Looking for an easy and affordable way to enjoy the outdoors and live more Green? Wishing you could find a stress-free and more manageable approach to getting your everyday errands done? Want some excellent exercise, while visiting with family and friends at the same time?
All this is yours, simply by getting and riding the right Comfort or Hybrid bicycle, and this article is designed to help. First, keep in mind that there are many categories of bikes and crossover between categories. While Comfort and Hybrid bikes handle many types of cycling and offer plenty of features to satisfy everyone, there are also City, Commuter, Town and even Cruiser bikes that offer many of these same features and benefits. And all of them are probably easier to ride and more comfortable than what you may be used to, especially if you're making due with an older bike.
Read the guidelines here to learn more and feel free to call with any questions. Even better, visit our store to see the different models, learn about the many recent improvements that make biking easier and more fun than ever, and take some for a spin to feel the wonderful rides for yourself.
- Is top quality a priority, or is affordability more important?
- Do you consistently select high-tech gadgets or do you prefer practical, no-frills designs?
- What is your budget for this purchase? This is a simple way to narrow down the selections.
- What type of riding do you plan to do?
The last question is one of the best ways to determine which bike type, Comfort or Hybrid, is the correct choice. If you envision leisurely Sunday rides, family outings in search of the perfect picnic spot and having fun while you exercise, a Comfort bike is a great choice.
These bikes emphasize comfort over efficiency with suspension features and cushioned seats to make the bumps disappear, and wider, higher handlebars for an easy-on-the-back-and-neck upright riding position. On a Comfort bike, you'll pedal down the road almost as comfortably as sitting at home on your couch.
But, let's say you’re looking more for an alternative to driving. And/or you plan to ride longer distances, climb hills and work a bit to get in better shape. You still want to be comfortable, but you're interested in lightness, nimble handling and even easy climbing. For these things, a Hybrid bike, a versatile jack-of-all-trades, is ideal.
Hybrids are lighter and roll and pedal more easily than Comfort bikes. Plus, some Hybrids are designed for occasional off-road use, too, so you can enjoy the best of both cycling worlds, the convenience of pavement, the solitude of backwoods routes.
So what else sets these regal rides apart? The easiest way to tell the two apart is by wheel and tire size, as follows:
Comfort bikes use the 26-inch tire standard commonly found on mountain bikes. These wide tires provide a comfortable cushion of air so you float over bumps and rough terrain. Plus, it's possible to install knobby tires should you want to ride most of the time on dirt roads.
Hybrid bikes usually (but not always) use the Road bike's 700c tire standard. These are lighter to roll more easily on pavement for easy acceleration and climbing. There are 700c tires in different widths and treads for riding on all surfaces.
Besides this wheel difference, there are other distinguishing characteristics to understand that we explain in the following chart:
| Comfort | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Frame designed mostly for comfort | Frame designed for comfort and efficient pedaling |
| Upright riding position is more back-friendly than most easy-chairs | Adjustable components offer upright comfort or a more speed-oriented position (your choice) |
| Plush suspension takes the sting out of bumps | Suspension to absorb vibrations, plus lighter components for easier pedaling, too |
| Seats with springs, gel and foam provide luxurious seating | Soft, sleek seats are comfortable and allow efficient pedaling, too |
| High air volume in the tires provides a super-plush ride | High air pressure in the tires makes higher speeds and long rides easier |
Frame Materials
-
High-Tensile Steel
PROS: Strong, most affordable, nice ride; usually found on entry-level bikes
CONS: Weighs more and can rust if not cared for -
Chromoly Steel
PROS: An affordable steel alloy offering light weight and a great ride
CONS: May rust if not cared for; more expensive than High-Tensile Steel -
Aluminum
PROS: Light, strong, affordable, rust/corrosion resistant, great ride
CONS: More expensive than High-Tensile Steel -
Carbon Fiber and Carbon/Aluminum omposites
PROS: Lightest, strong and rust/corrosion resistant, great ride
CONS: Most expensive
Suspension
A common feature on today's Hybrids and Comfort bikes is a suspension fork (photo). These compress to absorb impacts from bumps, cracks, ruts and obstacles. This insulates you from jolts for a smoother and more comfortable ride and ensures that you remain in control even over rough surfaces.
Suspension forks work their magic with air springs, coil springs or rubber springs called elastomers inside that make the rough stuff disappear. We recommend riding different bicycles and comparing how various forks feel. If you like the handling and comfort of one over another, it's a good reason to select that model bicycle.
Note, that there are also bicycles without suspension forks. These still ride nicely and may cost less and be slightly lighter than models with shock forks. If you ride on smooth roads and trails and don't feel the need for suspension these are certainly worth considering.
Suspension seatposts are another excellent feature found on many Comfort bikes and Hybrids. You’ll love how they smooth rough terrain and pothole-covered roads absorbing vibrations and impacts that would otherwise be transmitted to your seat and lower back. They're also light and simple so as not to require much maintenance. Keep in mind that, should you find a bike you love that doesn't have a suspension seatpost, it's usually possible to add one, too (sold separately).