What is a hybrid bike?
The most simple definition of a hybrid is a bike that borrows design elements from mountain and road bikes and combines them in a comfortable, affordable, and versatile package. In fact, the term hybrid can be used to describe most of the bicycles sold in North America. If you are looking for a bike to use on rides with the family, get in shape, or commute to work, chances are a hybrid bike will be your best choice.
Because they are so popular, there are a few different varieties of hybrid bikes. When buying a bike it is important to think about the kind of riding you plan to do. Do you like to go fast? Do you want to follow every gravel path you see? Are you more into leisurely rides along the Rideau Canal? Knowing the answer to these questions will help you to pick out the bike that’s right for you and get the most out of bike season.
In this article we will talk about different styles of hybrids to help you choose your next bike. We also discuss some of our key models in each category.
Giant Hybrid Bikes
Before we get started it is helpful to introduce our bike brands. Giant hybrids and Liv hybrids are both made by Giant, the world’s largest bike manufacturer. Liv bikes are designed with Women’s proportions in mind. For example, Liv bikes tend to come in smaller size ranges than Giants. In some categories, Giant and Liv models will offer a near-identical ride experience, but have different names, and different sizing available.
Specialized Hybrid Bikes
Specialized is renowned for being at the cutting edge of bicycle design. Specialized hybrids are sized unisex allowing people of all heights and genders to find their right size. Many Specialized models come in a women’s version featuring well-reviewed women-specific touchpoints such as saddles.
Great All-Arounders – Best for the person who just needs a bike for Ottawa
With hundreds of kilometres of paved bike paths, the opportunities to get out with the family, commute, and just explore Ottawa by bike mean that an all-round hybrid is a great choice for many riders. If you are just getting into biking an all-arounder will help you to figure out where you like riding and provide reliable service for years to come.
Giant Escape and Liv Alight
The Giant Escape and its sister bike the Liv Alight are year in and year out our best sellers. The Escape/Alight really is a jack-of-all trades. The price point is super-sensible. It is not too fast, it is not too slow. It puts you in an upright position that is comfortable, yet still aggressive enough to help you deliver power to the pedals when you need it. The handling is predictable and the ride is stable. The tires are just wide enough that you can handle small sections of gravel with confidence, but not so wide as to slow you down. It has all the mounts you need to turn it into a fantastic commuter.
If you are looking for even more value, the Liv Alight and the Escape also come in a ‘City’ designation that includes a kickstand, fenders, and cargo rack. All the Escape and Alight models we stock include disc brakes. Upgraded models of these bikes feature better shifting, and carbon forks for added comfort.
Specialized Alibi
The Specialized Alibi family is an excellent choice in the all-around hybrid category. The Alibi is a great bike for people who ride a little less frequently or who want to do as little maintenance as possible. The Alibi features airless tires which never need to be inflated, and can never go flat. The ride of the Alibi is a little more relaxed than some hybrids, meaning it emphasizes stability over out and out pedaling efficiency. Available in standard and step-through models, the Alibi is an easy going bike that will simply allow you to get outside and have fun. All our Alibis are on sale now!
Sport Hybrids – Best for people who want to go fast
If you are looking to shave some seconds on every commute, but don’t want to go full roadie, these bikes are for you. Sometimes called flat bar road bikes, a sport hybrid will feature slick or semi-slick tires and an efficient riding position that allows you to hit faster speeds. Better still sport hybrids have all the mounts you need to set up fenders, panniers, and all the fixings to make your bike super versatile.
Specialized Sirrus
The Specialized Sirrus is a great all-around hybrid that really rips. Specialized worked really hard on finding a perfect balance between hybrid comfort and security, and the ability to throw down when the time is right. Most configurations of the Sirrus come set up to help you achieve speed, with slick tires, lightweight frames, and wide gear ranges. If you’re looking for the fastest hybrid on the market, we can even special order carbon versions of this bike!
Liv Thrive
Women looking for a flat bar road bike might also consider the Liv Thrive. We have good deals on 2019 Thrives available while supplies last.
Comfort Hybrids – Best for cruising around
Everyone wants a comfortable bike. The more comfortable you are on your bike, the more you’ll want to ride it. The riding position on a comfort hybrid makes it easy to sit up straight and see the world coast by. They also come equipped with wider tires to soak up little bumps in the road. For people who find that cycling is hard on their neck, wrists, or shoulders, this can make a big difference. Our comfort hybrids lineup includes step-through models in a variety of colours, making getting on and off the bike easy for all riders.
Our comfort models are made by Specialized and feature ergonomic Body Geometry touch points including grips and saddles. Specialized has compiled reams of biometric data to design bikes that feel more comfortable. In other words, they measured a lot of butts to help you get the most comfortable seat on the market.
Specialized Crossroads
The Specialized Crossroads is an iconic bike that has been a top Canadian seller for years. With a cushy saddle and wider tires, the Crossroads isn’t a racer’s bike. It has a peddling position that is a little laid back, but still efficient. The Crossroads can handle crushed gravel, rails to trails, the daily commute, and rides with the family in style. Best of all it won’t break the bank!
Specialized Roll
Everything about the Specialized Roll was designed with fun and comfort in mind. The Roll is meant to fit so that you can keep both feet on the ground while on the saddle. This upright position inspires confidence and comfort. The most shocking thing about the Roll is how fun it is to ride. The extra wide cruiser tires are attached to slightly smaller 650b wheels making the handling snappy for such a stable bike. The Roll is also exceptionally light compared to other cruisers. A range of sizes, colours, and a super low entry on some models have made the Roll an immediate hit at Fresh Air.
Adventure Hybrids – Best for those who often ride on dirt roads or paths
Adventure hybrids are a great choice for those who live where the pavement ends. The geometry of these bikes will still be very efficient, but longer and a little more upright to help things feel stable. All adventure hybrids have wider tires with a bit of extra tread, and disc brakes to keep things controlled in the dirt and mud. If you spend your summer car camping, an adventure hybrid is a great choice to ride around a campground or provincial park.
Giant Roam and Liv Rove
The Giant Roam and Liv Rove borrow more from mountain bikes than the other hybrids we sell. They feature hydraulic disc brakes and a geometry that is a little more confidence inspiring than the Giant Escape and Liv Alight. The lightweight suspension forks help reduce fatigue from bumpy roads, and have a lock out to help you ride more efficiently on pavement. If you aren’t big on rocky mountain bike trails, but want a super versatile bike, the Roam and Rove are a great, high-value choice.
Specialized Sirrus X
New for 2020 Specialized has introduced the Sirrus X. The Sirrus X might give away a little of the Sirrus’ trademark high end speed, but the trade off will be worth it for those looking to explore a little further off the beaten path. Cues taken from gravel and cyclocross riding include wider tires and precise 1x gearing. The Sirrus X offers significant weight savings over other bikes in this category making for a responsive, snappy ride.
Whatever style of hybrid you choose, know that you are getting great value, and a versatile bike with many applications. We are always happy to help you decide on sizing, or talk through your needs. Shop online, call us at 613-729-3002, or visit us at 1291 Wellington St W. and we will get you set up on the new bike that is right for you!
