Lists of bike styles and terrain Hybrid bikes Hybrid bikes are designed to give the rider the sturdiness and positioning of a mountain bike with the speed and smooth riding of a road bike. The riding position is even more upright than a mountain bike, reducing the chance of neck and wrist strain. 700-centimeter wheels with moderately narrow tires provide a quick, quiet ride. Hybrid bikes are great for paved roads and paths as well as nontechnical dirt and gravel paths, and are great for commutes around town. However, no rider can have his cake and eat it too (at least not without purchasing multiple bikes!). Hybrid bikes provide the best of both road and mountain bike worlds to some extent, but there are drawbacks. Though tougher than a road bike, a hybrid bike’s larger wheels can’t withstand the same rough treatment a mountain bike’s wheels are made for. And, because of the upright positioning, hybrid bikes don’t handle high speed as well as road bikes or aggressively positioned mountain bikes. So if you see yourself riding frequently with groups of friends who don’t own hybrids, you’ll probably find that your bike is slower than the road bike crowd, and it can’t handle the same terrain as your friends on mountain bikes. If you’re just as happy to do your own thing in comfort and stability, then a hybrid might be right for you. Additionally, most hybrid bikes are now available with some of the same features as “comfort” bikes. Home | Products & services | Choosing a bike | Places to ride | Fun stuff | News Athens Bicycle, 14 W. Stimson, Athens, OH 45701 (740) 594-9944 Toll-free: (866) 594-9944 E-mail: pete@athensbicycle.com