What is a hybrid bike meant to be called?

[cycleman]

Under the thread 'Hybrid Bike help' on the 2nd page there is a discussion about the definition of a hybrid bike I found interesting.

If a hybrid bike is not meant to be called such a thing and is a marketing gimmick.

What is it meant to be called and why? because I currently ride one.

 

[dellzeqq]

Jim. Or Laura. If it's a Dawes you can call it Dickie.

 

[NormanD]

I'd class a hybrid as a "utility type of bike" being, you have road "specific" bike types and also Mountain "specific" type bikes which are designed to do a particular job.

An example being, it'll be highly unlikely you'll use a full carbon designed road bike to shoot down the side of a trail or mountain, or use a mountain bike to enter the tour de france.

So since a "Hybrid" can be any combination of "specific designed" bikes, I'd rather it be called a "Utilitarian" since a hybrid is used for a number of roles the other specific type bikes are not designed to do.

So I vote they be called "Utilitarian"

 

[wiggydiggy]

Hehe blame me for this lol

I used to have a Carerra Subway which was called a Hybrid, but actually I'd be happier now regarding it as a rigid MTB - it certainly looked more like one with its 26*1.75 wheeks and chunky frame. Compared to my current Marin Belvedere with 700*28c wheels, thin 'roadie' style frame and flat bars which looks more like a hybrid than the 'Sub ever did.

Its also importent to recognise that again once those drops go on, it loses its Hybrid status. I think thats the most importent thing TBH having a 'roadie' style bike, but with flats for that sit-up-and-ride postioning?

 

[Crackle]

Jim. Or Laura. If it's a Dawes you can call it Dickie.

Surely it's a George?

 

[calibanzwei]

Bub-dum tish

 

[smutchin]

I think the problem is saying you're looking for a "hybrid bike" doesn't really tell us any useful information since the term is so vague. I have two bikes that could be considered "hybrids", in that they combine elements of road and offroad bike styles, but they don't have an awful lot in common.

One is a lightweight singlespeed cyclocross bike with 700C wheels, drop handlebars and clearance for knobbly tyres. It's fast and sporty and I mainly use it on-road for commuting and audaxing, but also use it for a bit of offroading/cyclocross in winter (with different wheels & tyres).

The other is a compact rigid MTB-framed bike with 26" wheels, mudguards, rack, 21 gears, suspension seatpost and straight bars. It's more of a leisurely ride. With fat slick tyres (Schwalbe City Jet) it's suitable for riding both on the road and on trails, but not for serious offroading.

However, you do explain in the other thread what your specific requirements are, which is much more helpful. If you go into a bike shop, ask for recommendations based on what you actually need, rather than using vague terms like "hybrid". If it's a good shop, they will steer you to something that suits your needs. It may well be in the "hybrid" section of the shop, or it may not...

d.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

You should ask Mickle. He knows.

 

[Beebo]

Surely it's a George?

or Diana

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Personally I think the term hybrid is a bit of a nonsense as I can think of at least 4 different types which get grouped together under this one name. These are:
Urban/comfort bikes. Usually based on mountain bike frames with fat slicks and higher gearing.
Fast commuters/fitness bikes. Mostly flat barred racing bikes.
Trekking bikes. Flat barred tourers.
City bikes/roadsters. Since the classic 3 speed roadster has been around since about 1900 I'd argue these definitely aren't hybrids but most cycle shops will call them this.

Basically the term hybrid is a buzzword which sounds good, goes down well with the general public (especially since the motor industry started using the same term) and makes it easy for sales as a customer can come away with the "hybrid" they asked for but not necessarily the bike that is right for them.

Or am I being too cynical?

 

[VamP]

or Diana

We have one bike that sits in this nebulous category in our household. It's called Jesus.

Other names are available on request...

 

[wiggydiggy]

I think the problem is saying you're looking for a "hybrid bike" doesn't really tell us any useful information since the term is so vague. I have two bikes that could be considered "hybrids", in that they combine elements of road and offroad bike styles, but they don't have an awful lot in common.
<SNIP>

<SNIP>

Basically the term hybrid is a buzzword which sounds good, goes down well with the general public (especially since the motor industry started using the same term) and makes it easy for sales as a customer can come away with the "hybrid" they asked for but not necessarily the bike that is right for them.

Or am I being too cynical?

Apoligies for snipping the detailed descriptions (of what I'd agree could be Hybrids) but these two points I think demostrate best why some people don't like the term, as a 'catch all' Hybrid I agree is certainly a bit woolly and not the best description for any number of bikes. This has come directly from manufacturers applying the term to too varied and too many bikes for it to mean anything meaningful.

Thats why I do tend to try and reinforce the 'flat barred roadie' as the definitive hybrid bike, to try and stamp some identity back on it.

 

[MacB]

terms already exist and are Road, Cross and MTB, you could subdivide them further by adding the descriptor race or utility. Race would denote a geometry more given to speed and a lack of versatility, and utility should bring with it the ability to mount mudguards and at least a rear rack. Then there's only the problem of handlebars to get around, as in any of these bikes could have any type of handlebar.

 

[albion]

To me hybrid = 700C wheels and fat tyres. (without drop handlebars)

Obviously though, any bike is a hybrid if you think about it.

 

[lulubel]

If you google "hybrid definition", it gives you:

A thing made by combining two different elements; a mixture.

If you consider a hybrid to be not a road bike, not a MTB, but designed to do a limited amount of what road bikes and MTBs can do, then I think it's perfectly named. Every cycle category is a generalisation. In the MTB world, there's a lot of difference between a full-sus and a hardtail, but they're still called MTBs, which would lead anyone who has the slightest idea what they're talking about to ask the question:

"What do you want to use it for?"

And that question should be asked of anyone looking for any type of bike, not just those buying hybrids.