Joy of Medina County Magazine | October 2023
HEALTH: HEALTHY TRAILS
Hybrid Bikes: The Real Meaning by Robert Soroky
O
Many who are looking to buy a hybrid bike, think this references a very specific bike, but the reality is “hybrid” has a much broader meaning in the bike world, encompassing many different styles and models. Consider what hybrid means. It is the bringing together of separate concepts, ideas or designs into one. So, apply that logic to bikes. The average consumer typically visualizes a hybrid bike as one that sits a rider in a more upright position, has a comfy seat (maybe even a suspension seat post), a front shock, and large road wheels with tires that are both narrow enough to reduce drag on paved surfaces but also wide enough, and with some treading, to provide good handling on light towpath trails. All true. But even within this recreational hybrid style, there are models that will offer mountain bike-sized wheels and tires versus road sized for tackling more rugged gravel trails. See? Already there are different choices. Another bike style that could be considered a hybrid is the flat-bar road bike. It combines the lightweight frame, slicker tires and quick responsiveness of a traditional drop bar, 10-speed style road bike, with a more relaxed, semi-upright rider geometry and flat handlebar for increased stability. This is a great design for riders who want decent performance without sacrificing comfort and control. Even the aforementioned drop bar road bikes are now taking on the hybrid mentality. One way they are doing this is by transitioning to wider tires and more flared-out drop bars. Gone are the days of super skinny 20 to 23 mm tires, instead making way for 38 to 42 mm widths. While these wider tires can produce a little more drag, they are better designed to handle chip-n-seal roads or towpath trails, expanding the utility of the bike. Again, a combination of design ideas to accommodate the rider who still wants a more aggressive, lightweight road bike, but now with the capability to hand multiple road surfaces. Just saying, “I want a hybrid bike,” is not necessarily the end of the discussion. With bikes trying to be more multi-task driven, it is more important than ever to really understand what your riding goals are and finding the best bike for the job. Robert Soroky is a lifelong cyclist who regularly participates in long-distance charity rides and is the manager of the Century Cycles Medina location. To learn more about Soroky, go to https://bit.ly/3Vof7DX Contact Soroky at robert@ centurycycles.com to suggest column topics, for further information or to chat about bikes.
21
