hybrid vs mountain bike

Mountain Bike or Hybrid? (Email replies that might help you to figure out which is best for you!)

I hated hybrids.  I thought they were bikes without a real purpose.  Bikes that did everything sorta OK, but nothing really well.

I was wrong.  With the newer breed of hybrids, with suspension seatposts, adjustable handlebars and comfy seats, well, it's like this.  I get somebody who's not really sure what they're looking for, or if they even want a bike at all.  And I put them on one of the new hybrids (say, a TREK 7300), and they take a little spin on it...and they come in with this HUGE smile on their face because they've FINALLY found something that is going to make riding a bike fun!

It's not the right bike for me, and maybe not for you.  But there are a great number of people who will never hit an unpaved trail, and aren't interested in riding over 25 miles...and the plain simple truth is that, for them, the hybrid is the only type of bike that's not going to spend it's entire life in the garage.

At some point it's an emotional thing, and if there's something about a particular bike that's going to make you want to get out and ride more...then that's the way to go.  And above all, make sure you find a shop that's going to get you fit correctly and take care of things down the road!

--Mike--     

The question-

Subject: What type of bike?

I read your hybrid vs mountain bike article on your website but have a
few questions.

I live in the city, with plenty of hilly streets, and already have a
road bike. I know that for distance and speed the only choice is a road
bike.

I use my bike less and less. I've tried friends' mountain bikes and
they are more stable, more comfortable, and allow for more heads up
viewing in city traffic. I want a bike to just ride around city
neighborhoods, down to the lake, etc. I'm 44 and have a back problem but
it's not too bad. If I get a mountain bike with less "knobby" tires
instead of a hybrid bike will this have a more comfortable ride even
though it will be a little slower? I especially want it to be easy to
go up hills. Is their some scenario where hybrid bikes are actually
better than mountain bikes?

Thanks,  Gray

Our reply-
Gray:

I suspect you will benefit more from a hybrid than a mountain bike, because-

#1: The hybrid will have the same, or even *more* upright riding position than a mountain bike. Current hybrids are built with short top tubes and taller stems, while a high-quality mountain bike attempts to get a bit more of your weight on the front wheel so the shock can work better.

#2: The lighter weight of the hybrid *definitely* gives it a livelier feel when climbing, and the tires, which can range from very narrow to just slightly wider than the narrowest-possible tire for a mountain bike, are quite a bit easier rolling.

So...the only reason I can see to recommend a mountain bike would be if you want to take it off-road or into an environment where the roads are in atrocious shape (or you like to bunny hop curbs etc). From a comfort standpoint, getting a hybrid with a suspension seatpost will do at least as much for comfort as will a mountain bike's bigger tires and suspension fork.

But...you can't take a hybrid some of the places where you can take a mountain bike! That's really the only downside to choosing a hybrid.

--Mike--

And another...

I'm looking for a new bike ~$500. 90% street riding and 10% offroad. No 50 or 100 mile rides either.  Any suggestions and any deals on last years models in stock that might fit my needs?

(name & address removed)

Our reply- (please note the original question & reply were from late 1996, so the info regarding specific models might be a tad outdated --Mike--)

When you say "10% offroad" are you talking real, live, serious trail-type offroad, or simply dirt roads and well-groomed trails, like what you'd have along the baylands? This makes quite a difference in what you need, since even 1% offroad, if it's tough stuff, will do its best to try and destroy a "hybrid" model bike. You really need stronger (and generally26") wheels for the tougher stuff, while for road use, 700c is more efficient. Something else to consider when looking at Mtn vs Hybrid bikes- You can always "convert" a Mountain bike into a hybrid with skinnier tires, but you can't turn a hybrid bike into a mountain bike.

In general-
A mountain bike is slower due to the larger tires and heavier wheels, but is also considerably smoother in its ride than a hybrid (assuming you don't have aggressive offroad tires mounted on the mountain bike).

A hybrid is better at high speeds on the road, due to the lower rolling resistance of skinnier 700c tires, and also due to its higher gearing. So, if you're planning on longer rides (say, anything over 20 miles), you're going to have a much easier time on the hybrid.

Price-wise, equivalent values can be had with either style of bike. But...in general, the mountain bike is going to be the more versatile of the two, since it can be used for on or offroad riding, while the Hybrid is really best off on something that can at least be called a road (whether paved or gravel).

Now that I've got you totally confused by answering questions you haven't even asked...We've got quite a few options in the $500 price range. For hybrids, we've got a few Gary Fisher Alfrescos left at $529, which is a relatively "conventional" model with a very lightweight USA-made frame and somewhat beefier wheels & tires than the average hybrid. Another option in the Gary Fisher line is the Nirvana which, at $549, is a really great buy (marked down from $699, with a list price of $789).  But it's a bit odd as hybrids go, with 26" wheels and a different riding position that some people love and others hate. You gotta ride it and see. We also have TREK 730s which, at $399, are a great buy and one of the most popular bikes used by the various touring companies. This also has a USA-made frame, but with slightly lighter-weight wheels than the Gary Fisher models.

For mountain bikes, there are a zillion options, but I'd start with the non-supsension version of the TREK 7000 which just went on sale at $529. This is an extremely-light domestically-produced mountain bike with an aluminum frame, and, with different tires, would make a great all-purpose machine. Still, the hybrids will be a bit lighter and faster, but the TREK 7000 would give you more versatility.

Obviously, I need to know a bit more about how you wish to use the bikes. Please reply with any further questions and I'll be happy to assist you! --Mike--

[Note:  The specific bike models listed above have changed greatly from the time this was written; on the TREK side, the 7000 is no longer offered in a non-shock version...the closest current equivalent would be the Y2K TREK 4300 at $379.99. Also, the 730 hybrid has been replaced with a nicer, lighter-weight 7300 at $469.99.]

For more info, check out our new hybrid page!

Last updated 09/09/07