency and high performance. It helps you achieve your fitness goals at some good riding speed. With new technology and well-branded components, this expert carbon hybrid bike is the next level bike.

Is it a bike for me?

If you are looking for a bike that has high-quality parts and delivers excellent performance while you commute, this makes it a great bike for that. If you are a fan of high-quality carbon fiber construction, Sirrus Expert Carbon hybrid bike is the answer.

Overview

Specialized is a well-known brand when it comes to hybrid bikes. Sirrus Expert Carbon hybrid bike is a great example of its dedication and excellent work in the niche.

Sirrus comes with a high-quality FACT 9r carbon fiber frame and fork. This carbon fiber construction does not only make the bike lightweight but also extremely responsive. You can easily carry it upstairs after you are done riding.

With Shimano and microSHIFT excellent performance components, this bike is designed to give you maximum comfort and control while you ride. However, it comes with an upright riding position which might not be very suitable for everyone.

With 22 speed Shimano shifter and 11-speed derailleurs, the speed is going to be highly exceptional. It makes the bike suitable for rugged areas as well as smooth roads.

The best part about this bike is that it comes with the new Future Shock. This 200mm of travel piston in the head tube is bound to improve the smoothness and speed of your bike.

One point of concern is the internal cable routing which is not very taut. Overall, it makes a good bike for everyday use. It comes with a higher price tag of £1,850. If you are really looking for carbon construction, you are good to go.

Carbon fibre frame and forks
Lightweight
Very responsive
Shimano and microSHIFT components
New Future Shock
Good for everyday use
22-speed performs greatly

Upright riding position
Pricey

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Trek FX 3 Disc Hybrid Bike 

Trek FX3 Disc Hybrid Bike

Trek FX 3 is a workhorse hybrid bike that offers the speed of a road bike, the versatility of a city bike and the comfort of a fitness bike. A lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and a performance drivetrain make it a speedy and versatile bike.

Is it a bike for me?

This bike is right for anyone heading out for longer rides more frequently — this tremendous-looking bike, which is fast and comfortable and has lightweight performance parts. Taking the shape of a mountain bike and mixed it with the advantages of a road bike, this bike is best for every use.

Overview

Trek Bikes is known to hold up to its mission of producing world-class bikes for half a century now. The fantastic specs and features of FX 3 Disc is a live example of that.

FX 3 Disc is a versatile hybrid bike with powerful hydraulic disc brakes, which are smoother than mechanical disc brakes. These hydraulic brakes deliver incredible stopping power in all weather conditions.

It’s primed for performance, comfort, and utility with features like a lightweight aluminum fork, IsoZone gel handlebars and grips, and rags and mudguard mounts. Not only this, it offers you a chance to have personalized gear choices.

The lightweight Alpha Gold aluminum frame, carbon fork and a wide range of 27- speed Shimano drivetrain is excellent for conquering hills. Its Bontrager IsoZOne handlebars are known for absorbing fatigue.

The puncture resistant tires offer safe and confident rides. Overall, it is an excellent buy for anyone who values versatility as it is equally suited to fitness rides, commutes, and local cruises.

Coming at £650, it is a well-reputed hybrid bike to invest in.

High versatility
Suitable for fitness purposes
Customized accessories
Innovative technology
Good geometry

Uncomfortable seat
Brakes could be better for gradients and obstacles

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

B’Twin Riverside 920 Hybrid Bike 

Riverside 920 Hybrid Bike

If you are a trekking enthusiast and need a partner for that, Riverside 920 hybrid bike makes the perfect partner. This hybrid bike from B’Twin is an ideal choice when it comes to regular road rides as well as trail use. Coming at a suitable price, this hybrid bike should be on top of your consideration list.

Is it a bike for me?

This bike comes with great specs, especially since its lightweight is combined with high performance. If you are looking for a bike that is suitable for longer distances as well as providing ease of use and cycling comfort, this bike can be the one for you.

Overview

Riverside 920 features light 6061 aluminum frame and double-walled rims for maximum durability. Braking power is quite high and efficient using hydraulic disc brakes.

It comes with a single shifter that allows changing between 11 speeds any time while you are riding. The big 28” tires are puncture proof and are equally great for the road or trail. This enhances the versatility of this hybrid bike.

If comfort combined with style is what you are looking for, Riverside 920 offers both of these great features. With its semi-raised style and ergonomic grips, there is no chance that you lose control over your bike.

Moreover, the Riverside 920 comes equipped with a lockable and adjustable air suspension fork. Using a simple adjustment wheel, you can adjust the stiffness as per your needs.

With these amazing features, this hybrid bike comes at an affordable price of £600. If you are interested in a decent bike that lets you enjoy your regular road rides and trails, this is one of the most suitable bikes.

Great for regular use
Light aluminum frame
Semi-raised style for added comfort
Affordable
Controllable
Suspension forks
Hydraulic brakes
Not ideal for speedy rides

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Cube SL Hybrid Road Bike 

 

Cube SL Road Hybrid Bike

If you want a bike that’s serious on roads, Cube SL Hybrid Road Bike stands out. It is designed for high speed with a lavish style and high-quality parts. A dedicated cyclist would love to enjoy its top specs and luxury style innovations, but it is not cheap at all.

Is it a bike for me?

Cube SL Road Bike comes with the expectation that dollars will be spent upon it. If you are a dedicated cyclist and are looking for a high-end hybrid bike, this sporty and stylish bike is for you. But if you want a bike for regular or occasional road use and not for sports, there are better options at a lesser price.

Overview

If there’s one phrase to describe this bike, it would be ‘a brilliant road bike’. It comes with Aluminum Superlite Crossroad Taper Double Butted frame and fork.

With 22 speeds Shimano single shifter and Shimano Uletgra front and rear mech, this bike has to stand out. Also, it features Shimano hydraulic disc front and rear brakes to add safety with speed.

With top-quality DT Swiss tires and ergonomically designed saddle, you are going to get speedy rides with maximum comfort. Riding on Cube SL road bike feels as light as a feather. As it is a lightweight bike, you can enjoy added thrills of higher speed.

Cube SL Road bike comes in four sizes. You can choose the one according to your height for maximum control. Overall, it is the best road racing bike for enthusiasts. Even though it comes at £1,499, it is worth the price.

High quality fittings
Hydraulic disc brakes
Aluminum brake and fork
Superb Shimano Ultegra groupset
High-end DT Swiss tyres
Choice of sizes
Best road racing bike
Not the cheapest bike
Not for occasional use

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Giant Escape 1 disc Hybrid Sports Bike 

 

Giant Escape 1 Disc Hybrid Bike

Giant Escape has brought a very innovative design to the table this year. It takes in a traditional design and adds innovation to the basics. This makes it a top-notch design of the year. This is probably the best hybrid bike for city use as well as off-road use.

Is it a bike for me?

If you want a bike that combines the traditional and modern essence of biking, then Giant Escape Disc 1 is for you. It excels in features as well as in price. Featuring top-quality machinery while not digging a hole in your pocket is the best thing about this bike.

Overview

Giant Escape is a leading name in the hybrid bike industry, and Escape disc clearly shows why. It combines transportation, fitness, and fun in a mesmerizing way.

This balanced yet efficient hybrid bike comes with ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame and advanced grade composite fork with ALUXX steerer. Its smooth rolling 700cc wheels are sure to add a lot of fun and excitement to your rides.

With powerful 160mm hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano mech, you are good to go faster over hills while exerting great control. It helps you tackle road and hill challenges in a very effective manner.

With 27 speed Shimano Altus shifters and puncture resistant tires, you can rely on the performance of your Giant Escape 1 disc hybrid bike. Its outstanding feature is its Giant GX28 disc wheelset that offers high versatility.

Moreover, this bike features the new Giant EasyRide tubeless system as well as integrated rack mounts. This allows a beginner as well as an experienced rider to have great adventures on the city streets as well as on the hillside.

Overall, it makes a great hybrid bike coming at £625 only.

ALUXX-Grade aluminum
27 speed Shimano Altus
160mm hydraulic disc brakes
Giant GX28 disc wheelset
Innovative tubeless system
Integrated rack mounts
Great for beginners as well as experienced riders
Top-notch quality
Affordable
Not very lightweight
Stiff fork
No fork suspension

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Vitus Mach 3 VRX Urban Bike 

 

Vitus Mach 3 VRX

Vitus Mach 3 VRX is designed while keeping an urban rider in mind. This quality hybrid bike offers excellent performance and more than enough comfort. With its stylish look, the bike looks great while you ride on it around the city. As for the price, it is a bit higher than average.

Is it a bike for me?

This bike is built for urban biker or commutator who loves darting around urban jungles most time of the day. This unisex bike offers relaxing rides over the countryside as well. It was specially designed keeping urban riders in mind, so take a closer look if that’s what you want.

Overview

Mach 3 VRX comes with a flat handlebar to allow great comfort and suitable riding position. With a lightweight alloy frame, Vitus stem, seatpost, and saddle, this bike comes in various sizes.

Weighing in at 9.93kg only, it is the lightest bike on the list. And this low weight helps it in achieving its aim. Vitus has carefully produced all the critical parts in-house to retain high-end quality.

It features Shimano Metrea drive set and gears for enhanced performance. With 160mm hydraulic brakes and 700cc rimmed wheels, it is a good setup for an urban bike.

The large WTB tires add to the comfort and safety on the road as well as off the road. With rigid fork travel, this makes a very suitable urban bike.

Also, this bike comes in various sizes. Overall, it is a great urban bike coming at £900. As far as price is concerned, it might be a little higher if you are not an avid biker.

Lightweight
Shimano brakes and gears
Vitus in-house stem, seatpost and saddle
Good range of sizes
Highly suitable urban bike

A bit pricey
Rigid fork
Optimized for urban use

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

9. Merida Crossway Urban 40 Hybrid Sports Bike 

 

Merida Crossway Urban 40

Crossway Urban is well, a handy bike. It adds great convenience to your everyday use. Coming at a low weight, Urban is ideal for commuting. With techno formed components and stylish design, Crossway Urban is a good bike for anyone who loves going around the city.

Is it a bike for me?

If you are not very enthusiastic about countryside bumps and gradients, Merida Crossway urban bike is for you. If you want a partner for your hill rides, crossway urban might not be a very passionate one. But it is secure and reliable as far as safety and comfort are concerned.

Overview

Merida gives off superb commuting bikes. Designed primarily for urban use, its fork allows to have steering precision and added visibility, leading to enhanced performance.

Crossway Urban comes with several in-house and Shimano components for better performance. The drive set is a Shimano set up with a 27-speed shifter. Shimano hydraulic brake on the front is present with guaranteed stopping power.

Merida 700 tires make the Urban bike suitable for road use as well as off-road use. With a lightweight aluminum frame and fork, it is very light and easy to handle. The frame comes in three sizes – 46cm, 52cm, and 58cm – allowing you to choose between various options.

Interestingly, this Crossway Urban models can be equipped with customized mudguard as well as rack and kickstand. This makes your urban bike very versatile.

Overall, it is a great design featuring ultra-suitable specs and features. With all of these impressive features, it comes at about £550, which is an affordable price.

Lightweight
Aluminum frame and fork
Three frame sizes
Shimano and Merida components
Can be equipped with several added components
Versatile
Affordable price

Optimized mainly for urban use

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Decathlon B’Twin Riverside 500 

 

BTwin Riverside 500

 

Designed by hybrid bike enthusiasts for hybrid bike enthusiasts, this model from Decathlon combines comfort and style at a sensible price, with a wealth of features to suit.

Is it a Bike for Me?

This bike features a lightweight aluminum frame and has been designed with a broader thought on the touring element. It is stylish and traditional in looks, yet up to date and modern in terms of technology and performance.

Overview

Decathlon is a French bike maker, and the French do know their bicycles. This particular model is equipped with a unisex aluminum frame and comes fitted with 28” tires that are suitable for both road and trail use. A nine-speed trigger shift makes changing ratios smooth and straightforward, and quick release wheels aid maintenance.

The fork includes a suspension element which, coupled with an ergonomically designed saddle, makes this a bike that handles well and is comfortable to ride, and front and back disc brakes give you the power you need to ensure safe stopping distance.

The Decathlon B’Twin range come complete with front and rear lights, so you are ready to go, and are available in three frame sizes – small, medium and large – with a weight of 13.6kg for the largest model.

Unisex frame
True hybrid design
Touring orented
Disc brakes
Suspension forks
Aluminium frame

Not the lightest
Gearing may not be ideal

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Triban RC500 Flat Bar Disc Road Bike 

Triban RC500 Flat Bar

Here comes the ultimate favorite of high-end cyclists. In terms of design and performance, Triban RC500 excels all the flat bar bikes. It comes with a flat bar design that adds a lot to the comfort and convenience as you commute. Triban RC500 comes with superb features at reasonable price.

Is it a bike for me?

This comes with smooth handling and super grip. If you are looking for a comfortable style, this bike is for you. More precisely, this bike is best for beginners. With excellent cycling comfort, versatility, and control, you improve as you ride on this road bike.

Overview

Triban RC500 flat bar disc road bike comes from the house of Decathlon. Over the years, it has been producing road bikes that have no match.

Featuring a comfortable road geometry, this Triban RC500 is the new favorite of cyclists. With 28mm tires and ergonomic grips in two different positions, you are in total command of your bike.

It comes with inserts for pannier racks and mudguards. This adds a lot to the versatility of this superbike as it is highly compatible with 36mm tubeless ready tires.

Shimano Sora groupset is the known quality of Triban RC500. With bottom brackets, front and rear derailleurs and levers – all from Shimano – this bike gives off a perfect blend of performance and comfort.

It comes with mechanical disc brakes that are effective in damp conditions as well. However, you might want hydraulic brakes for higher stopping power.

Its new ErgoFit saddle is known to save you from biking fatigue. Interestingly, Decathlon offers a lifetime warranty on its frame, handlebars, and stem. Frankly, that’s all you need!

Coming at around £500 only, you need to put your hands on this bike as soon as possible.

Great geometry
Aluminum frame and fork
Shimano Sora group set
Reasonable price
Great for road and off-road use

Mechanical brakes

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Cannondale Quick CX 2 Hybrid Sports Bike 

 

Cannondale Quick CX 2 Hybrid Bike

 

Cannondale Quick CX 2 is a highly versatile bike. It offers everything you would expect from a hybrid bike. It includes all the Cannondale impressive features at a reasonable price. With sure-footed performance on road and track, Quick CX 2 offers a capable and comfortable ride.

Is it a bike for me?

If you are looking for a bike that can handle rough tracks and bad terrain very well, Cannondale Quick CX 2 excels at that. It comes with all the high-end features, making your biking experience next level. It gives off a very speedy yet confident vibe.

Overview

Featuring a C2 grade aluminum frame with optimized 6061 aluminum tubes, it offers you multi-surface riding with great ease and comfort. With a front tapered head tube, you are going to get extra stiffness for precise steering and greater accuracy.

It comes with micro suspension that is built in the frame to give you a smooth ride. All the shocks and vibrations are absorbed.

No matter where you end up riding, you feel super light with Cannondale Quick CX 2. Coming with Shimano components, its front and rear hydraulic brakes, are designed to give powerful resistance to gradients and obstacles.

The high volume of 38c tires are built for multi-surfaces. Either you want a superb grip on the road or dirt, it delivers equally well for both.

Its single 11-speed shifter makes things less complicated. With greater control, you are in command of your bike. The micro suspensions make the saddle very comfortable as well. Also, Quick CX 2 comes in four different sizes.

Overall, it makes your riding experience amazing. Coming at a reasonable price of £810, this bike offers everything a real hybrid bike should. So, look it up!

High volume tyres
Lightweight frame
Micro suspension for smoother rides
Easy speed shifter
Reasonable price
Powerful brakes
Suitable for all terrains and surfaces

There might be more needs of speeds
Extra stiffness is not good for urban rides

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

Cannondale Bad Boy 1 

 

Cannondale Bad Boy 1

Cannondale brings to the table this innovative design that claims to be the ultimate in hybrid bikes and very probably is. With everything you want for city rides or off-road use, it’s a great machine.

Is it a Bike for Me?

Are you looking for the ultimate hybrid bike, one that takes the traditional design of a bike and changes even the basics? Then this is for you, as it is a cut above the rest – and in price, too.

Overview

Cannondale is a leading name in high-quality bikes, and this is a prime example of why. The Bad Boy begins by fundamentally changing bike design: the front fork is a single-sided device, sitting to the left of the wheel as the rider looks. The purpose is for steering precision and to aid visibility, and it’s certainly innovative.

The frame is made from C1 aluminum for lightness, the seatpost has LED lighting incorporated, and the bike itself is designed for sports use and comfort. Alloy bars help the weight, Shimano drivetrain and disc brakes make for superb performance, and a Rapidfire 8-speed shifter means smooth changes throughout.

The bike comes wearing fat tires for both urban and off-road use, is available in four frame sizes – small to extra-large – and is a lovely quality design all-round.

This is a tremendous bike, one that shows there is still some innovation to come in terms of design and construction, and it has all the attributes of a hybrid bike that you want. The only concern is whether the single fork idea is worth the effort, and also be aware that you are paying top money here, but it’s very, very good.

Innovative fork design
Aluminium frame
Shimano drive train and brakes
Stylish design with LED lights
Performance is exemplary
Fork design takes some getting used to
Fork is stiff, no suspension
The price

<strong>Click Here to The Check Best Price Now</strong>

 Specialized Sirrus Sport 

 

Specialized Sirrus Sport Alloy Disc

A classy design that combines neat touches such as internally routed cables with the usual attributes of a hybrid bike, this one from Specialized is designed for both road and off-road use and provides comfort as well as performance.

Is it a Bike for Me?

There are some exceptional touches to this bike, which comes from one of the top brands, such as carbon forks for a smoother ride, and everything in its design and construction is of high quality. For anyone wanting a great hybrid bike for less than £1000, there’s a lot here to recommend.

Overview

The premium aluminum frame is the first point of call and is a beautifully designed frame all-around with butted tubing and internal cable routing. That elegant carbon front fork means you get a combination of strength and performance, so you can expect a smoother ride wherever you are.

The drive set on this bike is the Shimano Sora design, here presented in 18-speed spec with microSHIFT changers for rapid and smooth gear selection. Brakes are Tectro hydraulic discs with Shimano center hubs, providing you with unrivaled stopping power.

Specialized supplies the tires – Nimbus 700x32mm for high performance wherever you are riding – plus pedals, and the overall make-up of this bike is impressive indeed. At this price – not much more than £700 – it’s firmly in the must-see category.

There are some bikes in this selection at a similar price to this one, and they offer similar specifications and performance. This one is very nicely built, comes from a top brand, and is definitely worth a second look. The carbon fork appeals to us – although to some it may be a gimmick – and it has all the right credentials at the right price.

Brand name
Shimano Sora running gear
Tectro disc brakes
Aluminium frame
Carbon fork

Stiff fork
No suspension

<strong>Click Here to Check the Best Price Now</strong>

Other Hybrid Bike Models to Consider

B’Twin Triban 520 Flat Bar   

BTwin Triban 520 Flat HandlebarThis is a favourite of many cyclists because of its design and easy handling. The flat bar package is a design that everyone loves as well. This B’twin provides a 6061 frame and combines a carbon fork. For the price point, you get a lot of value from this bike, and you still get all of the comforts.

The triple gears up front make it easy to go up hills and straddle rough terrain like a professional. Lightweight and agile, the B’twin is the perfect road bike and has some of those additional features for when the terrain gets a little rough. It’s one of the best hybrid bikes we have come across.

<strong>Click Here to Check The Best Price Now</strong>

How to Choose The Perfect Hybrid Bike Type

If you go into any bike shop, the first question will always be, “What are you using the bike for?” Just like when you go to pick out a vehicle, if you want to be able to take your car into the mountains, then you’re going to need the right tires, brakes, and design to meet those needs.

Hybrid bikes are perfect for the avid cyclist who goes everywhere on their bike. The stronger bikes combine a few of the features needed to get uphill, while others may have stronger mountain biking features if you want to take your bike on the trail.

The best way to figure out what type of hybrid is best to evaluate how you currently use your bike; if you are using the bike every day for a road commute, then you want to pick a bike that is heavy on the road bike design.

These are a few important considerations when deciding to choose the best hybrid bike for your ride:

<strong>Rideability</strong>
Urban streets have bumps, turns, lifts, and cracks. You want a bike that is sturdy and can easily whip around corners or go up hills as needed. If you live in a heavy traffic area, then you also want a handlebar design that is going to give you more agility.
<strong>Speed</strong>
Road bikes are known for their speed. Commuters know that you need a bike that can fly and handle well around street corners. If you have a longer commute, you want to pick a bike that can take you quickly from here to there without a whole lot of effort.
<strong>Adventure/Terrain</strong>
If you want to take your bike on an adventure or know that your city has a few hills that you battle, then you can get a bike that has more gears, suspension, and hydraulic brakes to handle these areas. However, with most hybrids, you are not going to get a sturdy mountain bike.
<strong>Materials</strong>

The type of materials used for your bike’s design matters. You should ask the shop about the material of the frame, fork, handlebars, and belts. While hybrid bikes are lightweight, you want to be able to turn the bike easily and not feel you have too much extra weight.

The majority of bikes today are made from aluminum, carbon, or steel. The least used in bike frames is steel, so you should automatically eliminate these bikes as they are heavier and not typically used in any road bike design. It can be challenging to take these bikes over hills as well.

Aluminum is the common material used for most hybrid bikes. This is because it cuts down on the budget, makes the bike lightweight, and gives you a comfortable ride over the hill.


Road bikes typically have fewer gears, comfortable seating, smaller tires, and narrower handlebar designs. This makes it easy to fly through city streets and navigate around traffic with ease.

If you are riding mostly on roads and bicycle paths, then the best option will be a road-oriented bike that has some hybrid features. These bikes have the same fork and frame as a typical road bike, but you get a flat handlebar and more upright design. Tires on these bikes are also a bit narrower, which gives you a faster ride to keep up with traffic.

However, if you plan to go on an adventure or know that you like to use the wooded path sometimes, then you should pick one that can handle all types of terrain. The main difference between bikes more orientated for all-terrain is that they will have a suspension fork.

This gives you more comfort when going over rough terrain and bumpy surfaces. Slightly wider tires are also more common in hybrid bikes geared towards mountain frames. These tires may have lots of treads to give more grip.

With each of these bikes, you will make a trade-off in speed, agility, comfort, materials, or terrain. You may want to have a bike that can handle different types of terrains so that you can switch more readily as well.

Other Hybrid Bike Features to Keep in Mind

best hybrid bikes featured

While the materials and components of the frame matter, other features will help you decide for day-to-day use. If your bike needs to carry a pack or heavy items, then you want a bike that can support a rack. You will need to invest in a pair of panniers, which will place more weight on the bike.

Most of the latest bike designs also have eyelets that make it easy to attach a pannier rack. You can also purchase clips that let you adapt to a bike that has no eyelets, but these do not hold the rack as securely, so make sure that you attach the pannier racks carefully.

Also, cyclists need a lot of clearance between the frame and tire that lets you fit on mudguards and eyelets. While you may not want to change the look of your bike, it’s always better to have convenience and value, especially if you are cycling on wet roads frequently.

Disc brakes were not used for road bikes until the hybrid bike started to become popular. Traditional road bikers do not embrace the disc brake because they are more expensive and require some maintenance. However, rim brakes also cause issues for daily commuters. Disc brakes are suitable for braking power and consistency on wet roads.

If you take a muddy pathway to work, then you want a disc brake that can quickly clear the debris and keep you on the ride.

Final Consideration

The best way to pick the best hybrid bike is by thinking about your day-to-day use and what issues you currently face during your commute. If you know that you have a lot of traffic and need an agile bike, pick a design that is lightweight and comfortable.

If you are popping around town on the weekends, it may not matter as much to have a road-oriented bike.

You could pick a more comfortable saddle, lots of gears, and front-end suspension so that you can take on any terrain as you ride.

After all, that’s what hybrid bikes are meant to do!

 

About the author

Legwork Team

Legwork is an independent fitness & health and cycling resource, providing all the latest workout tips, advice, training and buying guides. Have any questions or tips? Get in touch: hello@legwork.guide.

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment

Categories