WHAT ARE HYBRID BIKES?

A hybrid bike, in a nutshell sits somewhere in between a road bike and mountain bike. They take the flat handlebars and riding position of a mountain bike which riders find comfortable and intuitive and combine them with the lighter equipment of a road bike. This allows for greater speed for less effort especially when compared to an out and out MTB. To provide the comfort they have flat handlebars rather than the drop bikes that a true road bike road will be supplied with. The flat handlebars provide better comfort and added confidence which makes them a very popular choice for beginner riders. Similarly, to a mountain bike a hybrid bike can be fitted with a vast choice of tyres from slicks for tarmac use to knobbly tyres for off-road surfaces. With gearing low enough for off-road terrain, yet not detrimental to rides on paved surfaces the hybrid bike is a very capable all-rounder.

WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF HYBRID ARE THERE?

The hybrid electric bike is a standard hybrid but with electric power assistance. These allow the rider to select a level of power assistance up to 15mph, after which the power assistance cuts out automatically. They have increased in popularity both as first bike to build up fitness or to keep people cycling who otherwise whether down to age or health would be unable to continue cycling. The Urban hybrid will have fixed gear or single speed and to all intents and purposes is a road going track bike but with a more comfortable rider. They are extremely popular with cycle couriers and commuters who love their simplicity. The hybrid commuter is a derailleur geared bike and will be mudguard and pannier rack compatible. The gearing is more suited to tarmac rides with a little bit of off less extremes off road rides thrown in. Their luggage carrying ability allows the carrying of laptops, clothes and lunches etc.

WHO ARE HYBRID BIKES FOR?

Hybrid bikes are a very popular choice for casual riders, novice riders, commuters and children. The casual riders who want a comfortable and relaxed seating position for weekend rides, family ride outs or the spontaneous weekday ride. The wide tyre clearance that allows leisure riders to explore canal towpath and forest trails but would like something a little faster, lighter and less taxing than a full-on MTB. Novice cyclists who would like to ride on the road, (maybe to commute) but find drop handlebars and narrow tyres a little too daunting. A hybrid is often used as stepping stone to a road bike once the rider gets the speed bug! Urban commuters who like a slightly more relaxed ride into the office and would like luggage carrying ability, the all-weather protection afforded by mudguards and added safety with lights. Urban cyclists, cycle couriers and takeaway delivery riders who value the simplicity and reduced maintenance of a fixie/singlespeed.

HOW MUCH ARE HYBRID BIKES?

Like any bike it boils down to how much you wish to spend and this affects the build quality, durability and ride quality. Hybrid bikes can be purchased for as little as £200 but the quality of the frame, wheels and componentry will be quite basic. The bike will be heavier and the parts will wear out faster. A decent specification of bike will cost from about £700 upwards. The more the bike costs the better the level of equipment that is fitted as standard. An entry level hybrid will have 7 or 8 sprockets on the rear cassette and higher end bikes will have 11. In the £600-£1000 range you can at least be sure that the gearing and wheelset will be of a good reliable and durable standard. In the case of Ribble, we chose the Shimano 8 speed groupset and Mavic Aksium wheels as we consider these to be the lowest level of components that still offer excellent durability.

Hybrid Bikes | Ribble Cycles

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Hybrid BikesVersatile, Fun, Easy-Riding Hybrid bikes. Explore our range of the best hybrid bikes.

The Ribble hybrid range features some of the best hybrid bikes, offering exceptional versatility and fun. Whether you’re seeking the simplicity of single-speed bikes for an efficient commute or the rugged capability of a hybrid trail bike for off-...Read more