Cycling is quickly becoming one of the most popular recreational activities in the country, and it’s no wonder–this is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels and ages, and take place almost anywhere there’s a clear path.
One of the more popular bike models available today are hybrid bikes. As the name suggests, these bikes are a bit of a combination of the typical bike models, putting together some of the best features in a bike that is comfortable to ride, easy to use, and can handle a variety of terrains.
Not sure if a hybrid bike is for you? Read on to find some brief descriptions of what you can expect in a hybrid bike with Wyoming Transfer and Storage.
Frame Materials
Hybrid bikes are typically either steel or aluminum. Steel is the historically popular choice for bike materials. It is extremely strong, and can withstand both a lot of weight placed upon it by rider and cargo, and a lot of pressure placed on it from the terrain of the road. It also does a great job of absorbing road vibrations, giving you a smoother ride.
With all these perks, steel is also extremely heavy. If you’ll be carrying your bike up and down flights of stairs or placing it on a bus bike rack, you may want to go with a lighter material. Steel can also oxidize in wet, humid climates.
Aluminum is the other, probably more, popular choice for hybrid bikes. While steel is heavy, aluminum is very lightweight, making it easy to carry and also faster on the road. It will not be affected by the weather conditions and will not rust.
On the flip side, aluminum is not as sturdy as steel, and could bend in the case of a crash or extreme pressure–although for the casual rider of a hybrid bike, this shouldn’t be a concern. It also doesn’t reduce the vibrations of the road much, so some models have a steel fork to try and help with that without adding too much weight.
Handlebars
The handlebars are one of the most obvious aspects of a hybrid bike. They may be swept-back like the typical beach cruiser or flat like a mountain bike, but most of the handlebars will be elevated so that the rider doesn’t have to bend down over them.
In road biking, the more aggressive, forward-leaning stance helps with speed and aerodynamics, but for the casual rider of a hybrid bike, that kind of posture may become exhausting after a while.
Frame Style
The frame is another area where hybrid bikes can combine some great aspects from other styles–in this case, many bikes employ the step-over frame style that is popular on cruisers. This allows those with decreased mobility due to knee or hip issues to easily mount and dismount the bike without having to lift their legs too high.
Wheel Width
Wheel width is an area where hybrid bikes can vary. Generally, road bikes have extremely thin tires that keep momentum and speed going on the open road, but won’t handle other types of terrain well. Mountain bikes have thicker tires built for traction and strength, but will slow you down on the open road.
Hybrid bikes tend to have a nice middle ground between the two, although they definitely lean towards the thicker side. This allows them to handle both streets and paths, dry and wet conditions, while still providing a quick ride around town.
Speed Choice
A single-speed hybrid bike would be a great, low-maintenance choice for someone who rides in the city or country on mostly flat roads and streets. However, if you have any types of hills on your route, you’ll probably want a bike with at least 7-speeds. It’s important to purchase a bike with a high-quality drivetrain on it, as this will cut down on repairs needed.
A hybrid bike can be a great choice for the city commuter, the country road rider, the beach town goer–or someone who is all three! There’s lots of flexibility offered in choosing a hybrid bike style, so you can be sure to get what you’re needing!
We are proud to have customers that enjoy getting out into the great outdoors, and biking is just one of many ways they do that. If you need help making room in the garage for your new two-wheeled toys, or need space to store your RV or belongings when road-tripping, give us at Self Assured Storage a call today–we’d be happy to help!
