Reviews

Road bike Vs Hybrid Bike

12 June, 2014 0 comments

 

 

Road vs Hybrid: The right bike for me

If you are on the lookout to purchase a new bike, and in two minds about whether a road of hybrid model is best for you, Erick Alder from Best Hybrid Bike Guide advises on some simple steps and things to consider when choosing the most suitable for you.

The most important distinction between hybrid and road bikes is the riding position which will determine how you sit on the bike and how you gain speed upon pedaling. There are three things to consider in your riding position:

• Hands on the handlebars
• Feet on the pedals
• Bottom on the seat

 

A proper riding position can offer you a good ‘runner’s stance’ and will allow your entire body to work together to achieve much harder pressure on the pedals thus gaining speed efficiently and conveniently. Your ride will be smoother and with less effort. This can contribute to your ability to take on extra miles.

Road bikes are favorable for long distance riding while hybrid bicycles are great for casual or pleasure rides. On a hybrid, most of your weight is on the seat. Your hands are steering but your upper body is not doing much in assisting your legs. On a road bike, your body weight is distributed evenly into the three main contact points: your feet, hands and bottom. Your entire body is allowing the force down to your feet for a much harder pressure on the pedals. Let us examine their features and components in more detail:

 

Geometry

Road bicycles and hybrid bicycles differ in frame size and design. A hybrid is usually smaller so getting off and on is relatively easy. However, hybrid bicycles with poorly designed frames will have high bracket and crank thus creating a good distance from the rider’s foot to the ground. This could impede getting off and on. On the other hand, aerodynamics in a road bike is much better than that of a hybrid. This is due in part of the low bottom brackets with handlebars at seat height or lower. Hybrid handlebars are at level with the seat or higher to give the rider an upright sitting position while in road bicycles you’ll be getting a leaning position.

 

Emphasis on Seat Height

The variations in the seat height are in accordance to the purpose of your ride. The handlebars in hybrid bicycles are higher than the seat by several inches while in the road bicycles, the handlebars are the same with the seat from the ground. The height of the handlebars from the seat will determine your riding position. Road bikes offer a leaning position while hybrid bicycles offer upright position. Leaning position is aggressive. Upright position is relaxed.

 

Wheel Size and Components

700c wheels are common to both hybrid and road bicycles. However, road bicycle wheels and tires tend to be narrower to obtain speed at a much higher degree. The wheel and tire width for hybrid bikes is 23mm for speed and comfort while road bikes use 23mm and below.

Distinguishing between hybrid and road bicycles is extremely important in deciding what kind of bike to buy. However, prior to this requirement is determining the purpose of your ride. If you are really into sports where speed and performance matter, a road bike is the better choice. But if you want a casual or pleasure ride with just the right amount of speed, you should go for a hybrid bike.

 

OUR PICK OF THE BEST FOR STARTING OUT

Carrera Subway 1, £399.99

The Carrera Subway 22" Hybrid Bike makes riding roads, paths and light trails a dream thanks to its lightweight frame and rigid forks. The 24-speed Shimano gears make easy work of hills and the tougher urban commute, and the gear changes are oh-so smooth.

• Shimano 24-speed gearing with Altus rear mech
• Front and rear Tektro IO mechanical disc brakes
• Lightweight 6061 alloy frame
• Alloy double wall rims with 26" x 1.95" Kenda tyres

 

Boardman Road Sport Limited Edition, £499.99

The stunning Boardman Road Sport Limited Edition 2014 features all of the incredible performance characteristics of the award winning Road Sport; including the beautiful, smooth welded 7005 alloy frame and 16 speed Shimano Claris gearing, but with the added benefit of a Carbon fibre bladed fork for greater steering precision and traction. All these features combine to provide an efficient, versatile, exciting and comfortable road riding experience that'll be sure to keep you smiling all day long.

• Limited Edition colour way including matching yellow tyre walls and bar tape
• 7005 Triple Butted Alloy frame with Boardman's signature smooth welds
• Uni-directional Carbon Fibre Bladed fork with Alloy Steerer
• Tektro Dual Pivot Calliper Brakes for efficient, controllable braking power
• 16 Speed Shimano Claris gearing provides a wide range of gearing, allowing for a multitude of useable gearing options
• FSA Tempo Compact 50/34t chainset
• Shimano Claris STI Gear Shifters
• Mavic CXP22 28/32 hole rims on QR hubs
• Vittoria Zaffiro - 700c x 25c tyres, perfect for both general and performance road riding
• Boardman's signature E4P finishing kit comprising Handlebars, Stem, Seat Post and Saddle

Both models are available from Halfords.com or instore, where trained staff offer a build for free service.