If you ever walked into a bike store and felt overwhelmed by the options. Don’t know what to look for? And which bike is the best for you? Well, I can hear you!
Buying a budget hybrid bike is tough; you have to dig into a lot when that low budget is lurking over your head. But if you are a smart shopper that I know you are! You must be holding off on buying a hybrid bike till now! Because, of course, you wanna make sure that you are not paying more for one, then you really should.
As for now, there are many expensive ($1000+) hybrid bikes on the market, but do you really have to pay that much on a hybrid bike?
Well, for sure the answer to that question is a Big NO!
Expensive hybrid bikes might seem to offer the rider everything that they could wish for in a bike, but that doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. There are some great hybrid bikes under $500 that you can get that offer the same quality and features which some companies are offering for $1000 or more.
Quick Answer: Top 10 Rated Best Hybrid Bikes under $500 in 2020
- Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid Bike
- Schwinn Network 3.0 Men’s Hybrid Bike
- sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
- Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
- Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike
- Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike
- Diamondback Wildwood Classic Comfort Bike
- sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Bicycle
- Schwinn Discover Women’s Hybrid Bicycle
- Raleigh Detour 2 Women’s Comfort Bike
Now, let’s take a look at the feature overview of my Top 3 Overall Picks. Further, our buying guide and comparison table of the best-rated hybrid bikes will help you choose the right one for you.
So, without any due let’s get started
Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500
[table id=12 /]Note: Scroll/Swipe Horizontally To View All 3 Overall Picks.
For more on Wheels Compared Bikes recommendations, have a look at these popular guide links: Best Budget Road Bikes, Best BMX Bikes
Best Hybrid Bike Reviews
#1. Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid Bike
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Vilano haven’t been in the industry for centuries, but you have to admit it though, through their dedication towards perfection, they have made their name in a short period of time. Everyone recognizes them.
In fact when the Diverse 3.0 came out the headlines must be; Vilano Strikes Gold!
That’s how much perfect the bike is! It’s an entry-level hybrid bike, which cuts zero corners for the everyday riders.
Features
For around $300, you’ll get an aluminum frame with a complete black-theme that looks as sleek and as modern as it gets. When you ride the Diverse 3.0 for the first time, you’ll be amazed how smooth and comfortable the experience is, as I was!
That’s why earlier I said; Vilano Strikes Gold! With this bike. And that’s the reason why it’s one of the best overall entry-level hybrid bikes.
Other than that, with a 6160 aluminum frame, you’ll get a front fork suspension, which is normal and can take some beating off the city roads and potholes. But remember it’s not that outstanding that you’ll get a $1000 hybrid bike in the form of Diverse 3.0.
But what’s good about the Diverse 3.0 is that it’s packed with some features that you’ll only get in high-end hybrid bikes. Like the brakes; Vilano offers Shimano Manual Disc brakes which provide excellent leverage and stopping power.
The other thing I like about the bike is that it also features 24-speed Shimano EF 51 3/8 shifters. The shifters are integrated with break leaver, so you won’t have to worry about losing any ability to maintain speed or maneuverability.
Either its rain or snow, the shifters work flawlessly and quietly with disk brakes, allowing you to concentrate on the road.
- Weinmann 700c rims (Not top of the class, but does the work)
- 700 x 35c Kenda tires which are perfect for roads and paved trails
- Fits everybody from 5’4″ to 6’4″
All in all, it’s really a good bike, as some brands are offering the same features but the price tag on them is doubled.
Cons
Well if you are short and don’t get the right size, the top tube might give you a hard time while straddling. The other thing to notice is the Shimano gears, as they can be a bit tricky if you have never used one.
The Bottom Line
Other than that, it is my top recommendation for anyone out there looking for an entry-level hybrid bike which being affordable is also packed with some quality components and offers you a nice comfortable riding experience.
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#2. Schwinn Network 3.0 Men’s Hybrid Bike
Check the latest price on Amazon.
If there’s anyone who can build a perfect hybrid bike its Schwinn. If you don’t know about Schwinn, you must’ve been living in a cave or something. Known for their cycling legacy, they’ve been in the industry from around 1895.
Hell loads of experience, Right?
So unlike Vilano, if you are looking for a bike from a brand which is celebrated for their cycling legacy and reputation for building high-quality bikes, then Schwinn Network 3.0 is the best that you can get today.
In fact, the first bike that I ever road was a Schwinn’ Classic Road bike.
Features
What I like about this bike is that it’s focused more towards the rider’s comfort with an SR Suntour front fork suspension and to soften the ride, the bike also features a Schwinn padded saddle with a suspension seat post. So you get a nice and smooth cushioned ride.
- It’s an aluminum hybrid frame, and unlike other cheap bikes on the market, Schwinn offers pure aluminum frame. So it’s lightweight but also provides the comfort of a steel frame that some people prefer.
- For fast and precise shifting Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters with Shimano 21-speed rear derailleur are installed.
- With this bike, you’ll get the alloy linear pull brake which does the job perfectly. Although I’ll prefer the Vilano’s mechanical disk brakes but you really can’t complain about a bike that is just around $300.
- Lightweight alloy rims with SR Suntour alloy crank to offer you a wide range of gears to choose from.
Schwinn features an upright riding position with the help of swept-back handlebar and an adjustable stem for the customized riding position. So, with an upright riding position Network, 3.0 is built for speedy morning commutes and long weekend rides. You can ride it for long hours, and you won’t feel tired, or you’re back aching, that’s the reason it’s a comfort hybrid bike.
Cons
There isn’t much to add to the cons section as it’s a perfect comfort hybrid bike that you can get for around $300. But what I noticed is that the tires tend to lose air pressure that could be because of the low-quality inner tubes or it could maybe just because of the road conditions on which I rode the bike.
The Bottom Line
Anyways, if you’ve never purchased a comfort bike before, or you simply want to enjoy the world from your cycle, the Schwinn Network 3.0 is a great place to start. It offers maximum comfort and safety, with precise and quick shifting and most of all its affordable.
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#3. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Frame: Half Step-Through aluminum frame with comfort geometry for easy maneuvering.
- Handlebar: Steel 70mm Ultra Riser
- Tires: 26”x1.95” Tires with Standard Semi-Slick Tread to provide a nice cushioned and stable ride.
- Fork: Steel
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano external hub, Shimano Tourney FD-TZ31 shifter, Shimano drivetrain
- Brakes: Front and rear V-Brakes
If you are a fan of cruiser bikes and want something which is classic and looks like a modern showpiece just like those eye-catching bikes you see on California beaches and trails.
Then no one can make it better than sixthreezero. A company which originally started in a garage out in Hermosa Beach, CA with a motive to get people excited about the two-wheel movement, that they actually succeeded in.
So from a garage to a well know brand, you can bet how good these bikes are and most importantly affordable.
Features
EvryJourney features an all-black theme from a matte black frame to blacked-out components and matching fenders. But, if you think that it’s only a showstopper or a sleek modern classic cruiser don’t be fooled. It performs and delivers just as good as it looks!
The modern cruiser will cost you around $400. But trust me when you’ll ride it for the first time, any of your doubts regarding having paid more than you should or any other thoughts that you might have, would be long gone. You would simply love it!
Best of all as the name suggests ‘’EVRY’’ it is meant to go everywhere that you can desire of apart from the mountains. Just don’t take it there!
Other than that, it is designed to take on steep hills, and with that upright riding position and comfy saddle, you can ride it for hours without feeling tired. Either its dirt trails or paved city streets Sixthreezero ensures the perfect ride that you desire of.
Cons
There aren’t many negatives points that I think of or that I could list down, apart from some minor things like after you have ridden it for a few times; you do have to adjust the brakes according to your personal preferences. Also, the bike comes with a weight limit of 300 pounds. So take a note of that!
The Bottom Line
So, if you are looking for a cruiser hybrid bike, this is the perfect bike that you’ll ever get on the market for this price. With sixthreezero the value for money is just through the roof.
It offers everything that a $1000+ premium cruiser bikes offers and most importantly its backed with loads of positive costumer’s reviews. Hence, if you are considering a cruiser hybrid just go to Amazon and read some reviews, that’s all you have to do in order to decide whether it’s for you or not.
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#4. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Frame: AL-6061 Aluminum
- Handlebar: Swept-back Aluminum bars
- Tires: 700 x 35c Kenda tires
- Fork: Schwinn suspension fork
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Brakes: Promax alloy rim brakes
Like the Network 3.0, the Discover is also from the Schwinn’s. So, it also adds to the legacy and reputation of the brand. If you’ll ask me, Schwinn deserves every single ounce of appreciation for their dedication towards excellence over the years, and just like Network 3.0, it’s also a comfort bike.
The Discover comes in two styles of frames; a step-through frame for women and the one I’m reviewing right now is for men.
If you are looking for women’s hybrid bikes, you should check out my latest guide: Best hybrid bikes for women.
Features
The bike features an aluminum frame which is a lightweight frame and helps in the maneuverability of the bike. Being a comfort bike, the Schwinn Discover is packed with features necessary to enjoy a comfortable and joyful riding experience.
Starting from the city frame geometry and anatomic grips along with dual-density construction and a rear rack for your luggage, backpack or any kind of groceries, it’s just perfect for riding in town, going to your office and for your short errands.
The bike features an adjustable stem with swept-back handlebars to give the rider a more upright riding experience, whereas, for increased comfort, a comfy saddle with suspension seat post is installed.
Pedaling for long without bursting your lungs and riding up steep hills is made easier with 21-speed SRAM grip shifters and Shimano rear derailleur. For braking, the bike uses Promax alloy linear pull brakes which are really good for an entry-level bike.
Cons
Well, the bad news is the Schwinn Discover Hybrid bike only comes in one size. The bad part about that one size is that it only favors the tall riders those who are 5 feet and 10 inches or above. So, for anyone below that I would recommend you to go for the Network 3.0, which comes in three different frame sizes.
The Bottom Line
With that being said, it’s really a solid bike and would last for years and years. So, anyone who is looking for a nice, durable, entry-level hybrid bike, Discover is a good option to have. At the end of the day, it’s all about getting out there and enjoying every bit of your ride.
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Raleigh Bikes Fitness Hybrid Bikes
If you are looking for something which will help you to raise your fitness goals! Or something to stay fit and active all day long! Then Raleigh is the answer because fitness bikes don’t come cheap at all. Raleigh offers two fitness models Cadent 1 and Cadent 2. The only difference between the two models is the price and features, but both serve the same purpose to help you reach your fitness goals. But what’s good about these bikes is that they are quite affordable and range from $400 – $500 which is almost quarter the amount what some other companies are charging for the same features.
#5. Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Frame: AL-6061 Aluminum frame with Butted Tubing
- Handlebar: Steel Mid Riser with Raleigh Comfort Grips
- Tires: 700x35c Kenda Kwick Tendril
- Fork: Cro-mo Canti Road
- Gears: Shimano Tourney Shifter along with three front & 7 rear gears
- Brakes: Tektro V-brakes
The Raleigh Cadent 1 rides the line between a light, nimble road bike and a sturdy, stable mountain bike. Whether you are looking to have fun rides down the local greenway or navigate the city on your way to work, the Cadent 1 is your perfect companion.
With Shimano attorney’s 7-speed shifters, it offers 21 gears to choose from. This all-around fitness bike offers fast 700 x 35c tires, which are wide enough to provide extra traction for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Moreover, with strong double walled wheels, the Cadent 1 will always be ready for your next ride.
A lightweight steel fork keeps the steering precise. The riser bar with Raleigh comfort grips makes for a stable upright riding position and great handling. Tectro Mini V-Brakes have been installed for ample braking power.
Best of all the Cadent 1 comes shipped ready to ride, so its 95% assembled out of the box. As Raleigh says ‘’Get fit, go fast and have fun on the Cadent 1.’’
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#6. Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Frame: AL-6061 Aluminum frame with Butted Tubing
- Handlebar: Kalloy Alloy 15mm Riser with Raleigh Comfort Grips
- Tires: 700x35c Kenda Kwick Tendril
- Fork: Cro-mo Canti Road
- Gears: Shimano Tourney EZ Fire Shifter along with three front & 8 rear gears
- Brakes: Tektro Novela mechanical disc
If you like the idea of a lightweight, nimble road bike that is comfortable and has the easy handling of a mountain bike then, the Cadent 2 is definitely for you.
The bike features Shimano Tourney EZ Fire 8-speed shifters, which offer 24 gears to choose from that will get you up and down the hills. 700x35c Kenda Kwick tires with 25mm width that adds to the stability and helps to cushion your ride, enabling your wheels to roll efficiently over the different terrains. The tires are packed with premium features like puncture resistance layer to prevent flats and extra tread on the tires for cornering.
Cadent 2 is made of a lightweight aluminum frame and Cro-mo Canti Road fork, giving you a light and efficient ride.
The bike also includes fenders to protect you from any type of dirt or mud and a rear carriage rack for commuting or hauling gear. Riser bars and Raleigh comfort grips make for a stable upright position and smooth handling. For braking, the bike comes equipped with premium Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes that deliver some serious stopping power.
Best of all just like the Cadent 1, the Cadent 2 also comes 95% assembled right out of the box. This fitness hybrid bike is made to put in miles along the bike path right to the city, on your way to work or go anywhere in between.
The Bottom Line
If you are ready to set some of your fitness goals to the next level then, I would highly recommend you to opt for any of the two Raleigh Fitness hybrid models. Fitness hybrids are really expensive and start from around $1000 – $5000. But somehow Raleigh manages to get the prices down, so they are affordable for everyone.
Note: Do remember they aren’t the best fitness hybrid bikes out there in the market but are the best that you can get for under $500. So you get what you pay for!
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#7. Diamondback Wildwood Classic Comfort Bike
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Frame: 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum frame
- Handlebar: Steel 70mm Ultra Riser with Diamondback Comfort Grips
- Tires: 26” x 1.95” Kenda Comfort Tires
- Fork: HL Zoom comfort suspension
- Gears: 21 Shimano drivetrain with Shimano EF-51 Easyfire shifter
- Brakes: Alloy linear V-Brakes
If you are looking for a perfect comfort bike and need something nice and comfortable for short leisurely commutes, then Wildwood offers all that at quite a reasonable price.
Diamond Bikes have made a name for them in a short period of 30 years and are well known for their mid-range, affordable and most importantly bikes that promote comfort.
Remember, being a comfort delivering bike, it’s for riders who want a smooth riding experience, so it’s not meant to fulfill your off-road excursions.
Features
With that said, Wildwood features an aluminum frame which is paired with HL zoom comfort suspension with 63mm travel, sufficient enough to take on potholes and all the bumps big or small. The bike also features a double padded saddle with a suspension seat post that adds to the comfort of the bike.
Along with that, the bike comes equipped with 21-speed Shimano drivetrain with three gears up front and 7 in the back; enough to get you up and down the hills. For quick and precise shifting SRAM Twist MRX Shifters are installed.
To promote a more upright riding position, the bike also features an adjustable stem with riser bars. So overall you can say it is meant for comfort.
Cons
For a comfort bike, the 21-speed drivetrain seems a headache for those who aren’t used to shifters or prefer simplicity. Another thing that I noticed is that the bike seems a bit heavier than any other bike on the list. This might be due to the added weight of the HL Zoom comfort suspensions.
The Bottom Line
Apart from the cons, I would highly recommend this bike it’s affordable and is packed with features that ensure to give you a truly comfortable riding experience. Whether you need it for your daily commutes or short errands, Diamondback Wildwood is a perfect addition in your everyday life.
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Comparison Table: Hybrid Bikes under $500
[table id=13 /]Note: Scroll/Swipe Horizontally To View Full Comparison Table
Looking for some thrill fill adventures then you might wanna checkout these guide links: Best Entry- Level MTBs, Best Fixies
Women’s Hybrid Bikes Under $500
Many of the so-called biking experts would tell you that hybrid bikes are unisex – let me tell you they are NOT and don’t fall for their sales pitch. Like some would say that there are no budget friendly or affordable hybrid bikes on the market for women or like they’ll want you to buy some expensive hybrid bike.
So don’t fall for what they say! Though it’s a headache to find a perfect hybrid bike which will fit your style and need but a little research will help you find the perfect bike that you are looking for.
Best Hybrid Bikes For Women (Top 3 Picks)
[table id=15 /]Note: Scroll/Swipe Horizontally To View All 3 Overall Picks.
With that said, here is a list of some of the top-rated hybrid bikes under $500 for women.
- sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Bicycle
- Schwinn Discover Women’s Hybrid Bicycle
- Raleigh Detour 2 Women’s Comfort Bike
- Kent Northwoods Springdale Women’s Hybrid Bike
- Raleigh Alysa 1 Women’s Fitness Hybrid Bike
- Raleigh Alysa 2 Women’s Fitness Hybrid Bike
- Schwinn Capitol Women’s Hybrid Bicycle
Again, I won’t go through all of them as there is a detailed guide on women’s hybrid bikes that I have published recently, so check it out.
Comparison Table: Women’s Hybrid Bikes under $500
[table id=16 /]Note: Scroll/Swipe Horizontally To View Full Comparison Table
How to Choose the Best Hybrid Bike
For a lot of riders, hybrid bikes are great options because they offer great flexibility and combined features from both mountain and road bike worlds. So they ride well on different types of terrains; either it is flat paved surface or slight off-roading.
Let’s discuss what to look for when choosing the best hybrid bike out there in the market.
- Riding Style
- Type of Hybrid Bikes
- Overall Best Road Hybrid Bike
- Overall Best Hybrid Bike
- Overall Best Comfort Hybrid Bike
- Overall Best Cruiser Hybrid Bike
- Overall Best Fitness Hybrid Bike
Without any due let’s find the perfect hybrid bike for you!
Riding Style
First, consider how you wanna ride the bike? Are you riding to relax, to get fit, to see the city or to explore the great outdoors? Do you want to haul gear on a commute or wanna grab kids with you on a someday ride!
Second, consider where you’ll be riding your bike? Will you be riding mostly on streets and paved trails or do you want some flexibility to go exploring like on crushed limestone or light gravel? Got that perfect ride pictured in your mind? Great!
Now, if you have figured how you’ll be riding then, you would have a sound idea of which type of hybrid bike you need. But remember don’t choose the bike solely on the type of riding you’ll be doing. You need to look into your budget, bike style, like what’s it built for, the tires, suspension brakes and the other things too.
Type of Hybrid Bikes
With that said, let’s find which style of bike would be best for you. Most of the time, the name of the bike explains it all, whether the bike has a greater emphasis on mountain or road biking, or merely on comfort.
#1. Overall Best Road Hybrid Bike
Henceforth, if you are looking for a fast commuter and will mostly be riding on paved surfaces, then a bike which emphasizes more towards a road bike will be better for you. A bike with skinnier tires and a rigid fork will give you a quicker, lighter ride.
If that’s the case, you can go for Vilano Diverse 3.0, which is a performance hybrid road bike. How it differs from a road bike is that it features skinnier tires which are just a bit wider than your standard road bike tires. Moreover, unlike a road bike with this bike you’re still upright enough that you can see around you in traffic or neighborhoods.
#2. Overall Best Hybrid Bike
If you’re not always sure where the day will take you, and you have to be prepared for any type of surface. You might wanna opt for a more comfort-oriented bike with a front suspension fork and wider tires. The suspension fork will help you absorb all the bumps and potholes on rough roads or gravel trails, and the wider, knobbier tires will provide you with better traction.
So, you’ve got two options here
You can opt for any of the two models both are the best in their class.
#3. Overall Best Comfort Hybrid Bike
If you are looking for a comfortable recreational ride, look for a bike that offers you a more upright position. This geometry is more relaxed, and the wider tires will help cushion any bumps on the road. Some of the models will even provide you a suspension seat post and an adjustable stem to make the ride feel like more of yours.
Here you can go for the Network 3.0 or the Diamondback Wildwood
#4. Overall Best Cruiser Hybrid Bike
To sum up the best cruiser hybrid bike, it will be one that is meant for your leisurely cruises around town on paved trails and one that will be made for adventure. Then, there’s only one option for you, and that is sixthreezero EVRYjourney. I couldn’t add up any bike against the EvryJourney because it’s the best of the best. You won’t find any other option that would offer the same amount of value on the table at almost about quarter the price what other companies are charging to their customers.
#5. Overall Best Fitness Hybrid Bike
If you are looking for a more fitness-oriented ride, a bike that totally focuses on its sole purpose of fitness for the rider then the best is Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2. As to why it’s better than the Cadent 1 is because it features mechanical disc brakes, which I think is a must-have feature for a fitness hybrid bike.
Now, with that said let’s wrap some things up. Jump Straight to Conclusion if you have a sound idea which bike is perfect for you.
You are OK to skip through the Buyer’s Guide.
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Hybrid Bike Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider When Buying A Hybrid Bike
Still, if some of you aren’t sure about which bike to choose, or want to know more about hybrid bikes. Here are some of the key features that might help you to choose the best hybrid bike.
Frame
Just like any other bike on the market, hybrid bike frames also come in three main materials.
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Carbon
As we all know, steel bikes are the most comfortable ones and also look great, but steel is least likely material to be used. Because of steel, the bike becomes a bit heavier, making it difficult to maneuver around. That leaves us with Aluminum which is lightweight yet comfortable and the most affordable option. Carbon fiber is only featured in high-end premium hybrid bikes.
Fork and Suspension
Depending upon the bike, some manufacturers feature rigid fork of some different material which has a greater shock absorption ability as compared to those that are made of the same material as the frame. Some would feature suspension fork with some travel. So, as discussed earlier it will greatly depend upon the style of hybrid bike you are choosing.
For a more comfortable riding experience look for bikes that have a suspension seat post.
Handlebars
Unlike the road bikes or mountain bikes that come with Drop Bars and Flat Handlebars, hybrid bikes would feature flat bars with some rise to give you an upright riding position. So, look for hybrid bikes which feature pre-installed comfort grips and an adjustable stem to provide you a more of your own or personalized kind of feeling. Check out all the types of handlebars on Wiki.
Wheels and Tires
When looking at the wheels of your hybrid bike, you again have to look into your riding style. That being said hybrid bikes feature two classes of wheels 700cc which are thinner and well suited for road riding. They roll efficiently on roads, and high air pressure in these 700cc tires make higher speeds and longer rides easier.
On the other hand, cruiser and comfort bikes would feature 26” wheels. But that’s not necessary as many of the comfort bikes also come in with 700cc wheels.
The 26” wheels have a greater emphasis on providing a more cushioned and comfortable riding experience. They are good for off-roading and absorb most of the jumps and cracks on the road more than perfectly, although the 700cc’s would give you an easier acceleration.
Brakes
It’s a stupid question to ask, like which brakes are better Disc or Rim? Of course, it’s the disc brakes. They offer you greater leverage and confidence on the road and offer a more precise and consistent braking power in any kind of situation like on wet surfaces.
But, as we are reviewing budget hybrid bikes, you won’t find them on all of the bikes. There are only two bikes on our list that feature them; Vilano Diverse 3.0 which is a performance hybrid road bike and Raleigh Cadent 2 which is a fitness hybrid.
But I’m not saying that the rim brakes of liner pull brakes are all bad. They serve the purpose perfectly and would provide you with enough stopping power for any kind of situation that you can encounter on the road.
Other Features to Look For
Once you’ve chosen the type of hybrid bike that’s best for you, think about what accessories and features will make your ride your own. Like some lights for safety, fenders for wet weather and rear rack for your groceries and all.
All of the hybrid bikes come with a variety of spec options to fit a wide range of budgets. Some of the models are also available like electric bikes, which make riding a bike even more accessible and a lot more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Hybrid Bikes
Q: What makes a hybrid bike different from a road bike or a mountain bike?
A: Hybrid bikes combine features from both mountain bike and road bike worlds which leaves you with the word ‘’hybrid’’. Apart from just the word they offer you more options and versatility in your everyday life.
Hybrid bikes can be ridden on paved roads and trails as well are good for slight off-roading. They are offering you a more comfortable riding experience. In general, they are more practical than any of the road or mountain bikes.
Unlike road or mountain bikes; Hybrid bikes allow you to transport your belongings with rear racks and bags which makes them suitable as an urban commuter. And the wide range of gears available on a hybrid bike enables you to easily get on and off the hills and ride as long as you want to.
Q: What are the benefits of a hybrid bike?
A: There are way too many benefits of a hybrid bike, so I’ll just go through only two of them
- The thing is hybrid bikes are a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. This leaves you with swept-back handlebars that provide an upright riding position which is far more comfortable than leaning forward. Also, it is safer to ride this way when you are going through traffic.
- Whether you are buying a road bike or a mountain bike, a specialized bike which is built for a sole purpose to deliver at hand would always be expensive. So, one of the major benefits of getting a hybrid bike is that they are comparatively cheaper than the other two (mountain or road bike) and offer a lot more in terms of practicality.
Q: What’s the right size of the frame for my hybrid bike?
A: This is the most common question asked by the riders; what’s the perfect bike size of the frame. Many manufacturers have a detailed guide on the size guide. A hybrid bike is measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the top tube; further your height and inseam leg measurements help you to choose the perfect size. I’ll leave you with a general size chart.
Men’s Hybrid Bikes | Women’s Hybrid Bikes | ||
Rider Height | Suggested Size | Rider Height | Suggested Size |
4’10” – 5’2″ | 13″ – 14″ | 4’10” – 5’2″ | 13″ – 14″ |
5’2″ – 5’6″ | 15″ – 16″ | 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 15″ – 16″ |
5’6″ – 5′ 10″ | 17″ – 18″ | 5’6″ – 5′ 10″ | 17″ – 18″ |
5’10” – 6’1″ | 19″ – 20″ | 5’10” – 6’1″ | 19″+ |
6’1″ – 6’4″ | 21″ – 22″ | ||
6’4″ – 6’6″ | 23″ – 24″ |
Make sure to also check the manufacturer size chart. Also here’s a detailed guide by Gobiking.ca to help you get that perfect fit.
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The Bottom Line
Now, it’s really up to you to choose from the list above or if you are considering any other hybrid bike that you think would be best for you, just keep in mind the key points that I have mentioned above. At the end of the day, it’s really about getting out there and enjoying every last bit of your ride.
So, with that said it’s a wrap. Hope you enjoyed this detailed guide of how to buy the best hybrid bike out there in the market under $500. Hit me up in the comments section, if you’ve got any kind of query or suggestion for a bike that you think is the best; I’m open for discussion. Also, do let me know which bike you chose in the comments.
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