Re: hybrid bikes

08-08-2003, 05:33 PM

"Doctor Phibes" wrote
> So why not a modern hybrid? It has a light frame, it has a crankset
> larger than what you'd get with a modified mountain bike. The tires
> will not have the same preasure problems that occur with road tires.
> Keep in mind i'm just trying to commute not race, not fitness
> riding...just ride to and from work...to supermarket and back etc. For
> those things i'd just simply use or get another bike. Great thing
> about bikes, a great bike is a fraction of the cheapest cars.

They often seem to be lower quality bikes but there are plenty of mtbs like
that and all hybrids are not cheap. Some even seem like real road bikes with
flat bars. Commuting bikes tend to get abused anyway, especially in winter
salt & slush and cleaning isn't easy in the cold. Why wreck your best bike?

Many say mtb hubs are better sealed than road. And an upright position in
dense winter winds is not my fondest wish. Apart from that hybrids seem
better built for commuting, general bike needs. All seem to have fender and
rear rack brazeons, some even have lowrider brazeons.

The wheels would probably be better with some tightening by someone who knws
wheels and you should avoid the curb-jumping, sidewalk-riding style but you
know that. You want it, go for it.

Doug
Toronto

08-08-2003, 06:49 PM

I commute on a road bike with a messenger bag. I have a set of 36 spoke
wheels and use Armadillo tires. The tires are 700X26, a bit large for
"roadies". Flats are not an issue. I replaced the quick release skewers
with Kryptonite locking skewers for quick and easy parking. I'm happy as
can be with what I have but I also have ordered a touring frame which I
intend to build up with racks, fenders etc. for foul weather/heavy loads.

A "hybrid" bike is probably a good idea for commuting. Just make sure the
components are good enough to hold up. The "speed" difference over a sub10
mile commute between race bike and a smell the roses hybrid amounts to a few
minutes. I have a special place where I stop on the way to work to watch
egrets in a tidal slough while I sip coffee from my stainless steel vacuum
bike bottle. Commuting is not racing. It's starting the day feeling great
and ending the work day the same way.

The best bike is the one that gets ridden.
I agree with Doug
Bob

You want it, go for it.
>
> Doug
> Toronto