Many of us remember the arduous process of learning to ride a bike.
We can easily recall the first time we pedalled off without training wheels. The overwhelming sense of fear made our knee pad-clad legs buckle, as we begged the guiding hand on the saddle to not let go until we felt we were balanced and ready. What was barely a 30cm drop onto the gravelly pavement felt like jumping out of a plane without a parachute, but we knew we had to overcome our fears to ride around town with the rest of our pals on the weekend.
Fast forward a decade or two and riding a two-wheeled bike feels like second nature. Nevertheless, those who are able to ride a bike and find it to be a convenient means of transportation are an entirely different breed from lycra-loving cycling enthusiasts. The vast majority of us casual cyclists haven’t a clue how to differentiate the structure of one bike from the next and would struggle to replace a bike’s chain without a step-by-step YouTube video.
This is why casual cyclists and beginners tend to flock to hybrid models when purchasing a bike.
What exactly is a hybrid bike and why should I get one?
A hybrid bike is essentially a combination between a road bike and a mountain bike. This means that all the best elements of each model are combined, resulting in a versatile city bike that can handle different terrains.
For instance, a hybrid bike often has the essential comfortable elements of a mountain bike including flat handlebars to prevent hunching, large wheels and a comfortable saddle. Yet the lightweight frame and thinner tyres make the hybrid bike a sleek and aerodynamic option that is equally perfect for city slickers.
The fact that a hybrid bike offers mountain-biking benefits is not to say you have to be an outdoorsy kind of person to purchase one – far from it. While hybrid bikes are brilliant for packing into the car and taking on light trail biking staycations within the UK and beyond, there are variations of the hybrid bike which are necessary for city dwellers who are often changing terrain without realising.
Hybrid bikes can have different make-ups, offering stronger mountain bike or road bike similarities depending on what you’re looking for - so it’s important to narrow-down your search to find the perfect hybrid bike for you.
What should I look for in a hybrid bike?
- Drivetrain: the majority of hybrid bikes will have a drivetrain with up to 10 different gears suitable for climbing and low-intensity riding on flatter terrains.
- Frame: a lightweight, sleek aluminium frame with a more compact geometry and flat handlebars which prevents hunching.
- Saddle: Due to the upright riding position thanks to those flat handlebars, your body will be placing more pressure on the saddle while riding. This means that a comfortable, padded seat is more important than ever.
- Tyres: choosing the right tyre size is essential to getting the most out of your hybrid bike. If you’re going to be riding on a mixture of on and off-road tracks, choose a model with wider tyres and a suspension fork at the front. Narrower tyres are great for urban roads, and classically thin tyres are usually best for rural road bikers – though a hybrid size will still do the trick.
- Suspension: while lots of hybrid bikes forego added suspension entirely for more efficient pedalling, bikers who often find themselves in urban environments might want to go for a model with front suspension forks to help absorb impact.
- Mudguards, built-in lights, pannier racks and other accessories: you’ll want to invest in a hybrid bike which is truly equipped for all terrains – that means it has to have a decent amount going in the accessories department. Mudguards will prevent dirt and grime from getting all over you during your daily commute, built-in lights mean you can cycle at any time of day, and pannier racks will take the pressure off your back and allow you to remain more balanced without a backpack.
Is a hybrid bike suitable for beginners?
As we mentioned earlier, hybrid bikes are a fantastic first choice for beginners and casual cyclists. Combining the most comfortable, hassle-free elements of both road and mountain bikes to ensure an easy ride on multiple terrains – the hybrid bike works with its rider for smooth sailing at all times.
We understand that investing in a decent bicycle can feel like a bank-breaking endeavour. Now that we’ve demystified the world of hybrid bikes, we’ve rounded-up a selection of the most versatile models that won’t set you back more than £500. Keep scrolling to get riding.
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Strada Hybrid Bike Open Frame
The most attractive hybrid bike we’ve ever come across, the Raleigh Strada has vintage-inspired design elements which make this model a treat both to ride and simply to admire. Choose between a step-over crossbar frame or a step-through open frame depending on which structure you find more comfortable, and browse frame sizes from 36cm all the way up to 56cm.
Designed for conquering urban landscapes that feature a variety of different terrains, heights and obstacles, the 650b wheels offer unbeatable comfort and cushioning for your smoothest ride yet. However, at 47c wide, these tyres also offer brilliant traction for off-road terrain.
With a whopping 21-speed Shimano gear system, we challenge you to find a terrain that you can’t tackle with this hybrid bike – especially with those powerful V-breaks and the luxuriously comfortable saddle.
Perhaps the only downside of the budget-friendly Raleigh Strada is that you’ll have to assemble it at home. Time to scroll through your contacts to find that one cycling aficionado and offer them a beer.
Buy now £299.00, Raleigh
Cannondale Quick 6 2022 - Hybrid Sports Bike
If you were concerned about getting too easy of a ride with your extra-comfortable and versatile hybrid bike, the Cannondale has got exercise fanatics covered. This sporty hybrid combines a lightweight c3 alloy frame with slim yet durable 35c tyres for speeding through urban traffic with ease. We’re big fans of the fact that the graphics on this frame double up as bright 360-degree reflective elements for staying extra safe in low-light conditions.
Though you’ll have to purchase extras including pannier racks, mudguards and lights – if you scoop up the Cannondale Quick 6 while it’s reduced from £525 to £379, it’ll still feel like a steal.
Buy now £379.00, Tredz
Serious Cedar S Hybrid Trapeze
We know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but we can’t help but feel like the Serious Cedar S is the perfect hybrid bike on aesthetics alone. With built-in dynamo lights, mudguards and perfectly thick tyres with decent tread, we can instantly see how this model would ride brilliantly both on and off-road.
Nimble and lightweight yet offering a solid structure built for comfortable upright cycling, the Serious Cedar S Hybrid Trapeze is further equipped with a Shimano Acera 3x7-Speed groupset, powerful V-Brakes and aluminium double-wall rims.
Buy now £363.99, Wiggle
Riverside Hybrid Bike 100
Though the Riverside Hybrid Bike offers just six speeds, it’s all an urban biker looking for a more comfortable ride could ever need. While it’ll hold its own on rougher terrains, the Riverside Hybrid has been designed specifically for use on cycle lanes and pathways, putting it more on the road bike end of the hybrid spectrum. Though lightweight, the frame is made from 100 per cent steel rather than aluminium – hence the wonderfully affordable price point of sub £200.
Buy now £149.99, Decathlon
Elops City Bike Elops 500 Step-Over – Grey
Don’t be fooled by the name of this hybrid model from Elops – though designed with city-dwellers in mind, it can certainly hold its own on rougher, off-road terrains. V-breaks offer powerful and easy braking, flat handlebars paired with a step-through frame deliver comfortable cycling paired with fantastic visibility, and the lightweight aluminium frame promises a speedy and efficient ride. The built-in pannier rack is also a massive plus.
Buy now £499.99, Decathlon
Voodoo Marasa Mens Hybrid Bike - M, L Frames
Available in a men’s step-over model, or a women’s step-through design, the Voodoos Marasa Hybrid Bike is one of our top picks for a plethora of reasons. The 9-speed Shimano drivetrain offers a suitable number of gears for tackling those unexpected hills, while the hydraulic disc brakes offer smooth and safe stopping no matter the conditions.
Commuters will rejoice for the bottle holder, pannier rack and mudguard mounts - while weekend riders are set to enjoy trail rides on cushioned, wide 700c tyres.
Buy now £500.00, Halfords
Carrera Parva Women’s Hybrid Bike
With an alloy frame and a higher crossbar, this bike is perfect for adventuring. Weighing in at just 13.5kg, it’s one of the lightest of the bunch and provides an upright and comfortable riding position with a higher frame for good visibility on the road.
It also comes with a delightfully plush memory foam saddle and has ‘Carrera Puncture Protection’ tyres as standard, with an extra layer of resistant material. The bike offers 2 x 7 gears, giving a large range for all terrains, and has a lifetime frame guarantee.
There’s a whole host of lifetime safety checks too, and they’ll even take the packaging away for you. The smallest size is suitable for people from 4’11, up to 5’10 for the large. A steal at £300.
Buy now £310.00, Halfords
Schwinn Wayfarer Unisex Hybrid Bike
One of the original American bike brands, the Schwinn Wayfarer combines comfort with style for this unisex hybrid bike. It features 7-speed gears with an easy twist-shift mechanism. A retro steel frame ups the fashion stakes and ensures durability, while the spring-adorned saddle enhances your comfort over bumpy ground.
The rear rack carrier is good for storage, making it perfect for transporting small items whether riding across town or going for a tour of the park. Swept-back handlebars add to the vintage style and allow a more comfortable ride. It also comes with full mudguards to protect your clothes whatever the weather. It’s available in black or stand-out lime green, with 16” and 18” frames.
Buy now £249.99, Amazon
