Lifestyle

Understanding Hybrid vs Traditional Bikes & Where To Ride Them

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Bike shopping has changed a lot in the last few decades. We’re not just talking about online commerce, although that’s made it easier to buy a new bike. Bicycles are incredibly diverse, with specialty models for everything from commuting to dune riding. Maybe you’ve heard about the benefits of hybrid bikes and you’re intrigued. But you need to know more. This quick guide explains how a womens hybrid bike differs from a traditional bicycle. You’ll also learn where both hybrids and trad bikes best excel for riding.

Hybrid Bike Basics

Hybrids combine the best features of road and mountain bikes. Their unique designs make them equally suited for both paved roads and light trails. As multipurpose machines, hybrids are ideal if you ride for both commuting and leisure.

There are tons of hybrids to choose from, but you’ll probably notice that most share a few characteristics. Most hybrids sport flat handlebars like their mountain bike cousins, so you ride in an upright position. You’ll also see large padded seats, designed for comfort and support for longer distances. Medium-thick tires are the norm on hybrids. With more ground contact, they more easily handle minor bumps and dips both on and off the road.

Hybrids Vs. Road Bikes

Hybrids use larger seats, wider tires and flat handlebars like mountain bikes. Obviously, this distinguishes them from traditional road bicycles. But it’s important to understand why this matters before you shop. A quick rundown on road bikes can explain these differences:

  • Road bikes have dropped handlebars, which allow more hand positions, greater speed and better aerodynamics.
  • They have narrower seats with less padding, permitting better power transfer and reducing chafing while pedaling.
  • Road bikes use narrower tires because they roll faster and add less weight.

Handlebar design and tire width are especially important when it comes to road bike vs hybrid speed. With dropped handlebars, the rider can crouch lower and lean forward. This helps decrease the pressure drag so the bike can move faster. And with thinner tires contributing less weight, they also help with speed improvements.

When To Choose a Hybrid Bike

If road bikes can go faster than hybrids, why would someone choose a hybrid? Because speed isn’t a top priority for every rider. Maybe you’re looking for versatility out of your bike. You ride to work or school several days per week, but you also want to do a little cycling off-road. Perhaps you have some favorite trails around the neighborhood or in a local park.

Such versatility is where hybrids truly excel. One great example is sixthreezero’s EVRYJourney. Built with thicker tires and an extra-wide padded seat, the EVERYJourney provides superb comfort mile after mile. Flatter handlebars and an upright riding position support riding at a leisurely to moderate pace. This model is ideal for wide range of body sizes – it fits riders between 5’0” and 6’4” tall and weighing up to 300 pounds.

Finding Your Perfect Bicycle

Believe it or not, you can get a great bike online. Check out sixthreezero reviews and try its BodyFit feature. All you need to do is enter your height and weight to find a bike that fits you perfectly.