All bicycles used to fall under 2 tasteless categories - mountain bike and road bike. The mountain bicycle is meant for rough terrain riding, while the road bike is meant for smoother roads.
However, many riders are uncomfortable owning more than 1 bicycle. They normally trip on a wide variety of terrain - both rough and flat. So the mountain bike alone or the roadie alone just won't meet the needs of such population very well.
Good Road Bikes
So bike manufacturers come up with the idea of hybrids - a cross in the middle of a mountain and road bike. What are some characteristics of a hybrid bike?
1) Flat handlebars with more than 1 hand position.
A original mountain bike has flat handlebars. But the rider is forced to stay in the same hand position. On occasion, a hybrid rider can change hand positions due to the improvements made on the handlebars. This will help accomplish a more aerodynamic posture, or contribute a more comfortable posture. Many riders prefer such handlebars as it makes it so much easier to navigate the bike straight through different types of terrain.
2) Thinner tires for less rolling resistance.
Hybrid bikes have thinner tires compared to mountain bikes. But these wheels are still thicker than those on road bikes. The size of the wheels is the excellent size if you are looking for a balance in the middle of protection and speed. It's safe adequate to ride (even in wet conditions) and it provides less rolling resistance compared to original mountain bike wheels. Over long distances, such wheels can save the rider lots of costly energy!
3) Middle weight frames for a balance of stability and speed.
There are many types of bike frames in the market, and the frame on a hybrid can vary greatly. However, most hybrids are targeted at the "leisure riding" group. So prices are quite affordable. Most of the bicycles are built with aluminum. Aluminum is an affordable material that can be indeed engineered into durable frames. Unfortunately, such frames are normally heavier and less stiff, which leads to power loss.
If allocation permits, take a look at hybrids that are made from carbon fiber frames. Such bikes can cost thousands of dollars, but once you own one, you won't want to own someone else hybrid bike.
The carbon hybrid is the cream of the crop. It's one of the lightest building material around, and it offers very good power replacement capabilities. That means every pedal and every ounce of power comes from you is put into good use.
Such bikes are excellent for those who are protection conscious. Due to the rider cordial designs of hybrids, even beginners find it easy to ride one.
The next time you go collective riding with your friends, bring a hybrid along and zip past all those mountain bikes as if they are standing still!
What is a Hybrid Bicycle? How to select One