Setting up a hybrid

[ChrisV]

Because I've been on a road bike mostly, I'm struggling to know what a properly set up hybrid should feel like.

As is, my weight is on my hands? I'm pretty sure this is not how it is supposed to be. I feel like my back is hunched, and I'm leaning onto the handles. My back starts to feel sore after a while.

What should it feel like riding a hybrid?

 

[NorthernDave]

On the increasingly rare times that I ride my hybrid it does feel odd for the first 5 or 10 minutes after a road bike.
I do find that the lack of different positions for my hands, compared to a road bike, does take it's toll on a long ride so I've fitted bar ends to give me a bit of variety. If anything though I'd say the seated position is more upright.
From what you're saying, the handlebars might be a bit low (assuming the saddle height is OK)?

 

[ChrisV]

That's a possibility. Do I just buy risers to heighten the handlebars?

It's a GT Traffic 1.0 so has a different shape handlebar, don't know what it's called but bends out at the end?

Anyway, I've rotated the handlebar forward so stretched me out a bit, and adjusted Ergon grips and brakes/gears, so it feels a bit better. A bit more height might be good though.

 

[SuperHans123]

I had a similar issue when getting to 'grips' with my hybrid a few years ago.
I bought these bars:-
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...39zoVdWxaK_ec1YJ59oUIaAiie8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
Easton Monkey Bars.
They are MTB bars but are great as they 'straighten' you out somewhat given their rise.
Wouldn't change them for the world now and have done around 5000 miles on them.
I also use Ergon grips for the extra hand positions and never get pain on the bike now.

 

[S-Express]

What should it feel like riding a hybrid?

It's your bike - it is entirely up to you how it should feel.

 

[ChrisV]

That's helpful.

 

[S-Express]

That's helpful.

I thought so. My suggestion is to set up your own bike however you want it.

 

[ChrisV]

Brilliant. I'll give you a shout if I have any other questions. I'm guessing your approach would work for a whole range of real life situations.

 

[S-Express]

I'm guessing your approach would work for a whole range of real life situations.

It does indeed. You should give it a try

 

[Levo-Lon]

If you go the easton monkey bar route check your cables will reach..
or you will need to change all them too..

i just changed my new hybrid stem from a 90mm to a 70mm..just to take the weight off the wrists.

 

[ChrisV]

Going to take it for a test run with the adjusted handlebars (the grips are higher after rotating the handlebars a bit) and order some spacers to experiment with.

 

[SuperHans123]

Good point. Mine were fine.

 

[SuperHans123]

Going to take it for a test run with the adjusted handlebars (the grips are higher after rotating the handlebars a bit) and order some spacers to experiment with.

I felt as if I was reaching down for the bars with the flat ones that came with the bike. This improved matters no end although you may be fine with just spacers.

 

[ChrisV]

They're not flat though. I don't know how to describe them. Like the shape you'd get on a touring motorbike, bent back at the handles and in the midsection?

 

[ChrisV]

A bit like this but not as extreme.