2019 Best Hybrid Bikes for Beginners & Teenagers
When in a hurry, a bike comes in handy in beating traffic jams. With a bike, you do not have to worry about parking spaces. Bicycles are an environment-friendly, fast, cheap and healthy transport option you should consider.
The biking industry has come a long way in designing multipurpose and versatile bikes. They are incorporating features of several bikes into one to come up with a general-purpose hybrid.
Why are hybrid bikes special?
Hybrid bicycles are general-purpose bikes that combine the best features of mountain bikes and road bikes. They are a popular choice among beginner and teenage cyclists because of their ease in use, comfort, and stability.
Mainly lighter in weight than mountain bikes, they are versatile and adaptable to a wide range of cycling conditions.
Hybrid bikes have several subclasses such as comfort bikes, city bikes, commuter bikes, and comfort bikes.
Cross bikes are bikes for recreation and utility use. They have almost flat handlebars, wider and semi-treaded wheels. These features make the cross bike a perfect hybrid for rough surfaces, paved and unpaved sections, gravel and shallow mud.
Commuter bikes feature a range of characteristics, which make it ideal for commuting over short and long distances. These features include derailleur gearing, wide tires, full fenders, fore and backlights, and sometimes an enclosed chain guard.
City bikes are designed for use in urban commuting. City bikes adopt most features of mountain bikes including the tire width, lightweight frame, belted tires and an upright seating position.
Comfort bikes focus on providing the cyclist with comfort. Features such as semi-slick tires, front suspension forks, wide saddles, and North road-style handlebars make the bike comfortable when cycling.
What are hybrid bikes made of?
Understanding the structure and composition of hybrid bikes is essential before selecting one. There are a wide variety of brands s each offering various features.
If you do not know about hybrid bikes, then you are likely to be overwhelmed and incapable of choosing the best.
The frame
The frame of a bike is the major support system. Hybrids have either carbon fiber, aluminum or steel frames. Aluminum is the most common and the cheapest. Carbon fiber is the most expensive.
With the right care, carbon frames are the most durable. Carbon fiber frames are stronger, lighter than aluminum, and steel. Steel frames are likely to bend and rust over time, when not taken care of well.
Flat handlebars
The construction of hybrid bikes seeks to provide cyclists with optimum comfort during their rides. Flat handlebars allow the rider to sit in a relaxed upright position, which reduces strain on the wrists, hands, shoulders, and back.
The flat handlebars are a derivation of the mountain bikes, which makes them readily accessible by beginners and teenagers.
Tires
Tires on hybrid bikes fall between the larger mountain bike tire and the smaller road bike tire. Typically, these tires sizes range from 28-32c with some reaching 42c.
The width determines how effective it will be in enhancing comfort, handling rough areas and the amount of grip on wet roads.
Learn more: Hybrid Bike Tires: Why You Should Choose Them
Disc brakes
More manufacturers are increasingly using disc brakes in their bikes over rim brakes. Disc brakes provide cyclists with more consistent braking. Disc brakes are ideal for steep and wet terrains and are cheaper to replace.
Fenders
Some hybrids come with fenders, which are crucial in minimizing the amount of splash during the wet season. The fenders are removable and unnecessary during fair weather.
Bike suspension
Depending on the model, the bike may include suspension or none at all. Bikes designed for paved paths and smooth streets often have no suspension. However, those designed for rougher terrain have front suspension, which acts as a shock absorber, for impacts on the front wheel.
Gears
Hybrid bikes come with a number of gears. A larger number of gears make it easy to navigate uphill and downhill movements.
Some hybrids have different gear-switching mechanisms. These mechanisms decide how fast you can change from one gear to another.
If you intend to ride mainly on flat surfaces, fewer gears are better.
Why are hybrid bikes best for beginners and teenagers?
The design of frames focuses on enhancing comfort and protecting the back of users. The suspension on some of the bikes absorbs vibrations from the bike. Shock absorbent qualities make the bikes comfortable for beginners to ride.
The wider tires on hybrid bikes provide balance and stability. This is an added advantage for beginners.
The bike also may come with additional equipment such as lights, racks, carriers, and mudguards. You can attach the equipment when you need them.
The ability to fit in carrier baskets makes the hybrid ideal for school-going teenagers and for light shopping.
What to look for in a hybrid bike
Choosing a hybrid bike, especially for a teenager, is challenging. The market offers a limited choice for hybrids designed for teenagers.
Apart from the market limitations, most teenagers are difficult to figure out and deal with. You can make the process easier with a little help.
For adult beginners, however, there is a decent selection to pick from.
Factors to consider when choosing a hybrid bike for beginners and teenagers
Intended use
While hybrid bikes are the middle ground between mountain and road bikes, most tend to lean in one direction. The terrain and weather conditions you will use your bike in determine the type to purchase.
Hybrids that lean towards mountain bikes are suitable for rougher terrain and wet areas.
Size
Hybrid bikes come in various sizes and have allowances for adjustment. Look for a bike that will best fit so that you are comfortable when riding.
A good bike that fits you will be safe to use and comfortable for your hands, wrist, and back. Buy a bicycle that will last for some years to get value for your money.
If not sure about the best fit, consult with a bike shop attendant. Alternatively, you can look up sizing charts from the manufacturers.
Brakes
Beginners and teenagers are more likely to cause cycling accidents. To reduce the occurrence of such incidents, choose a bike with a great braking mechanism. The brakes should be reliable enough to work during emergencies.
Some hybrid bikes have the standard rim brakes, which use friction to slow down the bike. Rim brakes are economical and it is easy to see wear when it occurs. However, they gradually wear the rim out necessitating a wheel change.
Disc brakes, on the other hand, are on the hub of the bike wheel they have a much better performance in wet areas and are cheaper to replace. However, it is difficult to detect wear and tear on the brake pads.
Weight
The weight of the bike is another important factor in the selection of the best hybrid bike for beginners and teenagers. The materials used in making the frame determine the weight of the bike.
Heavy bikes, mostly made from steel, may be difficult to control for most beginners and teenagers. However, most hybrids are made from aluminum, which makes the bike much lighter and easy to control.
Comfort
The best bike is that which offers comfort to users when riding. If the cyclist will use the bike for longer rides, it is important to examine the comfort levels.
Some areas to look at for comfort levels of the bike include the handgrips, the saddle, and the posture. A bike that encourages an upright posture is best.
Beginners and teenagers should focus on the comfort the bike offers to provide a memorable cycling experience.
Style
Aesthetics are as important as the functionality of hybrid bikes. Choose a bike whose color blends with your personality and is good to look at.
When selecting for teenagers, ensure that they can feel comfortable riding with their friends. Ensure the bike reflects the teenager’s personality. With their shifting moods, you might end up riding the bike yourself if you overlook style.
Price
Hybrid bikes come in a range of prices, and you can purchase one for as low as $100. However, most of those below $100 are of poor quality. Be sure not to compromise the quality of your bike’s features for price.
Check also: How to Choose a Hybrid Bike: Just a Simple Guide
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney women’s step-through hybrid cruiser bicycle
Its forward pedaling design allows for comfort for both tall and short riders. The model has a sizing chart to help you select the best fit.
The bike is very stable due to its low center of gravity. It is one of the best hybrid bikes for beginners with a large number of positive review from previous customers. The bike has four gearing options:
- 21-speed Shimano Tourney derailleur with EZ fire-plus shifter for demanding streets and uphill commutes
- 7-speed Shimano external hub for leisure and long-distance riding
- 3-speed Shimano internal hub for longer distances and moderate hills
Pros
- Adjustable seat
- Lightweight
- Semi-slick tires for stability
- Protects back and shoulders when riding
- Allows for proper leg extension
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney men’s hybrid cruiser bicycle
The men’s hybrid version has qualities similar to those in the female hybrid version. The bikes come in a variety of colors to choose from.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable frame
- It is a one-size fit all bike
- Offers superior comfort
- Has four gearing options, thus flexible for many terrains
- Attractive design
- Good quality bike
Cons
- Suitable for men
- Problems with assembly
See also: Best affordable hybrid bikes
Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle
The hybrid bicycle is one of the best bicycles for teenagers 14 years and above. The cross hybrid features an aluminum city frame.
The bike has a Shimano TX-31 rear derailleur gear shifting mechanism. The bike helps the rider maintain an upright seating position with its swept-back handlebar.
Schwinn discovers hybrid bicycle has a suspension fork and a padded saddle for comfort when riding. Other additional features in the hybrid include a rear gear carrier, grip shifter for changing gears and fenders.
The wide wheels allow for fast speeds. The bike is available in white and black.
Pros
- Great for rough conditions
- Great for cruising and cycling
- Comes in both men’s and women’s versions
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some find it hard to assemble
- Poorly trued wheels
- Problems with brake and gear adjustments
Final thoughts
Hybrid bikes are an ideal choice for beginners and teenagers. The comfort and stability they offer are reassuring to any beginner who is still learning to ride. Their versatility is something to go for when looking to try out the various terrain.
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