The hybrid bike is the best of two worlds. Hybrids take the best characteristics from road bikes and combine them with the best characteristics of a mountain bike. A hybrid is a great choice for the cyclist who wants a bike as a viable means of transportation but still wants the flexibility of being able to hit a rail-trail or bike path.
If you want a budget-friendly introduction to the world of cycling, hybrids are definitely the place to start. They’re very versatile but they aren’t built to take rough mountain terrain and they won’t be a bike for a race. They will, however, allow you to zip through traffic to work, bring home groceries, and offer you a great ride on a bike path if you need an escape from the daily routine.
Not all hybrids will give you the same performance and quality. Decide how you want to use the bike and then look at the bikes that we’ve compiled for these lists to see which fits your style and budget. Whenever possible, test ride before you buy and get a personal fit.