Hybrid bikes
The hybrid bicycle is a relatively new type of bike and is sometimes called a 'Trekking' bike. They have been around since the late eighties/early nineties but have only really caught on over the last few years. They are a combination or 'hybrid' of a mountain bike and a road bike. Hybrids first came out when everyone was buying mountain bikes. Unfortunately most people found mountain bikes too cumbersome, heavy and slow for the average rider so the designers took the best bits from the mountain and road bikes to create the hybrid.
Hybrid bikes can have either 26-inch or 700c wheels (the same as racing bikes) but with wider tyres. These tyres are generally multi-condition with a smooth centre line for fast rolling on tarmac and knobbles on the outer edges for better traction off-road. As hybrid bikes have flat handlebars they tend to use the same gearing systems (21 to 27 speeds) as mountain bikes but with larger gears to achieve higher speeds when on the flat.
There is a distinction between sports and classic hybrids, the latter are the classic 'sit up and beg' style with pannier racks and mudguards, the sports hybrid sits a little less upright and has a more race-like geometry. These usually do not come fitted with mudguards and racks.
These are hugely popular bikes with commuters as they are a fast but with the strength of an off-road bike, a useful requirement when out there in the urban jungle.
Hybrid bikes also have the capacity to carry luggage and be fitted with mudguards and lights with some even coming 'fully equipped' direct from the manufactures.
Other upgrades available for hybrids are suspension front forks, suspension seatpost and adjustable rise stems which all help to add comfort to the ride.
It's hard to argue but the hybrid is the best all-round bike available as it will suit the majority of riding most people would want to do. It's perfect on the tarmac for both short and long journeys (including touring) and it's also more than capable of being taken off road along towpaths or forest tracks. If you do want something that can handle a serious bash along off-road mountain trails or you're planning to ride next years Tour de France then you will need a different bike but for everything else it has to be a hybrid.
Prices start from around £190 up to around £1500
See for example Giant Expression or the Specialized Globe Comp.
