Is there a difference between a hybrid and a comfort bike? Is so, what is it?
Sunday, December 26th, 2010 at
2:18 pm
thanks!
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 1969 VINTAGE SCHWINN DELUXE TYPHOON BEACH CRUISER BIKE BICYCLE COMFORT CLASSIC  US $455.00
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Comfort bikes usually have a 26 inch wheel and hybrids usually have the 700c tires. This site will help explain the differences.
http://revolutioncycles.com/page.cfm?pageID=188
Hybrids usually have road wheels but they are designed with the geometry that is somewhat closer to a mountain bike. They have the worst of both worlds and are usually suitable as a bike you will beat up on roads rather than baby them along the way. Hybrids are cheap unless you are buying a bike such as the Specialized Sirrus Pro which goes for around $3,000. Excluding the Sirrus Pro I would say most hybrids are slightly faster than mountain bikes and slightly more comfortable than road bikes. You might as well get a bike for what you plan on. Either get a road bike or a mountain bike based on your interests.
Comfort bike is for people that just want to ride on bike paths at a leisurely pace of 10mph and get passed along the way by literally a few dozen people and never pass anyone but others on comfort bikes. Comfort bikes are slow. You get to sit upright. Much more upright than Hybrids. They are built for comfort and are for people that are mostly sedentary and ride only for the fresh air. Hard to exercise on these bikes because you would look stupid if you had bike shorts on while riding a heavy, clumsy, ugly comfort bike. Comfort bikes are even slower than mountain bikes. They are built entirely for comfort. They are like the minivans or station wagons of bicycles.
Hybrid bikes are designed as a mix between mountain bikes and road bikes. In theory, they are supposed to be more comfortable than road bikes, because they are more upright, and usually don’t have dropped handlebars, and sometimes have a small-travel front suspension. And also, they are supposed to be faster than mountain bikes. Most hybrids are lighter than the equivalent mtb, have skinnier tires, and might be geared slightly higher for more speed. If you’re thinking about really getting into cycling(more than 30 miles a week), I’d suggest getting a bike most like what you will be doing, be it road of mountain. I would not suggest getting a hybrid unless it’s exactly what you need.
Comfort bikes are designed for just that, comfort. They are not designed for speed, riding trails, or going long distances. They have the most upright stance of any type of bike, have large thickly padded seats, highly curved handlebars, big cranks, and designed to be easy to mount/dismount. These are the types of bikes you might ride with friends at the beach or on a walking path.
Depending on what cycling means to you, either of these bikes could be fine. If you’re looking for something to go pick up some quick groceries from the store, a hybrid is a great option. If you’re looking to get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery at a nice slow pace, a comfort(also known as cruiser) bike could be perfect! But if you’re really looking to get some exercise, you’d be best looking at bikes specifically made for what you want to ride(trails or road). In any event, if you’re looking for a new bike, check out your local bike store and give all the types a test ride. Remember, having fun on your bike is what’s most important.
Have fun!
A hybrid bike has thinner, larger diameter wheels. That means they are like beefed up race wheels. You lean forward at roughly 45 degrees. It is a good compromise between speed and and comfort.
A comfort bike is a great bike for the bike path, the neighborhood, or shorter rides of up to 10 miles or so. You sit more upright and they handle very easily. The downside is that they can be difficult to ride up a hill. If you live in a hilly area like Portland Oregon, they might not be the best choice. But for flat places like Florida, they can be fabulous.
Check out your local bike shop. They can really help you out and get you on the right bike. I highly recommend a helmet, but that is your choice. Most important, the bike should be fun to ride!
Hybrid bikes are based on road bikes while comfort bikes are based on mountain bikes.
Hybrids are friendlier for onroad excursions of some length while comfort bikes are best for groomed trails and rides under 10 miles.