Seth Sebastian 
The idea of commuting daily by bikes instead of cars or buses has become a seemingly alluring one to many who are enthusiastic about the environment or fitness. Beginning the journey and finding the right hybrid bike for it can be a baffling task, making you feel like you are lost in a maze. So, we have curated this article to guide you on what features you should look for to get the perfect hybrid bicycle.
A hybrid bike promises versatility as it combines the easy-to-handle tires of mountain bikes and the pace of road bikes. They also feature a few features of the urban cruisers. Bringing together the best features of the different kinds of bikes, the hybrid bicycle is suited to several different kinds of terrain featuring great adaptability.
Features to Look for When Buying a Hybrid Bicycle
Hybrid bikes – the term encompasses a broad range of bikes. So, all hybrid bicycles will not be able to offer all the features listed here. So, you can refer to this list as the ultimate guide for understanding the features of hybrids in-depth.
Frame
Look for an Aluminum frame as it is lightweight and tough. It allows you to handle and ride the bike easily while being assured that the bike will not suffer serious damage from rough daily use. The geometry of the frame is also a crucial element. The angle of the frame should offer comfort, ensuring that the rider remains in an efficient, upright position. This allows riding short and medium distances comfortably, without pain or injuries.
Handlebars
The hybrid bike should have a flat handle to ensure that the rider is in a comfortable position. The handlebars are generally broader to ensure that the rider has greater steering control and prevents neck and shoulder pain. They must have soft grips for cushioning and comfort. This will prevent numbing of fingers and aching of palms.
Brakes
While disc brakes are the common choice for hybrid bikes, rim brakes can also be spotted in many. The rim brakes are the better choice if you are looking for simplicity and ease of use.
Tires
The surface appropriateness and the quality of the tire a major factors in keeping the bike upright, ensuring the stability of the bike and comfortable riding. The tires on hybrid bicycle is generally wider than the road bikes but not as extreme as the mountain bikes. The tires also have great tread patterns to offer stability and grip while ensuring that the bike is light enough to speed smoothly on bike paths. Hybrid bikes generally support bikes between 28mm to 32mm. Some are able to support tires of up to 42mm too. However, a bigger tire will be slower too.
Suspension
Front suspension in hybrid bikes allows a smooth ride on not only bike paths but also on undulating terrains filled with bumps and obstacles. For ensuring rider comfort, the hybrid bikes feature enhanced front fork suspension. This offers better absorption of bumps and lumps on the road and protects the rider from any impact.
Gearing
The number of gears your bike should have depends clearly on the type of terrain you are planning to ride your bike on. If you need to go uphill or downhill daily, you should invest in a bike that has a few gears, making it easier to ride on such terrains. If you do not need to ride on steep paths, you should go for fewer gears to shed the extra weight.
Fenders
Spending the day with being entirely soaked due to a moisture spray is something no one likes. To prevent this, most hybrid bicycles come with mudguards or fenders to keep off-road spray from coming onto you. This is also beneficial in preventing spraying other bikers behind you.
Racks and Carrying Solutions
Most hybrid bikes feature a rear cargo rack for carrying essentials or bulky items in a couple of bags. You should also consider investing in a waterproof bag if you wish to ride your bike all year round.
These are the features that you must look for when choosing a hybrid bike.
