Rise of the hybrids.....?

[MadDad]

Not sure if it is just me but over the past couple of weeks I have noticed a huge rise in the amount of hybrid style bikes on the road, not just on commuting duties but being ridden by riders who looked quite serious about their work and were clad in expensive lyrca.

I am used to seeing hybrids grinding along on the morning commute, but recently have come across quite a few of them around the South Downs and Chilterns. Having owned one a couple of years ago I am wondering why they are taking off again. Mine was great for attaching a tug-along trailer to and taking the kids to the park, but I found more than an hour and a half in the saddle phenomenally uncomfortable. Also, the gearing was never quite right for road or trail, and seated position was neither upright nor aero - fine for going to the shops but not something I would want to do an 'enthusiastic/difficult' ride on.

Anyone on here riding a hybrid for anything more than just commuting?, if so why a hybrid over a road bike? I am guessing it probably has something to do with the cycle to work scheme....?

Just to be clear, I am curious - nothing more!

[Gizmoish]

Probably people buying for Christmas.

A lot of people won't consider drop bars if they aren't a "serious" cyclist.

I was amused to see the Superstars cycling hillclimb using flat bar Whyte hybrids (with front sus) the other day

[gazza285]

I've got a "Flat Bar Commuter" that I use day to day, both for short and spirited riding. It's ok, but not as comfortable on a long ride as a drop, I find the lack of alternative hand positions leads to fatigue in my forearms. I've been on about fitting drops for a while, even got the bars and shifters ready, but essentially can't be arsed. Main motivation for buying it was it was £62 off eBay and I don't mind it stopping dirty after a ride.

[Ice White Socks]

If you are seeing them on the trails maybe they are 29'er MTB's (29" wheels rather than the current standard 26" wheels). The up and coming thing apparently so would definitely appeal to the spangly lycra brigade. That doesn't explain why you would see them on the road through- strange

[mfmman]

I bought a hybrid in the summer as a step into cycling to get fit and lose weight, I had not ridden a bike more than a few hundred yards in the preceding 26 years. When I bought it, having never ridden a MTB etc, I did not know what kind of cycling would appeal (if any!) so it was a good allrounder. Changed the tyres for something more 'touring' like following three punctures in three weeks, other than that it's exactly as it came out the shop.

Average 60 miles per week all on the road. I have been on relaxed club rides of up to 45 miles on it with no comfort issues. It has been ideal as it has given me a steady start into riding.

If I am as keen in six months I will get something more road biased but the hybrid will still get used as something to jump on and go out with my two sons on local trails, cycle routes etc so not a waste of money by any means.

Edited by mfmman on Monday 31st December 10:53

[oyster]

I use my hybrid for training and commuting.

I always aim to keep up with the club riders on their road bikes when I'm on a hybrid. It's good training.

Plus, when there's so much dirt and salt on the roads, I'm damaging a £500 bike not a £2,000 one.

[Darkslider]

Being primarily a MTBer I wanted something for the commute but didn't fancy a full on road bike, so got a 26" Carrera hybrid. Only thing is since cycling to work I've discovered how easy it is to just jump on the bike and go off on a jolly round the lanes without having to worry about packing the bike in the car, sorting a load of gear out, relying on mates or driving to the local trail centre/downhill track.

I'm still riding the mountain bikes just as much as I used to but I'm now supplementing it with plenty of road miles on other days, just because I'm enjoying getting out on the bike, and with the help of things like Strava it gets me motivated! The hybrid is the best choice of bike I've got for this, I'm not keen on banging out miles on A roads I'd rather explore local cycle tracks, footpaths, back lanes and hills. As a do it all alternative you can't beat a hybrid IMO.



Though I am thinking about getting a proper road bike for the rides where I know I'll be on good quality tarmac the whole time and not bumping up and down kerbs, on unsurfaced tracks and crossing deep puddles!