The hybrid bike or all-terrain bike is the most versatile bicycle there is! Comfortable and practical, it is in many ways a synthesis of the mountain bike and the classic city bike, borrowing qualities from each. A hybrid bike, a 2-in-1 bike, the hybrid bike is a true all-purpose bicycle, ideal for anyone looking for a single model to make their daily commute easier and to enjoy their leisure time.
WHAT IS A HYBRID BIKE FOR?
The most versatile bike of all, the hybrid bike is at home everywhere, on the road as well as off-road trails, with the exception of very rough terrain reserved for true mountain bikes. It is therefore most often equipped with a telescopic fork that provides good comfort in all conditions, particularly on slightly rocky paths. Perfect for the city, it can be transformed into a true utility bike by adding a few suitable accessories, such as mudguards and a luggage rack, which can also come in handy for touring and even long-distance tours.
The features of hybrid bikes
As a hybrid, versatile bike ready for all uses, from urban riding to touring, the hybrid bike borrows its components from different types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, classic city bikes and touring bikes.
A stable and comfortable frame
Generally speaking, the frame of a hybrid bike has qualities of comfort and adaptability. It is most often made from aluminium and has a geometry comparable to that found on touring bikes, which prioritises stability, with a longer-than-average wheelbase.
On a hybrid bike, the cyclist's position is fairly upright, with the handlebars at the same level as the saddle, which means the rider does not have to lean too far forward, keeping their head up in a reassuring position, remaining well aware of events on the road.
Like classic city bikes and touring bikes, the frame of a given hybrid bike model is very often available in a men's version and a women's version (with a very sloped top tube that makes it easier to mount). As a general rule, men's hybrid bikes always feature a slight sloping, making them easier to mount and handle, especially when carrying a load.
Equipment designed for comfort
Even though there are hybrid bikes fitted with rigid forks, traditional usage dictates that the hybrid bike be equipped with a telescopic fork, with a reasonable travel, varying between 50 and 100 mm, to be chosen according to the terrain.
All hybrid bikes come with 28-inch wheels that offer good efficiency and comfort while rolling, with highly versatile tyres that are sufficiently knobbed to ensure effective grip on hiking trails.
Some models are even fitted with an adjustable stem, allowing for precise position adjustment.
Components borrowed from mountain bikes
In addition to the telescopic fork and knobby tyres, hybrid city bikes also borrow certain other components from mountain bikes, for braking and the drivetrain.
They are often equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, effective in all conditions. They also benefit from a derailleur-based transmission system, which allows you to pedal smoothly and tackle steep climbs with ease. Indeed, you will very often find hybrid bikes using triple chainring cranksets, to help you ride comfortably on all roads and paths, regardless of the terrain profile.
WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA?
Your choice of hybrid bike will depend on your riding style, which may be truly hybrid — equally at home on the road and on paths — or more road-oriented (city) or path-oriented (leisure).
If you mainly plan to use your hybrid bike on the road, for your daily commute in the city for example, it should feature all the practical accessories (luggage rack, mudguards) for doing your shopping, carrying your belongings and protecting yourself from bad weather! Also make sure the telescopic fork has a lock-out system, or opt for a hybrid bike with a rigid fork instead.
For a sporty leisure riding style, you can choose a light, stripped-down hybrid bike without superfluous accessories (mudguards, luggage rack), fitted with a telescopic fork and an optimised drivetrain (double or triple chainrings) depending on the terrain profiles you plan to tackle.
For a touring leisure riding style, opt instead for a well-equipped hybrid bike with useful accessories (luggage rack, mudguards…) to discover unknown hiking trails in the greatest possible comfort.
