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A hybrid is a great choice for anyone who needs a “do-it-all” bike but isn’t a serious rider. Technically, a hybrid is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. Hybrids have 700c wheels, and run wider tires, usually with just a subtle tread or inverted tread, for better handling on dirt paths. Hybrids put the rider in an upright position, making them popular with anyone who does not like to be in an aggressive, aero position.
They are incredibly solid and stable, making them a great first choice for timid or beginning riders. Some hybrids are more road-oriented, with carbon forks (on an aluminum frame) and higher road gearing, while still having mountain handlebars and shifters; some hybrids are mountain-oriented, with knobby tires, lower gearing and in some cases a suspension fork (which is intended for very light trail use only). Riders preferring pure pavement riding, whether road or bike path, will find the hybrid to be comfortable, but not as fast or efficient as a road bike. That said, they are a good first bike for someone looking to get into the sport but not wanting to spend a lot of money (a good, reliable hybrid will start around $400). Riders who use their hybrid on a combination of dirt and pavement may consider the mountain-oriented hybrids with suspension forks, which make the ride much more comfortable on washboard or sandy dirt roads. A few manufacturers are making “fitness bikes”, basically aimed at cyclists wanting to do road riding but not be in an aggressive position or have traditional drop handlebars. These high-end hybrids run over $1,000, have much nicer components, narrower and higher-pressure tires, and in some cases full carbon frames. This is a fast-growing niche popular with older riders.
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