How To Buy Comfort And Hybrid Bikes
Looking for a fun, comfortable way to be outdoors? Need a quick, stress-free way to escape gridlock for errands? How about a great way to exercise and chat with family and friends at the same time? The right bicycle offers all these benefits. So what’s holding you back? After reading these guidelines, feel free to call with any questions or visit and ride a few Comfort and Hybrid bicycles to feel the wonderful ride for yourself. |
Start By Answering These Questions
Here are a few easy questions to help you in selecting the bike type and model:
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Is top quality a priority, or is price point more important?
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Do you consistently select high-tech gadgets or do you prefer practical, no-frills designs?
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How much would you like to spend? (This is an easy way to narrow the myriad selections.)
Most importantly, what type of riding do you plan to do? If you envision leisurely Sunday rides, family outings in search of the perfect picnic spot and having fun while you exercise, a Comfort bike is a great choice.
This posh ride also makes quick trips to the store easier, more comfortable and far less expensive than driving. Suspension, plush saddles and back-friendly geometry are just a few of the features that make the great outdoors only slightly less comfortable than your couch.
Perhaps you’re looking for a quick, street-worthy alternative to driving? And a fun, knee-friendly way to get into shape? You want comfort, yet also pedaling efficiency for quick commutes or even the occasional half-century. Here, a Hybrid bike, a nimble jack-of-all-trades, is ideal.
This sweet machine is lightweight and rolls easily to pedal efficiently on the street. Plus, it's designed for occasional off-road use, too, so you can enjoy the best of both cycling worlds, the convenience of pavement, the solitude of backwoods routes.
Hybrid Vs. Comfort Bike
So what sets these regal rides apart? The easiest way to tell the two apart is wheel and tire size, as follows:
Comfort bikes use the 26-inch tire standard commonly found on mountain bikes. These wide tires provide a comfortable cushion of air that floats over bumps and rough terrain. Plus, it's possible to install knobby tires should you live on a dirt road.
Hybrid bikes usually (but not always) use the road bike's 700c standard. These tires roll easily on pavement for quick acceleration and easy climbing. This size accepts tires from 23- to 42-millimeters wide for riding on difference surfaces.
Now that you understand the typical wheel differences, here's a chart that outlines the other features setting these bicycle types apart:
Comfort bike
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Hybrid bike
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Frame designed mostly for comfort
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Frame designed for comfort and efficient pedaling
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Laid-back riding position is more back-friendly than most easy chairs
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Adjustable components offer upright comfort or a more speed-oriented position (your choice)
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Plush suspension takes the sting out of bumps
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Suspension and strong, light materials are fast and absorb vibration too
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Saddles with springs, gel and foam provide luxurious seating
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Soft, sleek saddles are comfortable and offer efficient pedaling, too
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High air volume in the tires provides a super-plush ride!
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High air pressure in the tires makes higher speeds and long rides easy
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Frame Materials
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Suspension |
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Gearing |
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Brakes |
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Saddles You may not be able to tell by looking, yet one of the components most improved on Comfort and Hybrid bicycles is the saddle. Engineers and designers have pulled out all the stops to provide ergonomics and comfort features to make these seats so comfy you're likely to remain seated at stops while your ride partners are resting on the grass. You'll find anatomical shapes, cutouts to eliminate pressure on soft tissue (which prevents numbness and pain), flexible frames, gel padding and cushioning springs. Sometimes, all of these things in the same seat, even. Still, the most important thing is making sure that the seat on the bike is the right one for you. Everyone's different so you should sit on the seats and try them out to make sure that they're right for you. |
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We’ll Make It Fit Like A Glove |
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Additional Advice We recommend planning on spending a portion of your cycling budget on some important cycling accessories to go with that new bike.
We'll see you soon! |