Hybrid Rider If you like to mix it up a bit, but only want to fork out for one bike then the hybrid is the style for you. The concept behind the hybrid is to merge the design of the mountain bike with that of the road bike, taking the best bits of both to make a genuine all rounder.

What you end up with is a bike with a huge range of gears, multi condition tyres on larger wheels (for faster rolling with less resistance than a mountain bike) and mounting points for mudguards and racks.

There are several different styles that fall within the hybrid category and these lean towards either the road or the mountain bike so, before you choose the style that suits you, you will need to have an idea of the type of riding you will be doing. For example, someone intending to spend more time on road and cycle paths would be best opting for a Giant Escape or similar, while anyone keener for a little more adventure may choose along the lines of a Giant Roam.

Featured Hybrid Bikes

Though we no longer maintain our product catalogue online, we have chosen a small selection of our recommendations to feature on the website, which you will find below, along with a link to the manufacturers product specification.

Giant Escape 1

Giant Escape 1

If you spend most of your time on the cycle paths and highways, and long leisure rides are your style, then a Giant Escape 1 would suit your needs. The frame is designed to sit the rider in a comfortable, fairly upright, position while still transmitting enough weight through the handlebars to ensure good handling and control.

These bikes are highly adaptable, with rack and mudguard mounting points, ergo grips, riser bars, a carbon fork providing improved shock absorption and tyres that are wide enough to give comfort and traction without slowing you down.

Giant Roam XR3

Giant Roam XR3

When you ride over both tarmac and trail, the Roam is going to be right up your street and the XR3 is a great value package. This model has shares features with the Escape, but has front suspension to give a smoother, more controlled ride over the rougher surfaces and has a light frame and a very durable, 27 speed, Shimano Deore group set.

The Roam has a little more flair than its counterparts, with a brighter, more vivid colour scheme that has greater appeal with the younger generation of rider, or just the young at heart!

Giant Cypress DX (W)

Giant Cypress DX (W)

The Cypress is a favourite with us, as it has such a wide appeal and comes with a choice of men's or women's frame. The roots of this design lies very much with the old Dutch 'sit up and beg' style bikes, but with much more modern equipment and a lightweight aluminium frame.

Very popular with the older generation, these bikes have a suspension fork, as well as a suspension seat post, which combine to prevent most road vibration from reaching the rider.