HYBRID BIKE
5 questions to ask yourself before buying
Whether you're a family rider or a seasoned sportsman, a hybrid bike may be for you. But not all hybrids are created equal! How to choose the right one? Here are 5 questions you should ask yourself
How will I use my bike?
Will you be doing quiet family rides, running errands? Will you be biking to work or are you looking for a bike for training? These questions seem obvious, but few people actually ask them and end up with a model that doesn't fit their needs. Depending on your profile, we'll suggest a casual hybrid or a sporty hybrid, two types of bikes that are both similar and different.
The casual hybrid bike is designed for short distances, such as commuting to work a few miles from home. The position is "comfort" oriented, so it's not as lean as a "sport" bike.
The sporty hybrid bike is more suitable for long distances and allows you to maintain a higher speed. Speaking of comfort, women will have to make a choice in this sense: hybrid bikes for women, adapted to their morphology, generally have narrower handlebars, a shorter stem and a differently shaped saddle.
How intensive will I be?
Hybrid bikes generally range in tire width from 28 to 42 mm. A casual hybrid bike has wider tires that better absorb shock from road imperfections, but also have more rolling resistance. If you're using it for long distances, you'll want to focus on comfort rather than speed. The bike's equipment should also be consistent with your frequency of use, even training. An athlete who likes intensity should turn to a hybrid performance bike, whose mechanics allow for such intensive use. By the way, hybrid performance and casual bikes are also good urban bikes.
What budget am I ready to invest?
As with everything, it's best to know your budget ahead of time. Because of the many features that vary from bike to bike, you'll be offered various levels of range. For example, a casual hybrid bike will cost $450 to $700 and a sporty hybrid bike will cost $500 to $2,000 or more. The most common mistake is trying to save money by choosing a less expensive model, only to have to change your bike because it doesn't fit your use. Sometimes an extra $200 is enough to optimize your purchase and keep your bike longer!
Do I plan to change the use of my bike?
If you are unsure of your use, choose a bike that will fit the majority of your two-wheeled rides. If you plan on doing sporadic runs to the convenience store or one or two hour rides, a hybrid comfort bike will do the trick. A performance hybrid bike won't give you as much trouble if you change your mind afterwards. In short, think about your daily use before you start!
Finally, performance hybrid or casual hybrid?
In short, the casual hybrid bike is better suited for short distances and is more comfortable to ride. It is reserved for short and quiet rides. The hybrid performance bike, on the other hand, is better suited to long distances and effort. If you're planning long rides or commuting to work five days a week, this is a better choice. Although it's a bit more expensive, your legs will thank you...
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