cannondale vs trek hybrid bikes

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Cannondale Vs Trek Bike – Who has the better bikes?

If you’re looking to buy a bike, there are two strong contenders that we suggest - Cannondale bikes and Trek bikes. These two manufacturers have each made their mark in the cycling business as being high-quality brands. Both  Cannondale  and Trek bikes incorporate carefully selected components meant to elevate your riding experience.

As brands, Trek and Cannondale both have their unique way of doing things. However, the end goal of both manufacturers is to come up with top-notch bikes for riders of all levels.

People ride for many reasons, some ride as a way to commute easily in dense traffic. Some others ride as a means to get some form of physical exercise. Some people ride bikes to unwind, and then there are professionals who compete in races and take part in tours or triathlons. Whatever your reason for riding, we’re assuming that you want a bike that satisfies your purpose for riding? If so, then both Cannondale and Trek are brands to go for and are worth comparing.

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of things, here’s a brief overview of the brands. 

Cannondale Brand Overview

In 1971, the world was reeling under all kinds of digital inventions. And yet, cycling seemed to remain the same. Cannondale, the brand, came into being to change that. This cycling brand is credited with heralding the use of carbon fiber frames in cycles. It also changed the frame with innovative designs that equipped cycles to be fast enough, even for racing.

Cannondale houses a wide range of road bikes, mountain bikes, active bikes, electric bikes, and even kids’ bikes. But the brand is most popularly known for its trekking bikes. These bikes deliver on all fronts, from their technical feedback to their durability.

Trek Brand Overview

Another major player in the cycle market is  Trek . Their brand made its entry into the market in early 1976 with its steel-frame bikes. By the end of the year, Trek had built dozens of custom frames and had become an independent company.

A couple of years later, in 1999, Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France on his Trek bike. Today, Trek caters to people on the lookout for road bikes, mountain bikes, or hybrid bikes with excellent quality and performance.

You may also want to read:   American-Made Bikes: The Best Quality, Value, and Style

Cannondale Bikes Vs Trek Bikes Comparison

Want to know whether Cannondale bikes or Trek bikes are more suited for you? Let’s journey through the differences and similarities among bikes from these two brands to figure this out.

Feature Comparison

Cannondale bikes have a luxurious appeal about them. On the other hand, Trek bicycles are popularly associated with seeing Lance Armstrong through his Tour de France wins. Both manufacturing companies impress with their line-up of bikes. Moreover, they both go head to head on every level when it comes to quality and performance.

However, there are differences between bikes from Cannondale and Trek. Some of them are:

The Types of Bikes from Each Manufacturer

Both Cannondale and Trek feature bikes from the main  bike types  from road bikes to mountain bikes and commuter bikes. Both of these companies also have bicycles specially designed for women riders. However, in terms of variety, Trek takes the win by providing a wider variety in each cycling category.

Value for Money

If we’re talking money, Trek offers excellent performance at a lower value than Cannondale bikes. The price tag of a bike will vary from model to model. Therefore, the above statement takes into account the average cost of bikes from these two brands.

Friendliness for Different Types of Riders

The top tubes in Cannondale bikes run longer and fit better, making them friendlier for riders with a long torso. On the contrary, cyclists with a short torso may find Trek bikes more comfortable. The frame in the same type of bike also differs slightly between Cannondale and Trek bikes. As such, you should enquire about these specifics when buying a bike from either brand.

In terms of overall quality and finish, both brands are more or less on par with each other.

Trek and Cannondale utilize carbon and aluminum frames for their bikes. Moreover, each frame material has advantages that make it hard to compare. Riders are also likely to have their preference for either carbon or aluminum frames. With that in mind, it is not practical to say that one brand’s bikes are superior to the other.

Apart from the previously mentioned two materials, Trek also uses steel for some of their bike models (entry-level mountain bikes and kids’ bikes). So if you wanted to consider the fact that you can get a wider variety of frame types from Trek, then we could say they are better in this regard.

Cannondale bikes typically feature tires that fall between 30 inches to 35 inches. The width is generally anywhere from 26 mm to 28 mm. You can ride your Cannondale bike through urban streets because its tires boast enough tread.

To ensure you get your money’s worth, the tires on Cannondale bicycles have a special reflective coating. This detailing helps improve visibility when you ride during late evenings.

The tires on Trek bikes have more clearance than Cannondale bike tires so that they can fit wider tires. A vast majority of Trek bicycles can accommodate tires, which are 32 mm wide and 30 to 35 inches in diameter.

Range of Everyday Bikes

If you are looking for an efficient bike for your daily commute, Cannondale has active bikes and electric bikes. They offer riders an environmentally friendly way to traverse through urban streets. Plus, cycling gives you a chance to enjoy a nice physical workout.

Trek offers riders its version of reliable everyday rides with its hybrid bikes. They are easy to ride, lightweight, and comfortable. Trek hybrid bikes are ideal for commuting, for leisurely rides, or exercise. They can be ridden over different surfaces – some models are more suited for pavements, and others are great on dirt paths or trails.

Their Range of Environmentally Friendly Electric Bikes

Many of Trek’s hybrid bikes have their electric versions. They typically have a + symbol after their model name. The electric bikes offer the same level of performance and comfort as Trek hybrid bikes. A major advantage is that electric bikes from Trek boast extra power, thanks to their pedal-assist system from Bosch.

On the other hand, Cannondale’s range of electric bikes promises three things - speed, more distance coverage, and fun. The brand offers E-mountain bikes, E-fitness bikes, E-urban bikes, E-touring bikes, and E-road bikes. Cannondale’s newest electric MTBs are built for challenging uphill and downhill conquests.

The Manufacturers As Pioneers

Cannondale is known for its willingness to explore new techniques. This desire for innovation led it to explore the use of carbon and alloy frames in the 2000s. These materials are lighter than the then commonly used aluminum.

Cannondale also came up with the lefty fork, which helps reduce the weight of a bike. It is because of their passion for innovation that the brand today has such a loyal fanbase.

Trek, on the other hand, is committed to functionality and sustainability with their bikes. This manufacturer is no stranger to taking up initiatives that promote environmental friendliness.

Pros  Of Cannondale

• They are made of high-quality materials.
• Cannondale, as a brand, is lauded for its progressive designs.
• Cannondale bikes are a result of intricate research and development. Many people argue that they are more innovative than Trek.
• These bikes can shift quite seamlessly from low to high speeds (and vice versa).
• They consistently perform well even on wet or uneven surfaces.

Cons OF CANNONDALE

• They are on the pricey side, even more so than Trek in most cases.
• They may not have as many bike models as Trek.
• Most Cannondale bikes are suited for average-sized riders.

Pros  Of Trek

• The brand has a huge and loyal fan base.
• They have umpteen options of bike types for different types/levels of riders.
• Trek bike models are continually being revamped to improve their performance.
• Trek, as a brand, is focused on being environmentally friendly.

Cons OF Trek

• Trek bikes also come with a considerable price tag.
• Cannondale bicycles rank higher than Trek when it comes to being innovative or progressive.

What are the Main Differences Between Cannondale Bikes Vs Trek Bikes?

Trek’s popularity stems from the Tour de France wins that brought their road bikes to the forefront. Cannondale, on the other hand, is most associated with its range of trekking bikes.

When you compare both manufacturers overall, Cannondale is ahead of Trek in terms of research and innovation. On average, their bikes perform better across different terrains. However, Trek bikes promise just as good a performance as their counterpart, for a lesser price tag.

What sets Cannondale and Trek apart as mountain bike brands?

Cannondale is known for its use of innovative designs and carbon fiber frames, which make their bikes lightweight and fast. Trek is known for its wide variety of bike models and its association with professional cyclist Lance Armstrong.

How do the disc brakes on Cannondale vs Trek mountain bikes compare?

Both mountain bike from each brand are equipped with high-quality disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power in a variety of conditions. However, the specific models and types of disc brakes may vary between the two brands.

Do Cannondale and Trek mountain bikes have fender mounts?

Some models of Cannondale and Trek mountain bikes may have fender mounts, but it is not a standard feature on all of their models. It is best to check the specific model you are interested in to see if it has fender mounts.

How do the ride quality and handling of Cannondale vs Trek mountain bikes compare?

Both mountain bikes are known for their excellent ride quality and handling. The specific ride characteristics may vary between different models and types of bikes, so it is best to test ride or research the specific bike you are interested in.

What sets Cannondale and Trek apart from other mountain bike brands?

Cannondale and Trek are both well-known and respected brands in the bicycle industry. Both brands have a reputation for producing high-quality mountain bikes with innovative features, such as internal cable routing and advanced suspension systems. Cannondale is also known for its unique frame designs, which are often favored by riders who prefer a more aggressive riding style.

How do the different bikes offered by Cannondale and Trek compare in terms of ride quality?

Both Cannondale and Trek offer a wide range of bikes, including road bikes, MTBs, and hybrid bikes. The ride quality of a specific bike will depend on its design and components, so it is difficult to compare the brands as a whole. However, in general, both are known for producing high-quality bikes that offer a smooth and comfortable ride.

What are some key features to consider when comparing these bikes?

When comparing Cannondale and Trek bikes, some key features to consider include the type of bike (e.g. road bike, mountain bike, hybrid), the quality of the frame and components, the suspension system, and the internal cable routing. You should also consider your riding style and any specific needs or preferences you may have.

Can Cannondale and Trek bikes accommodate different riding styles and abilities?

Yes, both offer a wide range of bikes that are suitable for riders of different styles and abilities. For example, Cannondale offers mountain bikes with full suspension systems that are ideal for aggressive riders, as well as hardtail bikes that are better suited for less experienced riders. Trek also offers a range of bikes for different riding styles and abilities, so it is important to research and compare the options to find the best fit for you.

Are Cannondale and Trek considered to be good brands in the bicycle industry?

Cannondale and Trek are both well-respected and highly regarded brands in the bicycle industry. They are known for producing high-quality bikes that cater to a range of riders, from recreational to professional. While Cannondale bicycles may be considered more expensive than Trek on average, both brands offer great bikes and are worth considering when comparing options.

Is Trek a good brand to consider when looking to buy a new bike?

Yes, Trek is a good brand to consider when looking to buy a new bike. They offer a wide range of high-quality bikes at various price points, and their association with Lance Armstrong adds to their reputation as a top brand in the industry.

Are Cannondale bikes known to be more expensive than Trek bikes?

The cost of a bike from either brand can vary depending on the model and specific features. In general, Cannondale may be considered more expensive than Trek, but both brands offer a range of bikes at various price points.

The Final Verdict

Trek takes the cake when it comes to the variety of bikes. This manufacturer may be famous for its road bikes, but it extends its expertise to manufacturing triathlon, mountain, electric, and kids’ bikes . However, Cannondale goes neck to neck with Trek when it comes to the quality of their bikes’ components or their overall performance.

Price-wise, both Trek and Cannondale are on par with each other. But, Trek may be the more affordable option here (on an average). Cannondale comes with hefty price tags, but they are worth the money and hype.

Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White

The 7 Best Hybrid Bikes For Exercise, Commuting and Casual Fun

Hybrid or ‘exercise’ bikes make for a great introduction to cycling.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

They’re also great for casual riders and commuters, since they’re fairly stable and designed with an upright riding position. Throw in some feature mounts for fenders and racks, and you have an easy-going bike that’s perfect for getting you places and running errands, then taking the long way home.

The Best Hybrid Bikes

• Best Overall: Cannondale Quick 3
• Best Value: Co-Op CTY
• Best All-Arounder: State 4130 All-Road Flat-Bar
• Best Step-Through: Liv Alight Disc
• Best Commuter: Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger
• Most-Stylish: Cannondale Bad Boy 1
• Best Hybrid Electric: Velotric T1

What to Consider in a Hybrid Bike

Why trust us, how we selected the best hybrid bikes, our hybrid bike reviews, q+a with our experts, flat bar vs. drop bar.

A hybrid bike starts with a traditional road bike platform: fast-rolling 700c wheels and a lightweight, efficient frame. But while a road bike typically comes outfitted with a drop bar, a hybrid bike’s signature feature is a flat handlebar. This provides a wide hand stance for better control, easy brake-lever access, and a more upright position that’s comfortable and conducive to looking over your shoulder in traffic. These are just a few of the reasons why new cyclists and commuters are often drawn to this type of bike.

But a proper fitness bike is more than just a road bike with a flat bar: It’s a bike that’s been specifically designed to be ridden with one. Chad Price, core research and development director at Specialized, says that a fitness bike typically has a longer reach than a road bike, resulting in better handling from a flat bar and shorter stem.

Disc Brakes

One of the best technologies to come to fitness bikes is disc brakes . Although they cost a little more than rim-style brakes, discs offer more control and precision, particularly in wet conditions . They also don’t require as much hand strength to operate, making them a reliable choice for rides with long, winding descents.

Some lower-cost bikes may come with cable-actuated disc brakes, a cheaper alternative that’s not quite as powerful or as low maintenance as a fully hydraulic disc-brake system but that delivers similar all-weather performance and reliability.

The Right Gearing

Most fitness bikes come with two chainrings in the front and between nine and 11 cogs in the rear. Having more gears in the back allows you to fine-tune your shifting so you can keep a steady cadence, no matter the terrain. Bikes with three front chainrings typically cost less, but the third ring can make shifting less precise. A single-ring option simplifies shifting and cuts down on maintenance but may not have the range you need for climbing.

Belt Drives and Internally Geared Hubs

A belt drive (which takes the place of a chain) with an internally geared hub (where all the gearing is packaged inside the rear hub’s shell and sealed from the elements) requires less maintenance than a traditional chain-and-derailleur drivetrain. It’s reliable and clean, says Andrew Lumpkin, CEO of Spot Bikes.

A belt drive is also easy to use (one shifter controls everything) and, perhaps best of all, lets you change gears while sitting still at a stoplight. It’s a great, low-maintenance option if you can afford it, though it adds a small amount of weight.

Bicycling recommends bikes based on the extensive work of its test team, which currently includes Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, Test Editor Dan Chabonov, and Maintenance Editor Gabe Ortiz. Together, they have more than 60 years of ride-testing experience and bring that insight to every recommendation they touch.

For our guide to hybrid bikes, Tara Seplavy recommended many of these selections based on the team’s collective testing experience, as well as her extensive knowledge of the category.

Vanessa Nirode has been writing about bikes, adventure travel, and cycling gear for 15 years for a variety of outlets including Bicycling , Time , Adventure Cycling , Fodors , BBC Travel , Next Avenue , and many others. With 20 years of riding experience, she’s owned and pedaled everything from a heavy commuter bike to a carbon racing road bike on her daily commutes and errands.

In addition to ride-testing many of our selections, she surveyed bike commuters and messengers at two of her favorite New York bike shops– Bicycle Roots in Brooklyn and Specialized Long Island City in Queens: They’re great places for cyclists to hang out and hear from riders about their favorite bikes, and learn what works (or doesn’t) work.

Caitlin Giddings tested bikes for Bicycling for over a decade, and has ridden bikes for more than two decades as an everyday commuter cyclist. She’s had the chance to ride nearly a hundred different bikes designed for fitness, recreation, and commuting on varied terrain.

We’ve been asked to recommend a lot of bikes over the years. Anticipating these queries, we’ve made a big effort to test as many hybrids and city bikes as we can—not only because they’re great for commuting, fitness, and fun, but also because they’re the bikes our friends who aren’t bike nerds are most interested in buying.

Our selections were recommended by the Bicycling test team, which has extensive experience testing all kinds of bikes, including hybrids. We’ve performed extensive ride-testing of many hybrid bikes on bike tours, city commutes, long bike path cruises, and bike shop test rides. Lastly, we considered a diverse range of external notes from bike messengers and commuters, as well as customer reviews.

Cannondale Quick 3

If you’re still holding onto the belief that hybrids are sluggish and heavy, the Cannondale Quick will disabuse you of that notion right away. This lightweight bike is a favorite for its fast feel and smooth ride, as well as a comfortable upright riding position that makes it an easy choice for recommending to new riders who may be a bit hesitant about incorporating regular cycling into their routine.

It features reflective accents to boost your visibility, mounts for racks so you can carry stuff (except on the front, as the carbon fork precludes rack mounting), and fenders to keep road spray out of your eyes and off your backside during commutes in questionable weather.

The 2x9-speed drivetrain comes courtesy of Shimano, with a decent range for tackling the hills on your commute. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes give you confident stopping power, while the 35mm Schwalbe tires barrel over urban debris.

If you’re looking to spend a little less, we also like the Quick Disc 4 , which features a steel fork, microSHIFT Advent groupset, and 1x9 gearing. It rides similarly well and costs a bit less, though we ultimately prefer the Quick Disc 3 for its carbon fork and higher gearing, which bring more speed on downhills and flats.

Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1

Keeping in line with REI’s inclusive ideology and the simple goal of getting more people outdoors and (in this case) on bikes, Co-op Cycle’s CTY bike is a capable and affordable hybrid bike that will suit a varied range of riders, especially beginners.

The CTY has wide, flat-resistant, wire-bead 40mm tires with reflective sidewalls so you can easily roll over potholes, dirt, gravel, random road debris and the occasional curb. Its Tektro mechanical disc brakes ensure that you can slow your roll when needed. The Shimano 3x8-speed drivetrain provides 24 gears, enough to get you most anywhere you want to go.

The CTY has an upright riding position (as opposed to the more competitive bent-over posture encouraged by road bikes.) A comfortable memory foam saddle and gel handlebar grips help you complete your commute and/or errands without introducing any soreness or aches into the equation.

State Bicycle 4130 All-Road Flat-Bar

State Bicycle’s All-road flat-bar stands out for its versatility, strong steel frame, and plethora of customizable options that allows you to set it up exactly like you want. Steel bikes have their own dedicated following : Fans love their springy feel. They’re also durable and reliable, which is an important quality in a bike you use to get around every day.

We love how much room there is to tinker with this bike. State offers two extra wheel sets–a 700c with slick 38mm road tires and a 650b with knobby 2.1 inch (53mm) off road tires. These sets, which cost an additional $390 apiece, come with tires, tubes, brake rotors and cassettes for easy switching. You may also want to upgrade to a SRAM drivetrain for an additional $1,000, and hydraulic brakes for another $100 for added reliability, power and smoothness (especially when it comes to changing gears).

The State 4130 is a bike you’ll be able to ride for years. We might even go so far as to say for the foreseeable future. You’ll need to replace the components as the years go by–time comes for us all, even our bike parts–but that steel frame will persist.

Liv Alight Disc 3

Whenever Vanessa leaves her regular bike overnight at her local shop, her mechanic gives her this bike as a loaner. The flat handlebars and upright riding position make it a comfortable and stable bike without compromising speed. It isn’t a ‘fast’ bike by any means, but it’s far more nimble than what you’d expect by just looking at it.

Throw in the included fenders, rear rack, and kickstand, and the Alight emerges as a rather perfect errand bike. The fenders keep road muck from your person, the rack provides a place to hook on a set of panniers, and the kickstand saves you from scouring for a leaning spot when you stop for a much-needed (and deserved) pick-me-up coffee.

Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger

The Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger is built for any kind of weather. It features a front dynamo hub that provides power to your rear and front lights, and an internally geared rear hub with a Gates CDX belt, rather than a chain. The dynamo hub powers your lights, so you’ll never have to worry about remembering to charge them. The geared hub and belt cuts down on chain and derailleur maintenance, so you don’t need to make adjustments after riding through bad weather.

Belts tend to be quieter than chains, so while this adds a level of stealth, make sure to add a bell and alert others when you pass them, which you’ll need to use often as the Stagger doesn’t cramp your speed. Or style.

The powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide great stopping power, and the 700x40mm Bontrager wire bead tires with reflective strips keep you moving no matter what obstacles get thrown in your way. The Stagger includes a kickstand, fenders and rack for a quick and easy commute, or getting a workout in while you get things done.

Cannondale Bad Boy 1

The Cannondale Bad Boy represents some of the latest innovations in bike design, making it a very capable way to get around, no matter where you decide to take it. It’s also just plain fun to ride, dodging and cornering more sharply than other bikes allow when a wayward obstacle ends up in your path.

This is because of perhaps the most significant flourish of its design and legendary urban style; the LightPipe Lefty fork. Unlike most every other fork on the market, the Lefty features a single pipe on–you guessed it–the left side that connects to the front wheel hub. The entire suspension is squeezed into a package that’s effectively half the size (and half the weight) of the standard component. The Lefty (also referred to as an “upside-down fork”) is thicker and stiffer at the headtube where you need the leverage, so it performs exceptionally well when braking and cornering.

The Bad Boy 1 also has a bevy of cool quality-of-life features, including an integrated LED light strip on the fork, an integrated tail light on the seat post, internal geared hub and belt drive for minimal maintenance, and top tube bumpers that protect your frame from scratches and nicks when leaning and locking.

Velotric T1

Powered by Velotric’s new, smart drive system motor, stealthy internal wiring and an integrated battery, the T1 is an electric bike that doesn’t look or feel like an electric bike. Weighing just 36 pounds, you can easily hoist it onto your shoulders and carry it up or down stairs when needed, which is not something you can do with most other e-bikes.

A Class 1 e-bike, the T1 features 5 levels of pedal-assist power. On pedal-assist bikes, the power only kicks in when you’re pedaling. This also means you can take your T1 out on most trails and multi-use paths where Class 2 e-bikes are prohibited.

“With its mix of styling, power, and passive security features, Velotric’s T1 is great for city and around town use, notes Bicycling Test Editor Tara Seplavy. “It has a fingerprint lock to keep someone from turning on the bike when you’re not around and a ‘Find My Bike’ feature in the Velotric app in case you forget where you locked it up. A torque sensor helps provide a smooth ride feel and the motor has plenty of zip, especially in the higher power settings.”

Speaking of power, Velotric designed some of the smallest and lightest electronic components we’ve encountered on an e-bike and housed them all inside the frame, which is part of what gives the T1 its stylish, sleek look. And, the integrated headlight comes on when the sun goes down - just like the street lights do, so you never have to worry if you remembered to charge your lights or not.

As required by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and local laws in some cities , the Discover 1 is UL certified for safety within the Standards for Electrical Systems, so it has been tested and engineered to eliminate accidental battery fires.

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Hybrid bikes are great for riding long distances and casual rides where speed isn’t a top priority. The flat, wide bars provide a better vantage point when you need to quickly look behind you and side-to-side. 

They also offer a more upright riding position that many people find more comfortable when navigating city streets compared with the experience you get with a road bike and their drop handlebars.

A hybrid bike can be a great fit for commuters, running errands, and a solid all-arounder for anyone who likes to get out on their bike and ride for awhile.

What are the benefits of a hybrid bike?

Hybrid bikes are, above all, comfortable and casual. Sitting upright is often a more comfortable riding position, and makes it easy to keep track of your surroundings. They often feature mounts for racks,  fenders  and  lights , so you can add some  accessories  that you may need if you plan to work it into your day-to-day life. Last but not least, hybrid bikes often cost less than a road bike or full-featured mountain bike.

Are there any disadvantages to riding a hybrid bike?

As you’d expect, hybrid bikes occupy a middle ground that’s useful for new and casual riders, but may hold more advanced cyclists back as they take on tougher routes or pursue more competitive challenges. 

They aren’t as capable as mountain bikes in rough off-road conditions. Conversely, most hybrids aren’t as aerodynamic as a great road bike, and will move slower when you pedal at top speed.

Vanessa Nirode is a freelance writer who covers wellness, culture, outdoor adventure and travel for Hearst , HuffPost , PopSci , BBC Travel , and Threads , among others. She’s also a pattern maker and tailor for film and television but most of the time, she’d rather just be riding her bicycle.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

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What to look for in a hybrid bike

The best hybrid bikes are designed for a relaxed, upright riding position, that still maintains handling and lets you ride fast.

Sometimes called fitness bikes, hybrid bikes make some of the best commuter bikes . Their upright position helps you to see and be seen as you ride and makes it easy to stop as well as mount and dismount. 

The flat bars, brakes and trigger gear shifters on a hybrid bike are easy to use, while most models will allow you to fit mudguards for protection in wet weather riding and a rack to help carry luggage.

Often there are multiple frame shape options, so you can find a bike to suit your riding style and preferences. 

That makes the best hybrid bikes super-versatile, but if you plan to use public transport, the best folding bikes may be easier to use. We've also covered the best women's hybrid bikes as well as the best hybrid bikes under £500 if you're looking for more choices.

Here's our pick of the best hybrid bikes, while towards the bottom of this page is our buyer's guide to what to look for in a hybrid bike.

Best hybrid bikes available today

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Cannondale Quick 4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

With a respectable lightweight aluminium frame, every decal and logo on the Cannondale Quick is reflective, so it lights up a Christmas tree to help you be seen in low-light conditions.

The frame itself has rack and fender mounts, and the rear end has flex tuned into the stays to keep you comfortable as you ride — Cannondale call this SAVE Micro-Suspension. Cannondale has specced a Shimano Altus / Acera 1x9-speed drivetrain, complete with a wide range 11-42T cassette and a 38T narrow-wide chainring on the Quick 4. Not only does this simplify shifting while still providing a wide gear range but it also helps make dropped chains a thing of the past. Other specs get a double chainring for a wider range of gears.

We rated the Quick's lively, comfortable ride and responsive handling, while the 35mm tyres provide some extra comfort on potholed roads and the hydraulic disc brakes provide confidence-inspiring stopping power.

Like the Cannondale Treadwell, which we've also reviewed, there's Cannondale's wheel-mounted sensor that lets you record ride data on the Cannondale app and you can mount your phone to the bars to use it as a cycling computer . 

There's a specific women's model as well as the unisex Quick, giving you lots of size range.

You can read more in our full review of the Cannondale Quick hybrid bike.

2. Cannondale Treadwell 3

Cannondale's Treadwell features a sloping top tube to create a low standover height and has what the brand classes as an 'easy geometry,' with either a kinked or dropped top tube making for quick on and off mounts and dismounts. 

With BMX-inspired flat bars and an aluminium frame, the bike features urban armour bumpers to protect the tubing from dings when you lean your bike against a pole or rack. As with the Quick, Cannondale also specs its speed and cadence sensor and an intellimount stem which will securely hold any SP connect compatible phone case, so you can track your rides through the Cannondale App. You're even reminded when the bike is due for a service. 

The Treadwell's big 47mm tyres and 13kg weight make it sluggish to get up to speed, but if you're after a bike for easy rides around town and short weekend excursions, it fits the bill without breaking the bank and its simple mechanical components should be low maintenance. 

You can read more in our full review of the Cannondale Treadwell 3 .

3. Trek FX 2 Disc (Equipped)

Coming out of the big red barn in Waterloo Wisconsin, the FX range makes up Trek's hybrid bikes. The FX 2 Disc is available in two options: Standard or Equipped, the latter of which comes equipped with a pannier rack, mudguards, lights and a kickstand as standard. The frame is made from Trek's Alpha Gold aluminium and features internal cable routing and mounts galore. 

The FX 2 Disc isn't a particularly flashy bike, nor is it particularly lightweight for its price point, but despite this, the ride is responsive and enjoyable, making us look for errands to run just so we could ride it again. 

Trek opted for hydraulic flat-mount disc brakes on the FX 2 Disc, so braking will always be confident, and with little to no maintenance required. For those seeking more of a fitness bike, the standard (non-equipped) FX 2 Disc is a good option, but it would possibly benefit from an upgrade from the Acera groupset. The next step up - the FX 3 Disc - comes with a 2x10 Shimano Deore, which is a big step up if you can stretch the budget. 

4. Cube Hyde Pro

Cube's Hyde Pro is built around a lightweight, robust aluminium frame and fork. Unlike our other recommendations, it sees a Gates Belt drive so no need to worry about regular maintenance. The belt drive does away with a regular chain and sprockets and uses a belt and toothed cogs for a quiet, low-maintenance transmission. Flat-mount Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes paired with 160mm rotors, mean the Hyde can stop on a dime and should stay that way with little additional attention. 

The Schwalbe Big Apple tyres are well armoured to prevent punctures - they are also tubeless. So, should you roll through a patch of broken glass, you won't be left stuck on the side of the road faffing with tyre levers. What's more, at 55mm wide, there's a huge amount of cushioning to keep you comfortable for your entire ride, so uneven roads and potholed surfaces needn't worry you.

5. Ribble Hybrid AL

Our favourite thing about Ribble Bikes is that its bike builder area of the website allows you to customise your ride to meet your exact specifications. Want 650b wheels and tyres instead of 700c? No problem. How about a parcel rack and mudguards? For sure. Do you think that the front derailleur should be put to bed once and for all? No worries, you can have a 1x drivetrain. 

The Hybrid all-rounder is designed for speed and efficiency but with the ability to customise the components, Ribble has used a versatile geometry that allows it to be adapted for your intended use. With rack and fender mounts, front and rear, the bike uses thru-axles and sees dropped seat stays for added levels of compliance. 

You don't have to customise it though, there are well-considered off-the-shelf packages available too. There's an electric version, the Ribble Hybrid AL e, that we rate among the best electric bikes for commuting .

6. Ridgeback Speed

Ridgeback's hybrid bikes are an excellent and popular gateway into urban cycling for many. They're practical and comfortable, often come with a full set of mudguards and a rear rack already fitted, and can be an excellent choice for someone who just wants to get going the moment it's built.

It features a 3x7 Shimano Tourney drivetrain, and Promax V-brakes which, while they're not disc brakes, are very easy to maintain at home, replacement pads are also cheap. It comes stock with cushy 42mm tyres that will soak up many of the bumps on the road and maintain grip when the weather takes a turn.

As a brand, Ridgeback offers a huge range of hybrid bikes, starting as low as £299 and increasing in price by £50 increments, with only one or two prominent changes to the build. This means that if the Speed isn't quite up to scratch for your needs, it's incredibly easy to find a Ridgeback hybrid bike that has what you need at a price point you're comfortable with.

7. Vitus Mach 3 VRS

Well specced for the price, the Vitus Mach 3 VRS is the mid-spec bike from a three-model line-up. It comes with 2x9-speed Shimano Sora shifting, although the combination of a 50/34T chainset and 11-28T cassette means that the available gear range is a bit less than many other hybrid bike options. This marks it out as a slightly more speed-orientated hybrid, and Sora is a road-gearing groupset. It's easily upgradable to a cassette with a 32-tooth largest sprocket though, if you do want more range for hillier rides.

The 38mm wide tyres are lightly treaded and give plenty of grip without sacrificing rolling speed, so the Mach 3 would serve for both faster city riding and a trip out onto tracks and trails. With rack and mudguard mounts, it's a bike that's easy to weatherproof too. 

At 10kg claimed weight for the size medium bike, the Vitus Mach 3 isn't too onerous to carry up stairs and over obstacles either, while the sloping geometry and one-piece bar and stem give the bike a modern, sporty look.

8. Marin Larkspur 2 2021

Whether you're looking for something that prioritises comfort and mobility, or you just want something a bit different, take a closer look at the Marin Larkspur. This unique-looking bike takes the step-through concept and turns it into some modernised goofy fun, adding in a dropper post for easy remounting in traffic, as well as chunky 650b x 2.35in tyres. 

The Larkspur is at home on paved roads and gravel paths alike, cushioning the blows from uneven surfaces and leaving you to float over potholes without care. The swooped handlebars put the rider in an upright position that makes it possible to see further ahead in traffic, the step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting a breeze, and extremely low gearing will make hill-climbing light work for most. It also makes the Larkspur a solid option for anyone with mobility or joint issues.

9. Tern Eclipse X22

Not everybody has room to store a stable of bikes, but that doesn't mean that two-wheeled transport is out of reach. Tern's Eclipse X22 finds the right balance between folding capability and riding efficiency. With 26in wheels and tyres, the bike is vastly more energy efficient over long distances than its smaller wheeled folding cousins but still compactly folds down to 38 x 90 x 81cm.

The geometry is also considerably more aggressive than many folders, and it boasts a 2x11 Ultegra drivetrain and Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes - quality components that help to justify the Tern's bigger price tag than the majority of hybrids here. 

10. Giant ToughRoad SLR 2

The ToughRoad, as the name suggests, is designed to keep you going regardless of whether you're riding on glass-smooth tarmac, rough gravel or bone-rattling cobblestones. Made from the brand's ALUXX SLR aluminium, the ToughRoad also has a carbon fork to reduce weight and absorb some of the vibrations coming through the front end. To keep your rear end sitting pretty, Giant has opted to use its D-fuse seatpost for improved compliance, 50mm Giant Sycamore tyres for grip, and plenty of damping too.

The flat-bar geometry keeps the rider in a comfortable position that finds the right balance between comfort and pedalling efficiency, and the frame sees heaps of mounts, as well as an integrated fender on the down tube. With a mix of Shimano Acera, Alivio and Altus components, the bike has a 9-speed, 11-36T cassette and 44/28T chainrings. 

11. Specialized Sirrus 2.0

Made from Specialized's A1 alloy, the Sirrus 2.0 features internal cable routing and plug-and-play fender and rack mounts front and rear. The dropped chainstays at the rear promote a bit of flex at the seat cluster to take the edge off of square hits which combined with the 32C tyres provide for a smooth rider — there is room for 42C rubber should you want a higher volume tyre.

Hydraulic disc brakes provide heaps of power and modulation regardless of the weather and should stay that way for years to come with maintenance. The 2x8 Shimano Acera/Tourney drivetrain with an 11-32 cassette and 46/30T chainrings allow for plenty of range to get you through that hilly commute, without sweating through your shirt. 

12. Orbea Vector 15

If you need a workhorse that can do pretty much everything you want, from commuting to work to carrying the shopping home, but you can't be bothered to figure out all the additional accessories you need to go with it, then you're in luck. The Orbea Vector 15 is ready to roll, complete with front and rear mudguards, a rear pannier rack and front and rear dynamo lights. All you need to do is don your helmet, grab your best bike lock and start riding to the office.

What's more, the Vector is built around Orbea's Body Sport Geometry, which prioritises comfort, placing the rider in a relaxed and more upright position so that you can see clearly in traffic and ride for as long as you need to without feeling discomfort.

Chances are, if you're on the lookout for a hybrid, you may be about to buy your first bike as an adult. If that's the case, there's a lot of choice out there and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. To make life easier for you, we've listed some of the key considerations for choosing the right hybrid bike for your needs.

What is a hybrid bike?

A hybrid bike, as per the definition of the word hybrid; is "a thing made by combining two different elements" and is a combination of road and mountain bikes. 

For example, flat handlebars are usually seen as a defining feature of a mountain bike or fitness bike. This is not only because the wider width makes for manageable steering and an upright riding position, but also because hybrids typically have a geometry with a longer reach than a traditional road bike.

The wheels are typically 700c in size - the same as road bikes - with slick or semi-slick tyres that are somewhere between the two when it comes to the width. The handlebars are more akin to a mountain bike style, being flat in shape, as opposed to the drop bar shape found on a road bike. The geometry sits in the middle of the two, putting you in a fast position, but still one that's upright enough to remain comfortable and safe in traffic. 

If you're more interested in riding off-road and gaining a bit of speed, check out our Gravel bike vs hybrid bike feature.

Are disc brakes worth it on a hybrid bike?

There is no question that disc brakes provide better performance than rim brakes. They offer superior power and modulation, and performance is much less affected by wet weather. Depending on the price, hybrid bikes will either come with hydraulic or cable-actuated discs. While they cost a bit more, hydraulic discs require less maintenance and less force at the lever to achieve more braking power, because more leverage can be engineered into the system. In general, try to look for hydraulic disc brakes if you are shopping for a new hybrid bike. 

What gearing do I need?

When we talk about gearing, what we're really referring to is the bike's drivetrain.

The main drivetrain choices for hybrid bikes are belt-driven drivetrains and or internally geared ones. 1x (one-by), 2x (two-by) or a triple chainset which uses regular chains and sprockets. Belt drive systems replace a metal chain for a belt and internally geared drivetrains package all of the gears inside the rear hub, meaning they require very little maintenance. And all the shifting is done with a single lever. The downside is they are anything but light and the total gear range is usually less broad than a derailleur-geared system. 

1x, 2x and triple systems are the traditional chain and derailleur-operated drivetrains, with the difference being the number of chainrings at the front. 

A 1x drivetrain can offer the same, or even a wider gear range than a 2x system, and will feature a clutched rear derailleur to handle chain slack and a narrow-wide chainring which will prevent your chain from falling off the chainring. Shifting is operated with a single lever. The downside is they are a bit more expensive, and sometimes the jumps between the gears can be pretty big.

A 2x drivetrain is usually more budget-friendly, and will generally offer the widest spread of gears, but with extra components comes extra maintenance, which can also complicate shifting for beginners. 

Some bikes even offer a 3x system, but these are few and far between nowadays as the need for the smallest inner chainring was replaced by larger cassettes (the sprocket at the back) offering the same low gears. 

What other features should I look for in a hybrid bike?

Hybrid bikes are often used in all weather conditions and most frames will have mounting points for mudguards , even if the bike is not fitted with them.

A rear rack can be useful for carrying stuff. Again, look out for the mounting points at the rear, both on the dropouts where the wheel's hub fits into the frame and higher up on the seat stays.

Lights are also a useful addition for safety and essential if riding at night. Again, some hybrids will have these fitted, while you may need to budget for them as an extra if not.

Many hybrid bikes will come fitted with a bell, which can be useful when riding in town. This may be a basic number though. For something altogether more flashy, check out our guide to the best bike bells .

A kickstand is another option which may or may not be present, but can be useful, particularly for urban riders.

Do I need a suspension fork?

Lots of hybrid bikes come with suspension forks, but we believe that these should largely be avoided. Not only are they heavier and more expensive than a rigid fork, but those fitted to hybrid bikes are often very cheap and don't provide much in the way of efficient shock absorption. Low-end forks like this usually ride like a bouncy mess, and over time are likely to seize anyway. If you are worried about riding comfort, prioritise a bike with lots of tyre clearance, wide tyres and possibly 650b wheels, which allow even wider tyres. 

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Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall. 

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike

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The Best Hybrid Bike

By Christine Ryan

Christine Ryan is an editor overseeing coverage of travel and outdoors gear, which has entailed testing down-filled vests in Iceland in June.

If you’re seeking a bike for your daily commute and your weekend exercise, a fitness hybrid—that is, a road bike with flat handlebars—may be the right choice.

Over the past six years, we’ve spent 60 hours sifting through nearly 75 options, test-ridden more than a dozen bikes, and concluded that the Marin Fairfax 1 is the best hybrid for most people. It provides a stable, comfortable ride on city streets, and it’s a better value now than when we first tested it.

Everything we recommend

Marin Fairfax 1

Our favorite hybrid bike.

This fun-to-ride and capable commuter bike is equally comfortable on longer weekend outings—and it offers far better value than its competitors.

Buying Options

Jamis Coda S2

Still the smooth one.

This steel-framed bike provides a vibration-dampening ride and some nice extras—brand-name tires and sturdy pedals. But the trade-off is less maneuverability and a steepish uptick in price.

Upgrade pick

Priority Continuum Onyx

For the neatnik diyer.

A belt-drive bike that has an easy-to-use internally geared rear hub means less maintenance and no grease on your work clothes. You have to assemble it yourself though (or pay someone else to).

These days, global supply chains have mostly recovered from their pandemic-related problems, and many bike companies are now facing inventory gluts rather than shortages. However, the list prices that rose during that time generally haven’t come down, at least not permanently. We are seeing discounts on bikes this summer, so it’s worth shopping around for a deal.

Or consider getting a used bike—we have advice on how to buy secondhand gear, including bikes, online without being scammed . Sites such as BicycleBlueBook and The Pro’s Closet sell used bikes; both require sellers to provide serial numbers for the bikes. (The Pro’s Closet specializes in higher-end bikes—that is, those costing at least $1,500 when new—and gives the bikes an inspection and a tune-up before selling them.)

One point that we’d like to underline: No matter where you end up buying a used bike, ask the seller for the bike’s serial number so that you can see if the bike has been reported stolen. ( Bike Index , a nationwide nonprofit registry, maintains a list of stolen bikes.) Don’t help bike thieves profit from their misdeeds.

Our top pick, the Marin Fairfax 1 , ticks most of the boxes on our hybrid-bike checklist: durable-enough components, a chrome-moly steel fork that’s forgiving on potholes and rough city streets (and of higher quality than the high-tensile steel forks used on many other, pricier bikes), rack and fender mounts, and hill-friendly gearing (including a rear cassette, rather than a cheaper and outdated freewheel cogset). When we first tested this bike, it earned extra credit for its well-designed aluminum frame, which provided more-agile handling and zippier acceleration than the competition. Marin has since revamped the frame to make the bike more stable and possibly less sprightly (we couldn’t detect a difference when we rode it). However, given the growing price difference between the Fairfax 1 (it’s $500, the same as it’s been for the past couple of years) and similarly equipped bikes from other companies, we believe it’s still the best option, despite any possible downsides to the redesign. (The Fairfax 1 is available in a step-through option at the same price.)

The Jamis Coda S2 is a very good option if you’re looking for the comfort of a steel frame (steel does a much better job than aluminum at dampening the vibrations caused by rough pavement) without the weight penalty that lower-priced steel frames often impose. (Such frames are often made with heavier high-tensile steel, rather than the chrome-moly that the Coda S2 has in both its frame and fork.) That means an easy time carrying this bike up stairs and lifting it onto bus- or car-mounted bike racks. The Coda S2 comes with well-rated Vittoria Randonneur tires—that is, tires from a “real” tire company that you can buy in a bike shop, and now in a wider and cushier size—and steel-wrapped resin pedals. (This bike is also available in a women's version , which essentially means smaller sizing and a women’s-specific saddle.) The main drawbacks with this model are maneuverability—it’s not quite as nimble as the other bikes we tested, which could be a function of its geometry (more on that in How we picked and tested )—and price. In 2018, the Coda Sport (as it used to be called) cost $530; now, the Coda S2, which has very similar components, costs $770.

For commuters, belt-drive systems make a lot of sense. The belts don’t wear out as quickly as chains, and they don’t need to be oiled, so there’s less bike grease in your life and on your clothes. And the internally geared rear hubs let you change gears when you’re standing still (like at a traffic light). The downside is the cost: Reliable internally geared hubs are expensive, and that makes bikes with belt drives pricier than our other picks. But the aluminum Priority Continuum Onyx is a bargain for this category, especially considering that it comes with hydraulic disc brakes, the well-respected Gates Carbon Drive belt, and an Enviolo continuous gearing rear hub, plus upgrades, such as internal gear cable routing and dynamo-charged front and rear lights. (This bike does not, however, come in a step-through version.)

The research

Who this is for, why you should trust me, how we picked and tested, our pick: marin fairfax 1, also great: jamis coda s2, upgrade pick: priority continuum onyx, the competition.

If you’d like to start regularly riding to work or school, and your ride will last half an hour or more, you’ll probably want what’s often called a fitness hybrid bike, or a performance hybrid. That term gets you what is basically a road bike with flat, mountain-bike-style handlebars. A bike like this will be agile enough to maneuver around the potholes you see, tough enough to weather the ones you don’t, and speedy enough that you can roll it out on the weekend to get some exercise with the family, or even join a charity ride. But it’s not as twitchy, in terms of handling, as an actual drop-bar road bike would be, and, given that you’ll be sitting up rather than hunched over, it’ll be a lot more comfortable to ride. And should you get to the point where you are snagging all the local KOMs or QOMs (translation: you’ve bought a fancy road bike) or shredding the singletrack gnar (translation: you’ve bought a fancy mountain bike), you can still use your trusty hybrid as your townie bike—the one you can load down with groceries (hurray, rack mounts!) or lock up outside without too much fear of theft (hurray, low price!).

If you start searching online for “hybrid bikes,” by the way, you’ll no doubt discover that the term covers a vast range of options. For super-short commutes—a couple of miles or so—you could get away with one of those cruiser-type “comfort hybrids,” where you sit up straight in a big squishy saddle. But for anything longer, that kind of seat will soon become a literal pain in the posterior. Your sit bones, as the yoga teachers call them, need a firm base to support the rest of you. And if you’re never going to use the bike for anything other than commuting, you could get an urban or utility hybrid, which comes outfitted with integrated racks and fenders and lights. But you’ll pay more for accessories that might not suit your particular needs—and you’ll have to get another bike for your fun rides.

For the original 2017 version of this review, I interviewed mechanics and proprietors at shops specializing in commuter bikes all over the country—from Boston and Washington, DC, to New Orleans and Chicago to Minneapolis and San Francisco—who see and repair bikes that are ridden in all kinds of conditions. I also talked to bike manufacturers and component suppliers, spent multiple days surveying every booth at various bike trade shows, and, of course, checked in with everyday riders, including members of San Francisco’s local bike coalition.

Over the years since, I’ve continued to test new iterations of our picks, to make sure they’ve retained the features we liked, and I’ve researched and considered new models from other manufacturers, testing those that seemed promising.

Years ago, I myself started riding an eight-speed hybrid from San Francisco’s Bernal Heights to my downtown office, and even after I’d switched to a road bike for a longer commute, I kept the sturdy little bike around as my city ride. I also used to work part-time at my local bike shop, where my duties included advising the shop’s commuter clientele on fenders, racks, and panniers—and installing them, too.

Performance hybrid bikes don’t attract the kind of enthusiasts who keep endless threads going on road-bike or mountain-bike forums, debating the merits and flaws of different brands and models. Magazines like Bicycling and Outside and Men’s Journal will occasionally cover hybrid bikes or recommend one in the context of a larger bike roundup. Still, we dug up what reviews we could find, looking for praise and dings.

The sweet spot for a starter bike like this used to be $500. Drop much lower, and you were stuck with outmoded or truly poorly made parts that might be hard to replace once they wear out; spend more, and you can get a nicer bike, with lighter components, but that defeats the purpose of a starter bike. However, many of the $500 bikes we looked at a few years back have gone up in price, some by as much as 35% as of the spring of 2023. We did still find some hybrids from reputable manufacturers that cost $500, but almost all of those had one or more deal-breaking problems. In fact, those dealbreakers are now appearing in bikes costing as much as $650.

After seeing what’s available now, consulting buying guides both online and in print (our library of more than a dozen bike-repair manuals), and interviewing commuters, bike-shop owners, and mechanics, we settled on what we’d like to see in the ideal basic hybrid-fitness bike.

Fitness-appropriate geometry: When bike people talk about “geometry,” they’re talking about the angles at which the tubes that make up the bike’s frame meet. Change the degrees of the angles, and you change the way the bike handles on corners and going up and down hills. The more vertical the head tube is—that’s the tube connecting the handlebars to the front fork and wheel—the more quickly the bike will turn. Which sounds good, but if the bike is too responsive, it could feel squirrelly and unstable. For efficiency’s sake, the design of your hybrid’s frame should be closer to that of a road bike than to that of a comfort bike, or a porteur -style retro bike (the ones with swept-back handlebars and, sometimes, a front rack like the ones Parisian newsboys once used). You don’t want to sit straight up, especially on a longer weekend ride. Why? You’ll have to fight the wind more if you’re sitting up, and, adds Kevin Womac of downtown Chicago’s Boulevard Bikes , “If you lean over, you can use more of your core muscles to pedal, so your legs aren’t getting as tired.”

Flat handlebars: These are more user-friendly than the drop bars you see on a road bike, and since you will be more upright, your field of vision will be broader—a plus in city traffic.

Safe, strong brakes: On a flat-bar bike like this, you’ll have a choice of traditional V brakes or disc brakes. Although mechanical (or cable-actuated) disc brakes have become common on low-priced hybrids, we don’t see them as a necessity as much as a nice thing to have if you live in a place with a lot of rain and snow and hills. As Loren Copsey , co-owner of The Daily Rider in Washington, DC, said, “On these bikes you’re going to get entry-level disc brakes, which are hard to set up and hard to keep adjusted, and lower-quality pads—and they’re not necessarily even more powerful than rim brakes. So you might get more value at that price point with the one that has the V brake and the nicer drivetrain.” Also, bikes with disc brakes are almost always heavier than comparable bikes with rim brakes, and a lighter bike is easier to ride uphill, and easier to lift onto a bike rack or carry up a flight of stairs. However, it’s unusual to find a hybrid now, in 2023, equipped with V brakes that doesn’t also come with serious flaws elsewhere on the bike.

Fender and rack mounts: Instead of using a backpack to carry your laptop or groceries, using panniers attached to a rear rack lowers your center of gravity, which is a good thing. Also, no sweaty back. Fenders will keep you (and your riding companions) at least a little drier when you’re riding in the rain—or on wet roads, after the rain has ended.

Puncture-resistant tires: Such tires are heavier and slower than the speedy slicks you’d use on a road bike, but any time that you might lose due to the extra weight is time you’ll probably gain back (and more!) by not having to stop to fix a flat. Unfortunately, fewer entry-level bikes come equipped with this kind of tire than when we first published this guide.

Gearing appropriate for your terrain: By this we mean, for the most part, that the bike should have gears and not be a single-speed. Not that single speeds don’t have their place. In parts of the country that are flat and have vicious winters—hello, Minnesota!—the fewer moving parts in a drivetrain, the better. But most of us have at least a few hills to climb or headwinds to battle, and gears will come in handy. Almost all geared fitness hybrids come with three chainrings in front and seven or eight gears in the back, for a total of 21 or 24 gears, which would give you enough options for pretty much anywhere you’ll be riding. Something we’ve seen more of lately are hybrids with just a single chainring up front and no front derailleur, and a bigger set of gears in the back. (This type of setup has been popular on mountain bikes for years now; a derailleur is, by the way, the mechanism that moves your bike’s chain from one gear to another when you trigger the shifter.) Having one fewer shifter to deal with is appealing, but to get the equivalent range of gears without two or three chainrings, you need big—and expensive and heavy—cassettes in the rear. So we eliminated such hybrids.

A sturdy yet reasonably lightweight frame: You do want to be able to carry your bike up steps or down into the subway, or be able to lift it onto a bus or a bike rack. But you also want something that can withstand being knocked around a little. So you’ll probably be looking at an aluminum frame. Aluminum’s a third of the weight of steel, and it doesn’t cost nearly as much as carbon (though the ride can be stiff and a bit jarring). Steel provides a cushier ride, but a good-quality, lightweight steel frame will not be cheap. Almost all of the bikes we looked at, though, do have steel-bladed forks; the slight increase in weight that they add is worth the vibration dampening they provide. (Of these forks, we preferred those made from chrome-moly , a type of steel that’s stronger than high-tensile steel , which you tend to see in very cheap bikes.)

Decent-quality components: Here, it’s a matter of finding the right balance of price, quality, and durability. Before 2020, most of the front and rear derailleurs on these bikes—and shifters and brake levers, too—were made by Shimano, and although they were not top (or even middle) of the line, they worked just fine and would last at least a few commuting seasons. During the pandemic-induced bike boom, manufacturers were scrambling for components and often having to use those from less well known companies such as ProWheel and microSHIFT. Now, the boom has waned, but inflation hasn’t quite, yet, so we’re still seeing these cheaper off-brand components on bikes. By all accounts, according to the many rider forums we’ve dug through, they’re functional enough. “If you’re not racing, a slightly heavier derailleur isn’t going to make a big difference. I don’t think somebody’s going to notice performance issues right off the bat, and when the derailleur needs to be replaced, the cost will be fairly minimal—$20 to $30,” said Womac. “Yes, cheaper derailleurs do look uglier, but that’s just aesthetics.” One thing we would avoid, though, are bikes that come with old-fashioned freewheel cogsets on the rear wheel, instead of the more modern cassettes. A common complaint on the few hybrid user threads we’d found was being stuck with a wheel whose hub was compatible only with freewheel cogs, which are becoming hard to find, especially high-level ones. What you really don’t want to buy is a bike with a freewheel and disc brakes—and we’re seeing more and more of them. If that rear wheel gets stolen or irreparably damaged, good luck replacing it, said Copsey: “You just can’t find those two things on an off-the-shelf wheel.”

Wide rims: The wider the rims on the wheels, the wider the tire you can use, and the lower the air pressure you need, which gives you a more comfortable ride. “A big fat tire is the poor man’s suspension,” said Michael Ferrand, owner of Bicycle Michael’s , in New Orleans. The norm for these bikes’ rims is 32 mm—you’ll want at least that. (One welcome trend is the increasing number of hybrids being sold with wider tires: Instead of the usual 35s, they’re coming with 38 mm tires and even 40 mm.) Speaking of suspension, none of our experts would recommend getting a $500 bike with front suspension, no matter how bad the roads are in your city. As Emily Thibodeau, owner of Hub Bicycle (now closed), in Cambridge, Massachusetts, put it, “At this price point, the shocks you’d get are really heavy and can’t be adjusted—it’s like having a glorified pogo stick on the front of your bike.”

When we first compiled this guide, in 2017, we started with a master list of 45 bikes and filtered it down to 16 using the above requirements. For our next update, in 2019, we started with those 16 bikes, checking to see which aspects and components had changed and which had remained the same. When necessary, we called in models that had undergone any substantial changes. In 2021 and 2023, we dove deep into the latest specs for all the bikes we’d ever looked at, as well as those of our picks, and of any new bikes on the scene.

Next came the test-riding stage. The highlight was what I like to call the Supermarket Slalom: riding up and down a steep little driveway leading to my local Safeway, while weaving in and out of the soft-hit poles that separate the cars from the pedestrians, to test the bikes’ handling. (I promise: No pedestrians were harmed, or startled, in the course of researching this story.) San Francisco even obliged with a few rainstorms, which made the abundant broken glass in the parking lot even more appealing to tires and made the pedestrian walkway’s plastic surface even more slippery—and allowed me to vet all of the bikes’ brakes for wet-weather performance.

Here are two things to remember when you’re shopping. First, you should try to test-ride any bike you’re considering buying—how a bike feels to you and how your body feels while riding it are intensely personal. And that raises the question of women-specific design (aka WSD). Though most companies do offer step-through or low-rise versions of each bike (we’ll point out when our picks do), more than a few are now offering parallel models (or even complete brands of bikes) designed for smaller riders with proportionally shorter arms, narrower shoulders, longer legs, and smaller hands. Usually, these riders are women, which means that these models and brands have tended to come in what the companies believe are female-friendly colors (and sometimes, sadly, with components that are not quite as good). Still, no matter what gender you identify as, if your body resembles the description above, you’d be smart to try WSD models too—you might just find a bike that fits you perfectly. Conversely, if you’re a tall person of any gender who has broad shoulders, WSD bikes might not be for you. The second thing to bear in mind is that bikes don’t often change that much—or at all—from one model year to the next. If the bike you like isn’t available anymore but the dealer says that next year’s model will be available soon, ask if it’s a “carry-forward” model. If it is, nothing will be changing.

After a redesign for 2022, the Marin Fairfax 1 remains at the top of our list for many reasons: the two most important being value for money and how it feels to ride. When I initially got on the bike, the first year we tested it, and pedaled off down the street, the bike felt quick—not in a nervous, edgy way, but in a sprightly way. Accelerating felt easy. When I measured the bike’s chainstays (the parts of the frame that connect the rear wheel to the bottom bracket), they were shorter, 432 mm, than those on any other bike we tested. As a rule, the shorter the chainstay, the quicker the bike accelerates and the easier it climbs—at least until the front wheel starts lifting off the ground. Also, the Fairfax chainstays are flattened (a design meant to increase stiffness; that is, more of your pedaling power makes it to the rear wheel), and the seat stays (the parts of the frame that connect the rear wheel to the seat tube) join the seat tube at a relatively low point, tightening the rear triangle, which also increases the bike’s responsiveness.

In the 2022 model we tested, the flat design of the chainstays hasn’t changed, nor has the low point at which the seat stays join the frame, but the chainstays are now longer at 445 mm. (We tested a step-through version, which is the bike shown in the photos above and below.) The Fairfax didn’t seem sluggish to us, and at a time when prices for similarly equipped hybrids from the big companies (Cannondale, Fuji, Giant, Specialized, Trek) hover around $650, the Fairfax still costs only $500. (The 2023 model uses the same frame and mostly the same components—the only difference being the disc brakes. They’re now being sourced from a British company, Clarks , known for supplying big bike companies with their house-brand brakes.)

In 2019, this bike started coming with mechanical disc brakes. As we said earlier, we believe that disc brakes (whether the cheaper, less effective, but easier-to-maintain cable-actuated mechanical versions, or the pricier, somewhat fussier hydraulic ones) are overkill on hybrids, unless you ride a lot in bad weather. They also tend to add weight and cost to a bike. In this case, the bike gained 3.79 pounds and Marin downgraded the quality of the rear derailleur a level in Shimano’s range from an Acera to the Tourney; downgraded the quality of the tires (more about that below); and went from eight cogs in the rear to seven (multiply them by the three chainrings up front, for a total of 21 gears in all).

Going from 24 gears to 21 is less of a problem than you might think, as long as the distance between the highest and lowest gears doesn’t decrease. The cassette on the old Fairfax had eight gears ranging from 11 to 32 teeth; the cassette on the newer one has seven gears ranging from 11 to 34 teeth, so the gearing range increased. That’d be a good thing—especially if you’re facing a steep hill and will be needing that extra-easy big gear in the back—except that the bigger jumps between fewer gears might make the shifting feel rough. (This isn’t something we noticed with the Fairfax, though.)

Having only seven gears in back is common among the other hybrids we saw in the Fairfax’s price range; what makes the Fairfax stand out is that Marin is using a true seven-speed cassette, not a freewheel cogset (see our criteria in the How we picked section). None of the other 21-speed bikes we considered came with a cassette at the time, and this remains the case in 2023. In fact, now we’re seeing bikes costing as much as $650—such as the Giant Escape 3 Disc —coming with a freewheel cogset. (The Fairfax’s front gearing is like that of all the bikes we tested, apart from the belt-drive ones: a Shimano Tourney triple set of chainrings with 48, 38, and 28 teeth.) Otherwise, this model has the same components as its predecessor, and the same sprightly aluminum frame and shock-dampening chrome-moly steel fork.

Apart from the changes in the Fairfax’s geometry, the most recent redesign did result in two definite improvements. First, the shifter cables are once again routed internally, and now the brake cables are as well—an unexpectedly high-end touch in an entry-level bike. Running the shifter or brake cables inside the frame tubes protects the cables from damage in much the same way that cable housing does, only better. (Grit can work its way in between the cable and the housing and make your bike’s shifting slow or ragged.) Second, the frame now has clearance for bigger tires, which means that if you so choose, you can replace the 35 mm tires that come stock on the bike with cushier 38s or even 40s (I checked and they’ll fit).

For those riders who prefer a step-through or low-rise frame, Marin now makes a version of the Fairfax 1 called the Fairfax 1 ST ; it’s identical to the Fairfax, apart from having a lower top tube.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

In 2019, Marin went with a private-label tire with no claim of flat protection for the Fairfax 1, instead of with the previous Schwalbe Road Cruisers, which came from one of the most respected tire makers in the business and did have a protective layer of Kevlar fiber. The 2023 Fairfax 1 still comes with the private-label tire.

In the years since we first tested the Jamis Coda S2 (formerly called the Coda Sport), the bike’s specs haven’t changed in any substantive way, though the price has steadily marched upward, from $520 in 2017 to $530 to $580 to $700 in 2021 to $770 this year. The 2023 version currently available is very similar to the 2017 that we tested; the only difference is the color, which is now either a deep blue or black. This model still has the same Shimano Tourney front derailleur and triple crankset (with 48, 38, and 28 teeth), Acera rear derailleur and eight-cog, 11-32-tooth cassette, and Tektro V brakes, as well as steel-wrapped resin pedals, and it once again comes with Vittoria Randonneur tires after a brief downgrade, two years ago, to Kenda Kwick tires. Now, however, the Randonneurs are 40mm instead of the old 32s, which should make the ride even smoother. The heart of the Coda S2 is still relatively lightweight (27 pounds for the 19-inch size) steel frame, which quiets the road chatter you might otherwise feel while riding on rough pavement. (Jamis does make a “women’s” version of the Coda S2 ; the only differences, though, are that it comes in one smaller size, different colors, and with a slightly wider saddle.)

Along with a silky ride feel, another advantage steel offers is that if it bends, it can be bent back. So if the hanger that attaches the rear derailleur to the frame gets bent—as can happen if the bike is in a crash or even, say, jostled roughly on a train—it can be straightened again without risk that it will snap. With aluminum, sometimes such an operation is successful and sometimes … not. This is why modern bikes with aluminum frames—like all of the aluminum hybrids we tested—use replaceable derailleur hangers, which can be swapped out if they get bent. These aren’t expensive parts to replace, but they come in a bewildering array of sizes and shapes. So it can be a minor pain, even for a professional mechanic, to identify the hanger that’s on your bike and then to find a new one.

In terms of acceleration, the Coda has relatively short chainstays—435 mm for the smaller three sizes, and 440 mm for the two larger—which makes this bike a bit sprightlier than the run-of-the-mill steel bike.

If you plan on commuting during foul weather or spend a lot of time riding on dirt roads, you might want to consider a bike with disc brakes, which maintain their stopping power in the rain (they also don’t get clogged up with mud or slush the way rim brakes can). But if your daily routine takes you on rough pavement or potholed city streets, the Coda S1 could be the bike for you.

Although the aluminum-framed Priority Continuum Onyx retails (as of this writing) at $1,300—a little over two and a half times the cost of the Marin Fairfax 1 —it’s actually inexpensive for a belt-drive hybrid. The Continuum comes with hydraulic disc brakes, an aluminum fork, a Gates Carbon Drive belt (Gates being the most well-made option from a high-quality manufacturer), and, most intriguingly, an Enviolo continuous internally geared rear hub drive (instead of the cassette-and-derailleur system on the regular fitness hybrids we researched). But this bike is also available only through the Priority website, which means diving into the sometimes-problematic world of online bike shopping.

One plus of using a carbon belt to turn your bike’s gears and wheels is that a belt is far cleaner than a chain, since a belt drive doesn’t need to be lubricated, so it doesn’t pick up dirt the way chain lube does. (No bike grease on your pant leg!) However, belt-drive hybrids tend to be quite a bit more expensive than traditional hybrids, because using a belt drive requires using an internally geared rear hub, which can cost anywhere from about $100 for a three-speed Sturmey-Archer to $1,500 for a Rohloff 14-speed. (Compare this with $45 for the Shimano eight-speed cassette and hubs that are on most of the bikes we looked at.)

More-affordable belt-drive bikes have definitely been a trend. What sets the Continuum Onyx apart is the type of internally geared rear hub it has, and how you buy the bike.

Rather than changing gears one by one, with an audible click, you twist the grip shifter of the Continuum Onyx smoothly in one direction to make the pedals easier to turn (and the bike easier to ride up hills), and in the other direction to make the pedals harder to turn (which will make the bike go faster on flat ground). The workings of ordinary internally geared hubs are difficult enough to grasp—picture something like the inside of an old, expensive watch —and when you add in the concept of continuous gearing, with no indexing, it seems like magic. However, the hub does have upper and lower limits in terms of ease and difficulty: According to Enviolo, the range of “gears” is broader than with a Shimano Nexus eight-speed hub, which is what Marin’s Presidio 3 belt-drive commuter bike (selling for $1,150) comes with—and the Priority does seem to climb just a little bit better.

The Continuum Onyx that we tested came with a front headlight that’s powered by the front wheel’s dynamo hub, so you don’t need to replace batteries or plug it in to recharge it, and a removable, rechargeable (by USB) rear light; all the Onyxes now shipping, however, are equipped with a rear light that’s permanently attached and wired to the front hub’s dynamo as well. The headlight on our test bike was strong enough for city use—I’d supplement it with our commuter headlight pick if I were taking it on dark suburban bike paths, say—but it had a strobe-y effect that I found distracting. Other than that, the Continuum Onyx was sturdy, comfortable, and fun to ride around town.

The downside to buying a Priority bike is that you’re buying a bike online. There are many, many reasons to be wary of doing so, not the least of which is that you can’t test-ride the bike ahead of time to make sure you like it and that it fits you. And once the bike arrives, you have to finish putting it together. This was the case when we tested this Continuum Onyx, as well as its predecessor, the first Continuum. (One advantage of an internally geared hub and a belt drive is that at least you don’t have to fiddle with derailleurs; you do, however, still need to make sure your brakes are set up correctly and your bike is bolted together properly.) Both bikes we tested—the original Continuum, which we tested six years ago, and the current Continuum Onyx—came from Priority in fine shape, and the hydraulic brakes didn’t need to be bled on either of them.

Since our testing, Priority has created a couple of workarounds. The first involves an outfit called Beeline Connect ; Priority ships your bike to the bike shop closest to you that works with Beeline, and the shop assembles it for a fee of $130. The second is to pick up the bike, fully assembled, at Priority’s showroom in lower Manhattan (for a fee, again, of $130). If neither of those options work for you, and you have the bike shipped directly to you (this costs $30), we recommend that you have a bike shop assemble your bike for you or at least check your work. You should expect to pay the shop its standard service rate and maybe even a “corkage” fee—a small fee for bringing in a bike you bought online instead of purchasing one at the shop. (If there is a fee, pay it, and don’t be a jerk about it.) As Michael Ferrard points out, bringing in a bike you’ve bought online for them to put together is like “driving your meat to McDonald’s and asking them to fry it up and put some porcini and portobello mushrooms on it.”

The Trek FX 2 Disc  and the Trek FX 2 Disc Stagger step-through , which both come with hydraulic brakes, now cost a cool $800 each, a $70 increase from 2021 and a $260 increase over 2019. The bikes do still feature Trek’s proprietary Blendr stem and DuoTrap S capability. The first lets you fasten Blendr-compatible mounts for lights or bike computers or cameras to the handlebar end of the stem, freeing up valuable real estate on your handlebars. The second means that you can install Bontrager’s DuoTrap S speed and cadence sensor into the chainstay—no zip ties! But if you’re that interested in performance metrics, odds are good you’ll soon be graduating from a hybrid to a road bike anyway. (Trek’s entry-level FX, the FX 1, is still available in rim-brake and mechanical-disc-brake versions , for $600 and $700, respectively. But both models use a freewheel cogset, not a cassette, which we regard as a dealbreaker.)

In the past, we’ve criticized the Giant Escape 2 for its aluminum fork, which we could feel transmitting the roughness in the pavement through the handlebars to a much greater extent than with the bikes we tested that had steel forks. After eliminating the rim-brake version of the Escape 2 entirely in 2020 and switching the disc-brake version from a triple chainring in front to a double (which helps the bike shed a little weight but also reduces the number of gearing options; the cassette remains 8-speed), Giant has kept the Escape 2 Disc (with hydraulic disc brakes) largely the same for the current model, apart from giving it wider, 38 mm tires. However, since 2020 the price has jumped $170, to $750. (The cheaper Escape 3 still comes in both rim-brake and mechanical-disc versions, but those use freewheel cogsets—a dealbreaker, as we said above .)

In a laudable commitment to women’s cycling, Giant has an entire women-specific brand, Liv. The Liv equivalent to the Escape line is called Alight; the Alight 2 comes only in a hydraulic-disc-brake version , and the Alight 3 comes in rim-brake and mechanical-disc models, also with freewheel cogsets. The same changes in the Escape bikes hold true for the Alight models: bigger tires and higher price tags.

The 2019 version of the Specialized Sirrus (the name was changed to the Sirrus 1.0 ), one of our also-great picks from four years ago, went up in price from $430 to $475, despite having suffered cuts in component quality. In 2020, the price remained the same, but the bike had a double chainring in front, in place of the old triple. This reduced the number of gearing options to 14 (as the rear cassette remains a seven-speed), and those gears spanned a narrower range (12 to 32) than the Marin Fairfax 1 covers (11 to 34). For 2021—and now 2023—not much changed except the price, which rose to $650.

As for Cannondale, it eliminated the entire lower end of its Quick range of fitness hybrids for 2020: no more Quick 8 or Quick 7. The line starts with the Quick 6, which has V brakes, triple chainrings, and a seven-speed cassette (instead of the nine-speed one it used to have). The price is $660 for the men’s and the women’s versions; they are identical apart from the range of sizes and colors available, and the fact that the women’s version has a step-through frame.

We dismissed Batch Bicycles’ Fitness Bicycle because it uses a freewheel cogset rather than a cassette. We had been planning to test the steel Roebling , from Brooklyn Bicycle Co., but it now comes with a single chainring up front instead of the original triple chainring, which is a dealbreaker. Jamis makes a cheaper version of the Coda S2 called the Coda S3 , but its handlebars are very upright and look more suited to a comfort bike—another dealbreaker.

M. Loren Copsey, co-owner of The Daily Rider, Washington, DC , phone interview , September 29, 2016

Kevin Womac, owner of Boulevard Bikes, Chicago , phone interview , September 29, 2016

Michael Ferrand, owner of Bicycle Michael’s, New Orleans , phone interview , September 29, 2016

Emily Thibodeau, former owner of Hub Bicycle, Cambridge, Massachusetts , phone interview , September 29, 2016

Gene Oberpriller, owner of One on One Bicycle Studio, Minneapolis , phone interview , September 29, 2016

S.B. Phillips, mechanic, The New Wheel, San Francisco , interview , October 1, 2016

Meet your guide

Christine Ryan

Christine Ryan is a senior editor at Wirecutter overseeing the teams that cover travel, outdoors gear, beds and linens, home decor, and more. (She also edits and writes about cycling equipment, which gives her an excuse to sneak away from her desk and go for a ride.) Previously, she was an editor at European Travel & Life, Gourmet, and Sunset.

Further reading

The Best Bike Helmet for Commuters

by Lindsay Warner

In our ninth year of testing bike helmets, we now recommend the Met Downtown Mips for most commuters. We also have other picks for other needs.

The Best Bike Storage Ideas

by Christine Ryan

After 30-plus hours of research and testing, we think the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand  is the best bike rack for storing bikes in limited-space homes.

The Best Kids Bike Seats

by Caitlin Giddings

A kids seat mounted to your bike is a good way to begin to nurture your child’s own love of riding for transportation—or just for fun.

The Best Bike Panniers

by Eve O'Neill

After spending four years testing dozens of panniers, we’ve chosen six that’ll be great for daily duty no matter what you’re toting or where you’re going.

Cycling made Simple.

Made By Cyclists

Cannondale Vs Trek

July 26, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• Cannondale bikes are designed for performance and speed, making them ideal for racers and enthusiasts.
• Trek offers durable and affordable options, providing a good balance of quality and price for beginners or budget-conscious riders.
• Both brands have a rich history, innovative technologies, and unique features, making the decision highly subjective to individual needs and preferences.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ When choosing the perfect bike, the debate typically mentions Cannondale vs. Trek because of how prestigious these two brands are in the industry.

Cannondale bikes are known for their luxurious appeal and durability, while Trek has a long-standing association with legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, and his Tour de France wins. Cannondale is better for performance riding and off-road terrains, while Trek is cheaper and more durable.

We understand that deciding between these two brands can be a daunting task. That's why we're here to guide you through the ins and outs of Cannondale and Trek bicycles, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your cycling needs. Stay tuned as we explore these two renowned bike manufacturers and compare their offerings.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Cannondale vs. Trek Bikes (Complete Brand Comparison)

As biking enthusiasts, we know it can be challenging to choose the right bike, especially when comparing reputable brands like Cannondale and Trek. And the truth is, you can’t go wrong with either bike brand.

For example, both brands manufacture high-quality bikes with advanced features like an integrated wheel sensor. But there are some things to consider.

When you think of a luxury bike, Cannondale is the first that comes to mind for most cycling enthusiasts. But with nine Tour De France victories, Trek is not too far behind. So let’s take a closer look at each to understand why Cannondale and Trek are highly rated.

Cannondale Bikes Brand History

Established in 1971 as an outdoor gear company, Cannondale transitioned into bike manufacturing in the early 1980s, distinguishing itself by using aluminum instead of steel for its frames.

Known for its progressive design and tech, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of cycling innovation. Cannondale is also known for its cutting-edge carbon frames, reducing bike weight by about two pounds compared to Trek's carbon composite material.

Cannondale has a reputation for crafting excellent mountain bikes and road bikes. Their range also includes hybrid bikes, electric bikes, and kids' bikes. But mountain biking is their specialty and preferred riding style.

They've consistently been at the forefront of bike technology, with notable innovations like the 'Lefty' single-sided suspension fork and the pioneering use of carbon fiber. This is why they’re one of the best mountain bike brands.

Trek Bikes Brand History

Trek was founded in Wisconsin in 1976 with the vision to build the best bikes in the world. It has indeed held onto this vision, earning a reputation for quality, extensive research, and cutting-edge technology, making it one of the world's largest bike companies.

Over the years, Trek continued to impress with its top-quality bikes, even powering Lance Armstrong through his Tour de France victories. The innovative spirit of Trek has been undeniable.

Trek remains a strong competitor renowned for its well-rounded performance bikes and slightly higher price points. Trek offers a comprehensive range, including mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bikes, kids' bikes, and even custom bikes.

Their unique IsoSpeed technology, which offers superior comfort and smoothness on road bikes by decoupling the seat tube from the top tube, stands out in terms of innovation.

What Are The Key Differences Between Cannondale & Trek?

While Cannondale and Trek share a lot in common as two of the leading bike manufacturers, they each bring unique attributes and characteristics to the table that set them apart. Here are some key differences between the two.

Frame Material

Cannondale bikes are known for using aluminum alloy and carbon fiber in their frames. The brand initially gained recognition for its revolutionary use of aluminum, producing lightweight yet durable bikes.

Over the years, they have also increasingly integrated carbon fiber into their high-end models, enhancing their performance attributes. Trek makes extensive use of carbon composite material in their mountain bikes.

Known as "OCLV," Trek's carbon is recognized for its strength, lightweight, and durability. Trek also continues to use aluminum in some models, offering a broad spectrum of choices for riders with different needs and budgets.

Sustainability Efforts

Both brands have shown a commitment to sustainability, but their approaches vary. Trek has a program called Trek Care, where they commit to repairing or replacing damaged frames to reduce waste.

Cannondale emphasizes the longevity of its bikes and environmentally conscious production processes. Ultimately, Cannondale aims to produce high-quality mountain and cycling bikes. Trek aims to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging people to use bikes instead of vehicles.

Generally, Cannondale's prices tend to start slightly higher, given the brand's continuous pursuit of advanced technology and design. There is no cheap Cannondale bike, so beginners often avoid them.

On the other hand, Trek provides a wider range of entry-level options, making it a more accessible choice for beginners or those on a tighter budget. Trek bicycles are more likely to be used by a new rider too.

Cannondale is known for its bold and groundbreaking design concepts. The company's iconic 'Lefty' single-sided suspension fork and early adoption of carbon fiber are a testament to its innovative approach.

Trek, while also innovative, focuses more on comfort and ride quality. Its IsoSpeed technology, which enhances the smoothness of road bikes by isolating the seat tube from the top tube, is a prime example.

Cannondale vs. Trek: Bike Categories Comparison

When it comes to road bikes, both Cannondale and Trek have a strong presence in the market. We can find various models catering to riders of different skill levels and preferences.

Cannondale offers road bikes like the SuperSix EVO and Synapse, known for their excellent performance and smooth handling. Trek has popular models like the Madone and Domane, which are favored by many professional cyclists for their efficiency and comfort.

Mountain Bikes

For mountain bikes, both brands have their unique offerings. Cannondale is known for its full-suspension and hardtail bikes like the Scalpel, Habit, and Trail series. They consistently innovate in terms of design and technology in this category.

On the other hand, Trek is an industry leader with an extensive range of mountain bikes. From the downhill-ready Session to the cross-country and all-mountain Trek Fuel EX and Top Fuel, there's something for everyone.

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are designed for versatility, combining the best road and mountain biking. We see this trend in the lineup of both Cannondale and Trek.

Cannondale offers the Quick series, known for its comfortable riding position and lightweight frames. Meanwhile, Trek has the Dual Sport and FX series, offering great versatility for riders looking for a bike that can handle both on and off-road terrains.

Electric Bikes

Finally, the electric bike category is growing rapidly, and both Cannondale and Trek have joined the party. Cannondale's electric bike lineup includes models like the Moterra, an e-mountain bike, and the Neo series, featuring urban and fitness e-bikes.

Trek also has a wide range of e-bikes, including the popular Powerfly for mountain bikers and the Verve+ series for everyday commuting and leisure riding.

Cannondale vs. Trek: Pros and Cons

When it comes to choosing between Cannondale and Trek bikes, we know it can be a tough decision. Both brands are well-respected, and each has its advantages and drawbacks.

Cannondale Pros

• Luxurious appeal: Cannondale bikes are often admired for their polished appearance, making them popular among biking enthusiasts.
• Lightweight construction: Thanks to their advanced machining process, Cannondale bikes generally weigh about two pounds less than their Trek counterparts, offering better maneuverability to riders.
• Racing and off-roading focus: If you're into competitive racing or off-road adventures, Cannondale might be the way to go, as they specialize in these types of bikes.

Cannondale Cons

• Limited variety: While they have a wide range of racing and off-road bikes, Cannondale doesn't offer as diverse a product lineup in other categories compared to Trek.
• Tied to cycling history: Trek bicycles are popularly associated with Lance Armstrong's Tour de France wins, something that might appeal to fans of the sport.
• Wider bike variety: Trek offers a diverse range of bikes, covering multiple purposes and preferences.
• Durable material: Trek uses aluminum for its frames, ensuring durability and performance.
• Slightly heavier: Trek bicycles tend to weigh a bit more than Cannondale bikes, which might affect handling and maneuverability for some riders.

Which Brand Is The Right Bike Choice For You?

Cannondale is often considered the right choice for racers or riders looking for speed and lightweight efficiency. They have better trekking bikes because of their mountain bike designs with hydraulic disc brakes or premium models with mechanical disc brakes.

Cannondale emphasizes creating lightweight frames, such as those made from carbon fiber, meaning their bikes are often lighter than their counterparts. This can significantly contribute to speed and agility, making them ideal for competitive racing or fast recreational cycling.

On the other hand, Trek is known for its durability and affordable pricing, largely due to its extensive use of aluminum frames. Aluminum frames are strong, durable, and more affordable than carbon, making Trek bikes an excellent choice for those on a budget or new cyclists.

Trek bikes tend to be more reliable, built to last, and can easily handle various terrains and conditions. This makes them great for everyday commuting, casual riding, or for those who prefer long-distance biking on various surfaces.

Why Road Cyclists Are Switching to Gravel Bikes

Why Fitness Enthusiasts Are Switching to Smart Cycling Trainers

Why Competitive Cyclists Are Switching to Aero Road Bikes

Why Eco-Conscious Riders Are Switching to Bamboo Bikes

About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

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Best Hybrid Bikes in 2024: Top Models for Leisure, Commuting and Fitness

Hybrid bikes are known as the champions of versatility, making them a great choice for anyone who loves cycling on different types of terrain.

They blend the best parts of road and mountain bikes, which helps them perform equally well on smooth roads, busy city streets, and on country trails.

The best hybrid bikes are designed to promote a relaxed upright riding position that balances comfort and handling with speed and acceleration. 

Hybrid bikes are super versatile and ideal for a wide range of riders and uses.

Our buying guide below is your ticket to discovering the 13 best hybrid bike models of the year, whether you’re riding to work or going on a weekend adventure.

If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend also reading our buying guide on the best hybrid bikes under $1,000 . We’ve also written guides on the best hybrid bikes for women and the best electric hybrid bikes  if you want to explore even more options.

Key Factors in Choosing the Best Hybrid Bike

Choosing the best hybrid bike for your needs requires understanding the main aspects that impact performance, comfort, and practicality.

Here are some key factors to keep in mind, but consider reading our full guide to hybrid bikes as well to learn more.

Gearing Options and Belt Drives

Hybrid bikes are available with diverse gearing options, from single-speed to multi-gear drivetrains that cater to different needs and riding conditions. 

Many models also come with internal gear hubs that feature a sealed low-maintenance mechanism, ideal for daily exploitation in various weather.

Higher-end models might feature belt drive systems, an alternative to traditional chains, that provide a clean, quiet, and low-maintenance ride. Though the technology is slowly trickling down and belt drive bikes are becoming more affordable over time. 

Each of these setups can be right for you, depending on your needs. When choosing, consider the typical terrain you’ll ride on and the amount of maintenance you’re comfortable with.

Bike Fit and Comfort

Hybrid bikes are typically designed to prioritize comfort over performance, so it’s crucial to get a model that fits you well. 

Make sure to study the geometry and size chart well and choose a frame size that fits your body dimensions such as height and inseam length. 

You should also keep in mind that some hybrid bikes have a relaxed, upright riding position, whereas others favor a more aggressive, forward-leaning position. 

Therefore, choosing the right frame type for your style of riding is critical to ensure you feel comfortable and the bike meets your needs perfectly.

Recommended reading:

• Bike Size Charts: How to Choose the Right Bicycle Size
• Easy DIY Bike Fit: Tips for a More Comfortable Ride

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes used to be available on mountain bikes only until a few years ago—now the best hybrid bikes have them as well. 

They are a superior choice compared to traditional rim brakes as they offer more braking power and perform consistently no matter the weather conditions. They especially shine on rainy days and on muddy rides.

Disc brakes are available in two types—mechanical and hydraulic. The former are cheaper but require manual adjusting, whereas the latter are slightly more expensive but brake better and require less frequent adjustment. 

Whenever possible, we recommend choosing hydraulic disc brakes. But, if your budget doesn’t allow it, mechanical discs and rim brakes can also be a good choice, especially if you typically ride in dry conditions.

The weight of a hybrid bike is not as important as the weight of a road bike, but it does affect a few important daily aspects, such as handling and portability. 

Hybrids are generally not considered to be lightweight, especially if they come with features like an internal gear hub, hydraulic disc brakes, multiple add-ons, and wide tires. 

However, choosing a lighter model can be beneficial, especially if you need to lift the bike often, carry it up and down the stairs, or take it on public transportation. 

If you want to ensure you get a lightweight hybrid bike, look for a model with a carbon frameset or a high-grade aluminum frame and carbon fork. They may cost more, but they’ll be easier to handle and a joy to ride.

If this doesn’t fit your budget, don’t obsess over it—generally speaking, weight is of secondary importance when riding a hybrid.

Accessories and Customization Options

The best hybrid bikes we’ve chosen below may or may not come with preinstalled accessories, such as fenders and racks. However, most hybrid bikes offer mounts for customization options, so you can include these add-ons on your own.

Unless you’re planning to use your hybrid bike for performance-focused fitness riding, accessories like racks and panniers can be handy for carrying goods, whereas fenders will allow you to ride in wet conditions. 

We also recommend investing in getting a set of bright lights and reflectors for visibility, as well as mounts for water bottles. A kickstand can also be handy if you make a lot of frequent stops, as it will prevent you from chipping the frame paint by having to lean your bike on posts and walls. 

Best Hybrid Bikes in 2024

• Specialized Sirrus 6.0
• Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1
• Priority Bicycles Continuum Onyx
• Trek Dual Sport+ 2
• Cannondale Quick Disc 4
• Tommaso La Forma
• Giant FastRoad AR Advanced 1
• Diamondback Division 2
• Public Bikes V9 Aluminum
• Cannondale Bad Boy 1
• LIV Alight 2 Disc
• Marin DSX 2
• Rondo Booz ST

1. Specialized Sirrus 6.0

High-End Hybrid Performance

• MSRP: $3,000
• Frame: FACT 9r carbon w/ Compliance Junction
• Suspension : Future Shock 1.5
• Gears: SRAM GX Eagle Lunar 1×12
• Brakes: SRAM Level TLM hydraulic

Reasons to buy:

• Compliance Junction carbon frame technology
• Headtube-hidden Future Shock 1.5 suspension
• High-end SRAM components
• Rack and Fenders compatible
• Tubeless-ready tires

Reasons to avoid:

A single glance is enough to see that the Specialized Sirrus 6.0 is a unique bike that aims to redefine hybrid cycling, blending high speed, comfort, and technology. Its lightweight carbon frame is a standout feature, boasting the Compliance Junction that provides flexibility in the frame for a smooth ride without losing efficiency.

The carbon frame is paired with the Future Shock 1.5 suspension in the headtube to reduce road vibrations and enhance comfort on various terrains. Therefore, the Sirrus 6.0 is an outstanding choice for city streets, as well as for gravel and dirt roads.

The Specialized Sirrus 6.0 is pricey, there’s no doubt about that, but the attention to detail is evident in its high-quality build and components. It comes with a reliable SRAM GX Eagle Lunar 1×12 drivetrain and powerful SRAM Level TLM hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring easy pedaling and reliable braking no matter the conditions.

But where the Sirrus’ versatility truly shines is its ability to accommodate up to 42c wide tires and its compatibility with racks and fenders, which is not often seen with carbon frames.

So whether you need a hybrid bike for fitness, commuting, or exploring, the Specialized Sirrus 6.0 can adapt seamlessly to your needs on a day-to-day basis.

Buy from Specialized.com

2. Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1

Affordable Commuter Choice

• Frame: Aluminum
• Suspension : SR Suntour Nex DS, 63 mm
• Gears: Shimano Altus 2×8
• Brakes: Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes
• Lightweight and efficient 2x drivetrain
• Top tube bag mount
• Reflective tire sidewalls improve visibility
• Powerful hydraulic brakes
• 300 lb weight limit
• A bit heavy at 32 lb

The Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 is a budget hybrid bike that’s comfortable, reasonably fast, and perfect for commuting thanks to its upright riding position.

With 63mm of travel in the front and 700c x 40mm tires, the CTY 2.1 is capable of navigating city streets and hardpacked gravel roads equally well. 

Related:  Co-op Cycles CTY Series Review

This bike also features a Shimano Altus 2×8-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. The previous version of this model had a 3x drivetrain, which is overly complex and heavy, so the 2x is an improvement. It’s paired up with a wide-range 11-34T cassette, which is good news if you live somewhere hilly. 

With a step-through frame, the CTY 2.1 is incredibly practical and easy to get on a off. The frame does not come with any accessories, but there are multiple mounts to retrofit them if you decide that you need any. 

To sum up, the Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 is one of the best hybrid bikes for recreational riders and those shopping on a tight budget.

Buy on REI.com

3. Priority Bicycles Continuum Onyx

Low-Maintenance Commuting Star

• MSRP: $1,299
• Frame: 6061 T6 Aluminum
• Suspension :  None, rigid aluminum fork
• Gears: Enviolo CVT hub, 380%
• Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
• Sealed Enviolo CVT rear hub
• Gates belt drive
• Dynamo-powered lights
• Maintenance-free hydraulic brakes
• Excellent accessories
• Weighs 31 lb

The Priority Continuum Onyx is the best low-maintenance hybrid bike on this list and possibly one of the best ones on the market. If you’re looking for a bike that requires minimal adjustment and easy upkeep, you should stop your search here. 

The Continuum Onyx comes with an Enviolo CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) hub with no predefined gears and a 380% gear range. You simply turn the twist shifter to the ideal resistance point and enjoy riding. Plus, all parts are sealed in, so you won’t need to do any maintenance or adjustments. 

In addition to that, the Onyx also comes with a belt drive that requires no lubrication or cleaning and lasts multiple times more than a traditional chain. The low-maintenance build is rounded up with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes that also need minimal upkeep. 

Priority Bicycles also equipped this hybrid bike with a front-wheel dynamo that powers the lights, front and rear fenders, a kickstand, and puncture-resistant 700c x 32mm tires. In other words, they pretty much thought about everything so that you don’t need to.

Check out the rest of the Priority Bicycles’ range as well, as their bikes start from as low as $599.

Buy from PriorityBicycles.com

4. Trek Dual Sport+ 2

Best Electric Hybrid Bike

• MSRP: $2,400
• Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminum
• Suspension : None, rigid alloy fork
• Gears:  Shimano Altus, 9-speed
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic discs
• Powerful motor and battery kit
• Bright front and rear lights
• Low weight despite the electronics
• Versatile 650 x 50mm tires
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• No fenders or rear rack

The Dual Sport+ 2 is Trek’s most affordable electric hybrid bike and one of the best choices on this list. This is a fast and nimble hybrid e-bike with a sleek integrated motor and battery that will make your commute faster and easier than before.

The Hyena G2 rear hub motor has 40 Nm of torque and provides assistance for up to 20 mph, whereas the 250 Wh battery is integrated into the down tube and provides a 35-mile range.

That’s a decent setup for everyday riding and climbing, especially when you consider the 9-speed Shimano Altus rear derailleur and Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic disc brakes. Even though these are entry-level components, they are reliable and durable and get the job done. 

Finally, the Dual Sport+ 2 also comes with bright front and rear lights, so you can ride it day and night, but sadly doesn’t feature fenders or a rear rack. Though you can easily retrofit these accessories, as Trek has included all the necessary mounting points.

We recommend getting it if you want a minimalistic hybrid electric bike that will allow you to ride further and faster than before.

Buy from Trek Bikes

5. Cannondale Quick Disc 4

Fitness and Commute Ready

• Frame: SmartForm C3 alloy
• Suspension : None, rigid chromoly fork
• Gears:  microSHIFT Advent, 9-speed
• Brakes: Tektro hydro disc
• Lightweight at 25 lb
• Cannondale’s integrated wheel sensor
• SP Connect–compatible smartphone case mount
• 360° reflective details
• Mounts to add accessories
• Chromoly fork

The Cannondale Quick Disc 4 is part of Cannondale’s Quick Series , which includes several fitness bikes with rigid forks and balanced geometries, ideal for speedy city commutes and workouts.

The Quick Disc 4 build offers excellent value and a decent set of components to satisfy the needs of a recreational cyclist or urban commuter. It’s equipped with a microShift Advent 9-speed rear derailleur and decent Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.

As a fitness hybrid bike, the Quick Disc 4 does not come with any accessories, but you can add racks or fenders to the bike to make it even more versatile. It doesn’t even come with a kickstand, but you can install one easily. 

This bike also comes with Cannondale’s integrated wheel sensor that helps track your activities, a mount on the stem that holds any SP Connect–compatible smartphone case, and 360° reflective details that increase visibility at all times.

All in all, the Cannondale Quick Disc 4 hybrid bike is definitely a model that should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a fast and simple workhorse.

6. Tommaso La Forma

Best Urban Speedster

• Frame: 6061 Alloy aluminum frame
• Suspension : None, rigid carbon fork
• Gears: Shimano Acera, 3×9-speed
• Brakes: Rim brakes
• Lightweight carbon fork
• Fast 700x32c tires
• Attractive design
• Wide gear range for steep climbs
• Comfortable compact frame
• No internal cable routing

Tommaso La Forma is a budget-friendly urban bike equipped to tackle city roads as a commuting companion or a swift fitness bike.

The La Forma has a high-quality Aluminum frame combined with a lightweight carbon fork, which is a nice surprise in this price range.

This bike is designed for fast workouts and speedy commutes, which is reflected in its 700x32C tires which help you zip around the city. The 3×9 Shimano Acera drivetrain is a bit heavy, but you get 27 gears to tackle any gradient you encounter.

The only disadvantage is the fact La Forma comes with rim brakes instead of disc brakes, but this is understandable as Tommaso’s goal was to create a flat bar hybrid bike that’s as close to a road bike as possible. 

Finally, this bike also comes with mounts for fenders and a pannier rack which will allow you to turn it into the perfect commuter bike.

Buy from TommasoCycling.com

7. Giant FastRoad AR Advanced 1 

Performance Oriented Versatility

• MSRP: $2,100
• Frame: Carbon fiber frame
• Gears: Shimano 105, 2×11
• Brakes: Tektro HD-R280, 160mm rotors
• Lightweight carbon frameset
• Versatile 700x40c tubeless tires
• Road-specific Shimano 105 drivetrain
• Stiff bottom bracket for power transfer
• Fork mounts
• D-shaped seat post limits upgrade options

The Giant FastRoad is the best hybrid bike for someone who needs a two-wheeler that can do it all. It may seem costly, but it’s the only bike you need, and here’s why.

The FastRoad AR Advanced 1 is built around a super stiff and lightweight carbon frameset that you can see on Giant’s road bikes. That makes it fast, agile, and responsive, which is ideal for fast commutes and fitness rides. 

Moreover, it boasts a road-specific Shimano 105 2×11 drivetrain that can be seen on many best road bikes , combined with Tektro’s powerful hydraulic disc brakes. 

The Giant Gavia Fondo AR 700x40c tubeless tires are perfect for tackling bumpy backroads with speed, comfort and control, but are also great for city streets and smooth tarmac. If you prefer gravel riding, there’s clearance for up to 42mm wide tires. 

In conclusion, the Giant FastRoad AR Advanced 1 is a versatile, high-performance hybrid bike that excellently balances speed, agility, and comfort, making it an outstanding choice for both urban commuting and adventurous backroad cycling.

Buy on Mikesbikes.com

8. Diamondback Division 2

All-Around Recreational Hybrid

• Frame: 6061 Heat-Treated Aluminum
• Suspension :  None, rigid alloy fork
• Gears: Shimano Alivio/Acera 9-speed
• Brakes: Tektro HD-T275 Hydraulic
• Attractive tan-wall tires
• Excellent components for the price
• Four sizes fit 5’7″ to 6’4″
• Comfortable grips and saddle
• Versatile 650b x 47 mm tires
• Cables not fully internal
• One water bottle cage mount

The Division 2 is Diamondback’s vision of a one-bike-to-rule-them-all that’s built on an attractive aluminum frame that features relaxed geometry perfect for urban rides.

It’s equipped with above-average components for the price, which is generally the case with all Diamondback bikes—they offer good bang for the buck. Plus, the Division 2 rolls on versatile 650b x 47mm tires that are suitable for different uses, such as fitness riding, commuting, and light gravel adventures.

The drivetrain is comprised of a Shimano Alivio rear derailleur and a Shimano Acera shifter and gives you nine versatile speeds for easy-going recreational rides. Another positive surprise is the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, which are always a positive sight on hybrid bikes under $1,000.

The only drawback is the fact that the cables are not fully internally routed and that there are mounts for only one water bottle. But, other than that, the Diamondback Division 2 is a well-thought-out package.

All in all, this is one of the best hybrid bikes you can use to travel to work, enjoy a fun afternoon spin with friends, or explore gravel trails!

Buy from Diamondback.com

9. Public Bikes V9 Aluminum

Simple and Efficient Commuter

• MSRP: $650 ( Public Bikes / Mike’s Bikes )
• Frame:  PUBLIC premium aluminum tubing
• Suspension :  None, rigid steel fork
• Gears:  Shimano Altus 9-speed
• Brakes: Alloy dual-pivot calipers
• Retro aluminum frame and steel fork
• Mounts for fenders and racks
• Vegan leather grips
• Fast and comfortable
• No disc brakes

The Public V9 Aluminum is a retro-styled hybrid commuter that keeps things simple to get the job done with minimal fuss. Need a bike to get from point A to point B without overthinking it too much? The V9 Aluminum is the right choice for you.

This hybrid bike is built around a classic diamond-shaped premium aluminum frame with a high-tensile steel fork for maximum comfort. It includes mounts for fenders and racks, so you can personalize it to your liking. 

The V9 is called this way because it sports a Shimano Altus 9-speed rear derailleur, which is a wide range of gears for recreational riders and commuters. To keep things light and simple, this bike has dual-caliper rim brakes instead of disc brakes, which is the same type you see on many road bikes, so they will provide enough stopping power. 

The Public V9 Aluminum weighs just 25 lb, which is 20% lighter than Public’s similar steel frame bikes. These weight savings will make a huge difference whenever you’re lifting or carrying the bike up and down stairs. 

Buy from PublicBikes.com     Buy from MikesBikes.com

10. Cannondale Bad Boy 1

Stylish Urban Explorer

• MSRP: $2,325
• Frame: SmartForm C1 alloy
• Suspension : Lefty LightPipe rigid
• Gears:  Shimano Alfine Rapidfire, 8-speed
• Brakes: Shimano MT400 hydraulic
• Sealed low-maintenance gearbox
• Durable gates carbon belt drive
• Integrated LED lights
• Integrated Urban Armor bumper
• Multi-surface 650b x 40mm tires

The Cannondale Bad Boy 1 is a hybrid bike with the look of a hardtail but the versatility of a city bike. 

At first glance, the feature that stands out the most is the Lefty rigid fork that reduces overall weight without sacrificing strength. Cannondale built this bike around its premium SmartForm C1 aluminum frame, which is a high-performance alloy with excellent ride characteristics and a low weight.

The frame has in-built top tube protection for leaning and locking the bike when out and about, as well as integrated LED lights in the Lefty LightPipe fork and seat post that will make you more visible on night rides.

The Bad Boy 1 also boasts an 8-speed internal Shimano Alfine gearbox with a belt drive to minimize maintenance and simplify shifting. The build also includes premium Shimano MT400 hydraulic disc brakes and multifunctional WTB Byway, 650b x 40mm tires. 

Therefore, this combination gives the Bad Boy 1 mixed-terrain capability and plenty of traction in wet urban conditions. 

In our opinion, you should not miss out on the Cannondale Bad Boy 1 if you want an affordable, versatile, and stylish city bike with the reliability of a big-name brand. 

11. Liv Alight 2 Disc

Best Women’s Beginner-Friendly Hybrid

• Frame: ALUXX-Grade aluminum
• Gears: Shimano Tourney/Altus 2×8
• Brakes: Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic
• Women-specific design
• Versatile puncture-resistant tires
• Mounts for multiple accessories
• Internal cable routing
• Ergonomic touchpoints
• Low-tier drivetrain components

The Liv Alight 2 Disc is a stylish women’s hybrid bike with plenty of versatility for mixed-terrain riding. As an entry-level model, it comes with several low-tier components, which makes it a good choice for beginners and recreational riders. 

Namely, the Alight 2 Disc is equipped with Shimano Tourney and Altus 2×8 derailleurs, which are the cheapest options you can get from this brand. They work well, but they’re not great for aggressive use. 

What we particularly like is the addition of Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, despite the low $750 price tag, which is a nice surprise and a highlight of this build. You also get 700 x 38c tires that balance speed, grip, and versatility well. 

The Liv Alight 2 Disc also has all the accessory mounts you need, so you can retrofit it with front and rear fenders and racks, a kickstand, and two water bottle cages. 

So if you want one of the best women’s hybrid bikes that costs little and comes with a well-balanced build, the Liv Alight 2 Disc won’t disappoint you.

12. Marin DSX 2

Gravel-Ready Adventurer

• MSRP: $1,349
• Frame: Series 3 6061 Aluminum
• Gears:  Shimano Deore 12-Speed
• Brakes: Shimano MT201 hydraulic
• High-quality Shimano components
• Gravel-ready tires
• Stable, slack geometry
• Great for light-duty touring
• Wheels and tires not tubeless-ready
• Reinforced seat tube results in a harsher ride

The Marin DSX 2 is a highly versatile and capable rigid hybrid slash gravel bike. If you can afford only one bike but your riding style requires multiple different types, the Marin DSX 2 should meet most of your needs.

The DSX 2 comes with an aluminum frame with a long wheelbase and slack geometry, which makes it stable at higher speeds and on rough surfaces. It also boasts a stiff carbon fork that improves comfort and lowers the total weight of this gravel hybrid bike.

The Marin DSX 2 features the latest Shimano Deore 12-speed rear derailleur, along with the MT201 hydraulic disc brakes, so it is definitely suitable for proper weekend adventures when the weekday commutes are over. 

The bike rolls on WTB Riddler 700 x 45mm, which is the widest you can go and the main reason why this bike is classified as a flat-bar gravel hybrid. 

If you love bikepacking, the DSX 2 can do that as well, you just need to add fenders and racks, or fit frame bags on it. 

Overall, this is the best hybrid bike for cyclists who love riding gravel or have a mixed-terrain commuting route to tackle each morning.

Buy on JensonUSA.com

Other Types of Urban Bikes to Consider

If you haven’t found exactly what you were looking for on this page, we recommend checking out our other urban-bike-related buying guides for more options!

• Best Commuter bikes : Excellent, fully-equipped bikes for everyday use. Designed to get around in urban areas.
• City bikes : Basic bikes for grocery runs, or for school/work commutes.
• Fitness bikes : Fast and sporty hybrid bicycles designed for fast commutes and workouts.
• Used Hybrid Bikes from The Pro’s Closet : A selection of used and new hybrid bikes for all types of riders.

Additional Things to Consider When Buying a Hybrid Bike

Types of hybrid bikes.

Hybrid bikes blend characteristics of road and mountain bikes, but they come in several different types, each of which caters to different needs. 

• City hybrid bikes are intended for urban commuting, boasting accessories like fenders and racks and a comfortable upright riding position. 
• Cross hybrids typically come with a suspension fork and wider tires and are able to handle gravel roads and off-road paths, in addition to paved roads.
• Comfort hybrids are similar to comfort and cruiser bikes, with a more relaxed geometry, wide saddles, and slightly swept-back handlebars. They are commonly used for leisure rides and shorter commutes. 
• Fitness hybrids are essentially sportive road bikes with flat bars and narrow tires that can be used for workouts, urban commutes, or recreational cycling. 

The choice between these four main types depends on your intended use, such as fitness, commuting, lesiure, or a combination of these activities.

Hybrid Bike Wheel and Tire Sizes

Traditional hybrid bikes usually come with a 700c wheel size, which is commonly associated with road bikes and city bikes. They often have tires that are between 28mm and 40mm wide, with 35-38mm being the sweet spot. 

However, more and more modern hybrid bikes are available with smaller 650b wheels and slightly wider tires (40mm+) that are similar to the best gravel bike tires . This makes them more versatile and suitable for tackling paved and unpaved roads. 

Related:  A Complete Guide to Bike Wheel Sizes

If you’re looking for the best hybrid bike for speed and efficiency, choose one with narrower tires (28-32mm). But if you want a multi-functional model that provides enough grip on different types of terrains, choose a model with 35mm tires and above.

Suspension Fork: Yes or No?

As you can see from our selection of the best hybrid bikes above, a suspension fork can be an important feature of this type of bike. 

However, whether it’s going to be a game-changer or an unnecessary addition for you, depends on what kinds of terrains you intend to ride. 

For smooth roads and city streets, a suspension fork may be overkill, adding unnecessary weight and complicating maintenance. But, if your routes include gravel roads, bumpy trails, or rough broken asphalt, front suspension can be a godsend, improving comfort and handling. 

Cost and Budget

Hybrid bikes are suitable for all types of riders because their cost varies widely.

Entry-level models start from around $500 or slightly under and are suitable for casual riding and shorter commutes. However, they may not be as durable or reliable as more expensive models. 

Mid-range hybrid bikes cost between $700 and $1,200 and offer higher quality components, better materials, and lower weight. They are suitable for more frequent riding and longer commutes, as well as light workouts. 

Finally, high-end hybrids cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000 and often come with a lightweight carbon frame, high-quality brakes and drivetrain, and features like a belt drive, dynamo lights, or internal gearing.

In our opinion, your budget should reflect how often you plan to ride and the features you prioritize, balancing cost with the quality and longevity of the bike.

Do you ride a hybrid bike? Is there another model you’d like us to review and include on our list? Let us know in the comments below!

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About the Author

Sam Millers

10 thoughts on “ best hybrid bikes in 2024: top models for leisure, commuting and fitness ”.

Best bike for exercise and riding around the neighborhood? I have a trek fx 7.6 (model 2016) for females however it’s not the most comfortable. Also I have neck and back problems.

Look for comfort bikes that have a more comfortable entry & upright riding position.

They have no large or xlarge co-op in stock at Columbus Ohio stores, kinda hard to test ride one before you buy

Why there is no mentioning of the Trek verve and the Dual Sport?

The link to Verve-series review can be found after the last model.

Hola! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!

Who are these reviews for? REI? Surely not the public. So I’m guessing you are an affiliate with these companies.

We are indeed partnered up with REI and many other stores. This is also clearly stated at the top menu . The reason why we have chosen so many bikes from REI is that they have a great selection of bikes on offer, and a trustworthy feedback & rating platform as well.

Feel free to add a bike store in the comments which has a better selection of great value hybrid bikes that can also be ordered online :).

WHAT ARE YOUR COMMENTS ON COMFORTABLE SADDLES

We might release an article about saddles soon.

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Cycling in the City and Beyond

Cannondale vs Trek: Know the Differences Before You Buy

There are hundreds, even thousands of bike brands around the world and over the history of the sport. It can be an intimidating task for new cyclists to navigate the industry, let alone try to figure out which bike will suit them best.

No doubt you’ve come across the world-renowned brands of Cannondale and Trek. They are two highly sought-after American companies known for style and innovation. But what makes them unique or encourages a buyer to choose one over the other?

You’re likely tired of hearing this, but it does depend on what you are looking for. Do you want a high-quality entry-level bike to have fun on? Or are you a performance-focused cyclist who needs to shave every ounce of unnecessary weight off your bike?

Cannondale vs Trek: Overview

Both design a wide range of bikes. Each bike manufacturer has options based on riding style, performance needs, and price points. But Trek has a much larger, more customizable line of bikes, while Cannondale specializes in optimizing high-end, lightweight premium bicycles.

So if you want more options, you should lean toward Trek bikes. If you’re after the best of the best, no questions asked, and money isn’t an object, then Cannondale is the way to go.

In case you are unfamiliar with the two companies, let’s start with their origin stories.

History of Cannondale

Cannondale opened its doors in 1971 in Bethel, Connecticut, specializing in aluminum and carbon fiber bikes. Lighter is better is the name of the game for Cannondale. They were one of the first companies to introduce carbon fiber frames to the market, and they’ve never looked back. Steel frames are not even in their repertoire.

Cannondale is an industry leader in research and innovation. They were the first to introduce suspension forks and shocks for mountain bikes. In 1992, they introduced their Head Shok suspension system . Its design includes 88 needle bearings divided evenly between four strips of needle bearings. They are sandwiched between an inner and outer tube, which creates a telescoping effect and enables the system to roll instead of slide. The result is a flex-free, rigid fork that is still considered the most effective and reliable on the market.

Cannondale’s bold innovation didn’t stop there. They were also the first to come up with single-sided or lefty forks, making their mountain bikes even lighter than their competitors.

They reinvented the wheel with their slice wheel system, which allows riders to change their tire and tube in mere seconds without any tools.

This video is pretty old, but it offers a deep look at the highly precise assembly process of Cannondale bikes:

History of Trek

Richard Burke and Biseau Hogg started Trek in 1975 from humble beginnings when they made bikes out of a red barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin. They incorporated a year later. Trek handmade 904 touring frames in the very first year with only five employees. They quickly grew in size, prestige, and sales. They also began acquiring long-established companies such as Gary Fisher, Electra, and Bontrager.

Trek earns praise for high-quality steel frame bikes. But they also compete in the aluminum and carbon fiber realms. They score big points with their customizability, allowing consumers to build bikes on their website from the frame up, right down to the custom paint job.

Their biggest claim to fame came on the shoulders of Lance Armstrong. If you didn’t already know, his seven consecutive Tour de France wins from 1999 to 2005 (since disqualified due to doping violations) were all on Trek bikes. This helped cement Trek’s reputation for speed and world-class quality.

Now that you are familiar with the lore of each brand, let’s see what sets them apart from one another.

Differences: Cannondale vs Trek

Cannondale and Trek both manufacture bicycles categorized from mid-range to high-end. They also cover a wide range of riding styles, from road cycling to trekking, mountain biking, and hybrid bikes. Most recently, they each ventured into the electric bike craze.

Each company’s bikes have specific features that set them apart.

As mentioned above, Cannondale only makes frames from aluminum and carbon fiber. But the geometry varies from bike to bike. The Cannondale 6 and the Synapse models incorporate curved chainstays. This helps them to absorb more of the road shock.

Trek frames come in steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber for optimal selection. They earn praise for frame geometry that allows them to maintain rigid stiffness, even when the rear wheel gets knocked out of alignment. This is a great attribute for mountain biking and rough trails.

A selling point for me is that Trek bikes have shorter, more angled top tubes, making them the ideal choice for riders with shorter torsos. They also have more frame size options in general, so it’s easier to find the right fit.

On most of their bikes, Cannondale uses aluminum rims. They harden them to make them lighter and stronger. They also offer carbon fiber rims at a higher cost.

Trek’s high-end models come with carbon fiber rims. This increases the price but makes the bikes lighter with optimal aerodynamics.

Cannondale specializes in high-end road bikes, so it should come as no surprise that most of their models come equipped with narrower tires. Typically, between 26 mm and 28 mm of clearance is what’s found on most Cannondale bikes.

A bonus is that Cannondale tire designs include a special reflective coating. It’s an important feature when you’re riding through the city. These tires help improve visibility during late-night or early-morning rides.

Trek is geared more toward the all-around rider who likes to keep their options open. Trek bikes have more clearance and can fit a wider range of tires. This is key once you’ve worn down your factory tires and are looking for available replacements, or if you’re just keen to customize your riding experience. Most Trek bikes can fit tires up to 32 mm.

Cannondale prides itself on making some of the lightest bikes on the market. That’s why they stick with aluminum and carbon as their main materials and use only the necessary amount of hardware.

Trek can make very light bikes as well. But head-to-head and pound-for-pound, they are usually heavier than comparable Cannondales.

Cannondale uses the best of what is available. Before disc brakes were on the market, they used V-brakes. Nowadays, their high-end performance bikes use hydraulic disc brakes.

Same with Trek. You can find entry-level models with entry-level V-brakes or linear-pull brakes. If you are willing to spend money for top quality, you won’t even consider a bike that isn’t equipped with mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes.

Cannondale specializes in ultra-light carbon performance bikes. These models use as many carbon components as possible. Carbon is not a cheap material. Thus, Cannondale’s high-end bikes are some of the most expensive on the market.

Mountain bikes like the Scalpel Hi-MOD Ultimate cost five figures. Their top-of-the-line e-bikes, such as the Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty and SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc Dura-Ace Di12, aren’t far behind. But most riders don’t need everything that Cannondale has to offer. The company also has a range of bikes priced between $1,000 and $5,000.

Trek offers a wider variety of products, so it makes sense that their prices also range widely, from the high-end Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS hardtail MTB to the affordable Trek 820. For e-bikes, the Speed Concept SLR 9 eTap is at the high end, while the Dual Sport+ is at the low end.

Trek wins in the category of world’s most expensive bike with the Butterfly Trek Madone. Designed by British Artist Damien Hirst and ridden by Lance Armstrong, it goes for a whopping $500,000! If that’s not in the cards for you, try the 520 Disc.

Trek has many more options in more bike categories. Their mid-range bikes provide excellent bang for your buck without breaking the bank. Many models are available for less than $1,000

If you are looking for an excellent bike and still want to afford to eat, Trek is the better bet.

Availability

To purchase a Cannondale bike, you have to find a distributor and hope that your model and size are in stock. Call around or visit multiple bike shops until you find exactly what you’re looking for. Or you can find them online at REI .

Trek makes it easy when stock is sufficient. Not only can you order a bike right from their website, but with the launch of Project One , you can customize the entirety of your Trek bike down to the paint job.

Amid a summer rush, you may be waiting awhile. But when it arrives, you’ll have the one-of-a-kind, perfect bike of your dreams!

Final Thoughts: Cannondale vs Trek

Two home-grown American companies. Two fantastic lines of bikes. Deciding between them is difficult. There are lots of things to consider when purchasing a new bike. But frame fit is the most important. This is why it always comes down to the individual rider.

I recommend that you get out there and test ride as many bikes as possible. Get a feel for them and figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. Once you have the right frame to build on, you can customize the details to your preference.

For folks who are less sure of their requirements, I’d steer you toward Trek bikes. With more options, wider availability, and customizable features, it will be easier to find a bike that suits you.

If you’re an experienced rider, know exactly what you want, and have been saving up, I’d say go for a Cannondale!

Trek bikes are the better known of the two, partly because of their Tour de France wins and partly because they have acquired some other bicycle companies.

I first became aware of Cannondale through my colleague who has been in the bicycle industry for over 20 years and knows nearly all there is to know about bikes. When it was time for him to select a new frame to build up, he chose a Cannondale. His credibility is more than enough to convince me.

If you’re looking for a prestigious, world-class brand praised for its research innovation and style, and you really want to turn heads, Cannondale is the right pick.

Top image: ©  Andreas  |  Creative Commons

About the Author…

Morgan Strug

Cannondale vs Trek Who Wins The Race

Both Cannondale and Trek are quality bike brands, and it is hard to go wrong with either one.

Trek is known for its quality and durability, while Cannondale is known for its innovation and cutting-edge designs.

Trek’s line of bikes includes mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, and even kids’ bikes. The company also produces a wide range of cycling accessories, including helmets , clothing, and bike racks.

Cannondale bikes include the frame, which is made from carbon fiber, and the suspension system, which is one of the most advanced on the market. Additionally, Cannondale bikes are known for their high quality and durability.

Cannondale vs Trek Key Differences

The main difference between Cannondale and Trek bicycles is that Cannondale uses carbon fiber frames while Trek uses aluminum frames.

Carbon fiber frames are typically lighter and more responsive than aluminum frames. This makes a Cannondale bike a better choice for racers or riders who want a fast, lightweight bike.

Trek bikes are more durable and affordable than Cannondale bikes, which can make them a better choice for riders who are not as concerned with weight and speed.

Frame Difference

There are many differences between Cannondale and Trek frames, but the most notable one is the type of frame each brand uses.

Cannondale frames are made from aluminum, while trek frames are made from carbon fiber. This makes Trek frames lighter and more responsive, while Cannondale frames are more durable.

Another difference between the brands is the geometry of their frames. Trek frames are designed for racing, while Cannondale frames are designed for all-around use.

This means that trek frames are more aggressive and have a lower stack height, while Cannondale frames are more relaxed and have a higher stack height.

Finally, Trek offers more frame sizes than Cannondale, which makes their frames more accommodating for a wider variety of riders. This can be a big advantage for Trek over Cannondale if you are looking for a frame that will fit you specifically.

Overall, the frame difference between Cannondale and Trek is the biggest difference between the brands.

Trek frames are lighter, more responsive, and better suited for racing, while Cannondale frames are more durable and accommodating.

Whichever brand you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a quality frame that will perform well under a variety of conditions.

Ride Difference

There are a lot of different factors that go into making a great bike ride. The frame, the tires, the saddle, and even the weight of the bike all play a role in how comfortable and enjoyable a ride is. When it comes to comparing Cannondale vs trek bikes, there are some key differences in terms of ride quality.

Trek bikes are often considered to be more comfortable, thanks to their cushy tires and suspension systems. They can handle bumps and uneven terrain better than a Cannondale bike, making them ideal for off-road riding.

However, Cannondale is known for its responsive handling and agility – they’re perfect for city streets and tight corners.

Wheels are an important part of a bike, and they can make a big difference in how the bike rides. Cannondale and Trek are two major brands in the cycling world, and they both have their own wheel designs.

Cannondale wheels are typically wider than Trek wheels. This gives Cannondale bikes a more stable feel when riding, and it also helps them to track better in crosswinds.

Trek wheels are narrower, which makes them faster and more aerodynamic. This is a big advantage for Trek bikes when racing or riding in windy conditions .

Another difference between Cannondale and Trek wheels is their construction.

Cannondale wheels are built with a single piece of aluminum, while Trek wheels are made with multiple pieces that are bonded together. This makes Cannondale wheels stronger and more durable, but it also makes them heavier.

Handle Bars

When it comes to mountain biking, there are two major brands that stand out from the rest: Cannondale and Trek.

Both brands offer great bikes for all types of riders, but there are some key differences between their lineups.

One of the most noticeable differences is in the handlebars. Trek offers a variety of handlebar types to choose from, depending on your riding style and preferences. Cannondale, on the other hand, has a more limited selection.

Trek’s lineup includes the classic flat bar, which is good for riders who want a comfortable and upright position. They also have the riser bar, which is perfect for those who want a little more control and stability on the trails.

The downside to the riser bar is that it can be a bit more challenging to get used to for new riders.

Finally, Trek offers the swept-back bar, which is great for those who want to go fast and aggressive on the trails. It provides more control and stability than the flat or riser bar, and it’s also more comfortable for long rides.

Cannondale offers the standard flat bar, which is good for riders who want a comfortable and upright position. They also have the riser bar, which is perfect for those who want a little more control and stability on the trails. The downside to the riser bar is that it can be a bit more challenging to get used to for new riders.

That’s it for Cannondale’s handlebar options. They don’t offer any other types as Trek does.

For a comfortable and upright position, Cannondale’s flat bar is a good option. If you want more control and stability on the trails, the riser bar is a good choice.

If you want to go fast and aggressive on the trails, Trek’s swept-back bar is the best option.

When it comes to mountain bikes, there are two major brands that stand out: Cannondale and Trek. Both companies make great bikes, but they do have some differences. One of the most noticeable distinctions is in the suspension systems.

Cannondale bikes typically have a “full suspension” design, which means that the shocks are located on both the front and the back of the bike. This helps to absorb impacts from bumps and rocks, making for a smoother ride.

Trek bikes, on the other hand, have a “hardtail” design, which means that there is only one shock located in the back. This makes for a stiffer ride, but it also makes the bike lighter and more efficient.

Are Cannondale And Trek Bikes the Same?

Cannondale and Trek are two different bicycle brands. Cannondale is based in the United States, while Trek is based in Wisconsin.

Both brands make high-quality bicycles, but they have different styles. Cannondale bikes are often described as being “aggressive” and “sporty”, while Trek bikes are more “reliable” and “functional”.

Trek is the larger company , with more than $1 billion in annual sales, while Cannondale has about $200 million in sales.

Despite their differences, both brands are popular among cyclists. Many people consider Trek and Cannondale to be the two best bicycle brands available.

Is Cannondale A Good Bike Brand?

There are a lot of different brands of mountain bikes on the market, so it can be tough to decide which one to buy. If you’re looking for a quality bike that will last for years, Cannondale is definitely a good brand to consider.

Cannondale has been making high-quality bikes since the early 1980s, and they continue to produce some of the best bikes on the market. Their products are designed for serious riders who demand the best performance possible, and Cannondale mountain bikes definitely deliver.

If you’re looking for a bike that can handle any terrain, a Cannondale is a great choice. They’re built tough and can withstand even the most extreme conditions. Plus, their sleek designs make them a popular choice among riders of all levels.

So if you’re in the market for a new mountain bike, be sure to check out Cannondale. You won’t be disappointed.

Is Cannondale Good For Beginners?

If you’re new to cycling, Cannondale is a great brand to consider. They make bikes that are well-suited for beginner riders, with features that make them easy to use and comfortable to ride.

Cannondale’s bikes are known for their high quality and durability, so you can feel confident that you’ll be able to use your bike for many years to come. Additionally, Cannondale offers a wide range of models and styles, so you’re sure to find the perfect bike for your needs.

So if you’re just starting out, or you’re looking for an upgrade, consider a Cannondale bike. You won’t be disappointed!

Is Trek Bikes Better Than Cannondale?

When it comes to choosing a quality mountain bike , there are many different brands to choose from. Two of the most popular brands are Trek and Cannondale. Both of these brands offer high-quality mountain bikes, but which one is better?

Trek is a well-known brand that has been making bicycles for over 40 years. They are known for their high-quality bikes, and their customer service is top-notch. Trek offers a wide variety of mountain bikes, from lightweight cross-country bikes to burly downhill bikes.

Cannondale is also a well-known brand that has been making bicycles for over 30 years. They are known for their high-quality bikes, and their customer service is excellent. Cannondale offers a wide variety of mountain bikes, from lightweight cross-country bikes to burly downhill bikes.

When it comes to Cannondale vs Trek, there are a few things to consider. Both brands are reputable and offer quality products.

However, Trek is often considered the more popular choice, especially among beginners. Cannondale bikes are often more expensive, but they are designed for more experienced riders. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference.

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Cannondale vs Trek

If you are in the market for a new bike, then it can be challenging to decide which one is best. You want to buy a high-quality, reliable bicycle that will last and not break down on your next ride. Cannondale bikes are well known for their durability and longevity, but they come at a higher price tag than Trek bikes. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of both these brands below so that you can make an informed decision about which brand is better suited for your needs.

How it all started?

Cannondale is a global cycling company with a rich history. For over 40 years, they have been designing and building bikes for the world’s most demanding cyclists. It was founded in 1971 by Joe Montgomery and Ted Wojcik. The two men were cyclists who wanted to produce the best bicycles possible for racing. They started with aluminium frames because they were lightweight but strong enough to handle rough roads or trails. They are driven by their passion for creating bicycles that help people go faster, farther and have more fun on their rides. Their products are designed in America and hand-crafted overseas, so you can enjoy them for many miles to come.

Trek is a company that has been in the bike industry for over 50 years. They are proud to be one of the most trusted and respected brands in cycling. Their bikes have won more than 1,000 races, and we’ve helped riders achieve their goals on every continent. They make bikes that are perfect for every rider, from kids to adults. Whether you want a bike with gears or one without, Trek has something for everyone!

If you’re looking for a bike that will last and perform well, then Cannondale might be your best bet. Their bikes have been ridden to victory by many professional cyclists over the years, including Tour de France winners and Olympic medalists. It has a higher average rating on durability,

It comes with a good lifespan but not better than Cannondale’s span.

If you plan on racing or going off-roading, then Cannondale may be your best option because they specialize in these types of bikes. Cannondale has both active bikes and electric bikes for commuters. In this day and age, these bicycles offer an environmentally friendly way to traverse the streets of a city.

If you want something that can handle any terrain, then Trek might be suitable for you since their bikes are designed with versatility in mind. They are perfect for commuting, leisurely rides, and exercise.

Design and Construction

The Cannondale frame is made from aluminium, carbon fiber, and titanium. The aluminium frames are the most affordable option for riders who want a lightweight bike with good performance. Carbon fiber frames are more expensive but offer a better stiffness-to-weight ratio than any other material. Titanium is the lightest metal and offers the best strength to weight ratio of all materials used in bicycle construction.

Trek bikes are built with a patented frame construction that is lightweight and strong. They use the latest in engineering to create frames that are light, stiff, and durable. Their patented IsoSpeed technology provides comfort on every ride by absorbing road vibration.

Cannondale bikes typically have tires that are between 30 and 35 inches. The width ranges from 26mm-28mm. It excels in city conditions due to its grippy tires. These tires boast a special reflective coating to ensure you get your money’s worth. The detailing on the tire improves the visibility when you are riding at night.

Trek bike tires have more clearance than Cannondale models, allowing them to fit wide tires. Most Trek models can accommodate 32 mm-thick and 30 inches in diameter tires.

Gearing Mechanism

It comes with a wide range of gears, including 3×10 gearing for riders who want more control over their shifting experience. Such bikes also come with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power in all conditions, even when you’re riding through mud or sand. It offers an impressive number of gears with up to 27 speeds available on some models. This ensures you can find the perfect gear no matter what terrain you’re riding over or how steep the hill may be ahead of you.

Trek bikes come with a wide range of gear options, from single-speed simplicity to multi-geared versatility.

Bottom Line – The Final Verdict

Which one should you buy? Cannondale or Trek bike. So it depends on what your needs are as an individual rider. If you want something with good performance and durability, go with Trek. It comes with excellent gear functionality. They have an excellent reputation and come in different styles and colors to suit your needs. On the other hand, if you are on a high budget and want something with high durability and low performance, go with Cannondale. We hope this article will help you in making an informed buying decision.

Q1. Are Cannondale road bikes worth the money?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Cannondale has been making high-quality bicycles for over 50 years. They have an extensive line of products that range from mountain bikes to BMX, and they’re all designed with quality in mind. If you want a bike that will last for years, then Cannondale is your best bet.

Q2. What Cannondale bikes used for?

Cannondale is a bicycle manufacturer that specializes in high-end, lightweight racing bikes. They offer an extensive range of bikes, from mountain to road and everything in between. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone.

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Cannondale vs Trek – are you for value or for experience?

If you are serious about road racing, you have certainly crossed paths with either the Cannondale or the Trek bikes. If their mere appearance did not awe you, here is a Cannondale vs Trek bike review that is sure to.

Each rider has his or her own reason for hopping onto a bike and riding away. Some do it for the experience, others do it to unwind, some do it for fun, others to achieve a sense of freedom. Whatever your reasons are, wouldn’t it be fun to have a reliable bike by your side?

Over the years there have been infinite improvements on bikes. Notice how bikes look modern and sleek nowadays. But it goes beyond the looks too, intricate technology has found an unlimited number of roles to play in how bikes operate today.

Nothing proves this more than the Cannondale and Trek bikes . Two elegant bikes that make amateur riders look like they’ve just won an international bikers race. But what really lies inside? My curious self sought to find out.

This Cannondale vs Trek bikes review dissects and presents you details I’m sure you’re eager to learn if you want one of these high-end bikes.

Cannondale vs Trek similarities and contrasts

Frame size and Material

Despite both Cannondale and trek bikes being made of the same carbon fiber frames, there’s still an over 2 lbs. difference. If you are one to go for short fitness rides, routine commutes or random errands, you will barely notice the difference in weight. But if you intend to ride for a long distance you will realize why a lighter bike is much better.

Weighing 17.4 lbs. the Cannondale is made lighter all thanks to intricate technology which advocates for using as much carbon material as is necessary. Also to enhance the bike’s aerodynamics, this bike uses smaller yet stronger frame parts.

Trek alternatively weighs 19.07 lbs. which is slightly heavier than its counterpart something that you should not overlook if you want a bike that accommodates your long distance riding requirements.

There are two main types of brakes, disc brakes, and rim brakes. The Cannondale bike is designed to achieve much higher speeds and move or different types of terrain. This makes it necessary to use reliable braking systems to improve efficiency and of course to keep you safe even when riding at lightning speeds or up a steep hill. This bike specifically comes with hydraulic disc brakes that are made to be resistant to bending or becoming loose.

The trek road race bike improvises the traditional disc braces which are very reliable and effective but may not offer you much especially on rough roads.

As you may have already guessed, a Cannondale bike comes with no hustle easy to operate gear shifters. With just one finger, you can move from one gar to another depending on how slow or fast you want to move. With up to 27 speed options, there’s practically no terrain too much for this bike to adapt to.

The Trek bike comes with a good set of high-quality Shimano gears with 11-speed options. While this bike is guaranteed to perform well on paved roads it may struggle to keep up with the Cannondale bike when riding on dirt roads or during wet weather.

Cannondale bikes use tires ranging between 30 Inches and 35 Inches in size with 26 mm to 28mm width respectively. They are designed with enough tread to keep you grounded and comfortable when riding through the paved city paths.

What’s more, Cannondale bike tires come with a reflective coating on the sidewalls that further goes to enhance your safety by improving visibility, especially when going for a late evening ride.

Trek tires tend to have more clearance which means they can fit wider tires. Most trek bikes fit tire sizes 32mm wide and 30 inches to 35 inches in diameter.

Cannondale vs Trek road race bike reviews

Cannondale road race bike review

Most Cannondale bikes fit average sized riders. This particular bike may be significantly shorter in height compared to other road race bikes in the same category. This leaves out taller riders to find other bikes that may be more comfortable and can better fit their riding needs.

• It is made of lightweight carbon material
• Seamlessly shifts from high speeds to low speeds and vice versa
• A bike that gives you the best results in regard to both comfort and performance
• Being a high-end bike, this bike’s price may be over budget for most riders

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Trek road race bike review

Trek road bikes are hands down the simplest bikes to ride. Whether you just entered the road racing arena or you are a veteran road racer, this is the one bike that promises to work with you. It comes with a lightweight frame, wide tire clearance to fit different sized tires and a powerful gear.

This bike is perfect for that daring rider who is ready to conquer the world on a high-quality bike that meets their budget and has the best performance.

• It comes in a lightweight frame made of carbon fiber material
• Has a wide tire clearance which lets you experiment with different tire sizes
• A stable bike that can handle different types of terrains
• This bike is slightly heavy and may cause unnecessary fatigue when used for long distance riding.

I always want to associate myself with the best. This is why for me, the Cannondale bike is a worthy investment and my ultimate choice. It may cost me an arm and a leg but compared to the value I get to enjoy in return, it somewhat a small price to pay.

The Trek bike does have its own fair share of qualities that even I can’t ignore. This Cannondale vs Trek detailed review proves that if you want an affordable bike to use for shorter day to day errands or commutes , this is a good bike to own.

Cannondale Synapse vs Trek Domane: A Comparison of Endurance Road Bikes

Endurance road bikes are a category of bikes that are designed for long-distance riding on various road surfaces. They combine the speed and efficiency of racing bikes with the comfort and stability of touring bikes. They typically have features such as wider tires, disc brakes, relaxed geometry, and suspension systems to enhance the ride quality and performance.

Cannondale Synapse and Trek Domane are two of the most popular and acclaimed series of endurance road bikes in the market. They have been praised by cyclists and reviewers alike for their versatility, durability, and innovation. However, they also have some distinct differences that make them suitable for different types of riders and preferences.

In this article, we will compare and contrast the main features and benefits of Cannondale Synapse and Trek Domane, based on the web search results we found. We will look at their frame material and geometry, groupset and brakes, and advanced technologies. We will also highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and give a recommendation based on the rider’s needs and goals.

The purpose of this article is to help you decide which bike series is best for you, whether you are a beginner or an expert, a casual or a competitive rider, a budget or a premium buyer. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the differences and similarities between Cannondale Synapse and Trek Domane, and hopefully, you will be able to make an informed choice.

High Level Comparison

Our recommendation, for beginners.

If you are new to cycling, or you want to upgrade from a basic bike to a more advanced one, you may want to look for an endurance road bike that is affordable, reliable, and easy to use. You may not need the most high-end components or technologies, but you still want a bike that can offer you a smooth and enjoyable ride.

For the beginner, we recommend the Trek Domane AL 3 Gen 3 . This bike has an aluminum frame that is light, stiff, and strong, and a carbon fork that absorbs road vibrations and improves handling. It has a Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset that provides smooth and reliable shifting, and Tektro C550 dual-pivot rim brakes that offer good stopping power and control. It has Bontrager Affinity aluminum wheels and 32mm tires that are tubeless-ready and can handle different road surfaces. It also has an IsoSpeed decoupler in the seat tube that isolates the rider from road bumps and increases comfort.

The Trek Domane AL 3 Gen 3 is a great entry-level endurance road bike that can give you a taste of what this category of bikes can offer. It is also one of the most affordable models in the Domane series, with a price of $1,130.

For Casual Riders

If you are a casual rider, or you want to ride for fun and fitness, you may want to look for an endurance road bike that is comfortable, versatile, and durable. You may not care about the speed or performance of the bike, but you still want a bike that can offer you a pleasant and satisfying ride.

For the casual rider, we recommend the Cannondale Synapse AL 2 . This bike has an aluminum frame that is light, stiff, and strong, and a carbon fork that absorbs road vibrations and improves handling. It has a Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset that provides smooth and reliable shifting, and disc brakes that offer better stopping power, modulation, and all-weather performance than rim brakes. It has RD 2.0 aluminum wheels and 30mm tires that are tubeless-ready and can handle different road surfaces. It also has SAVE micro-suspension, which is a system of flex zones in the frame, fork, seatpost, and handlebar that reduce fatigue and increase comfort.

The Cannondale Synapse AL 2 is a great mid-range endurance road bike that can offer you a comfortable and versatile ride. It is also one of the most durable models in the Synapse series, with a frame that can withstand impacts and a groupset that can last for years. It has a price of $2,400.

For Competitive Riders

If you are a competitive rider, or you want to ride for speed and performance, you may want to look for an endurance road bike that is fast, efficient, and aerodynamic. You may care about the weight, stiffness, and quality of the bike, and you may want a bike that can offer you an edge over your rivals.

For the competitive rider, we recommend the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE . This bike has a carbon frame that is light, stiff, and strong, and a carbon fork that absorbs road vibrations and improves handling. It has a SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed groupset that provides fast, precise, and consistent electronic shifting, and SRAM Force eTap AXS hydraulic disc brakes that offer superior stopping power, modulation, and all-weather performance. It has HollowGram 45 SL KNØT carbon wheels and 30mm tires that are tubeless-ready and can offer low rolling resistance and high aerodynamics. It also has Power Pyramid, which is a split seat tube that increases stiffness and pedaling efficiency.

The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE is a great high-end endurance road bike that can offer you a fast and efficient ride. It is also one of the most aerodynamic models in the Synapse series, with a frame that reduces drag and a groupset that integrates seamlessly. It has a price of $9,000.

Frame Material and Geometry – Cannondale Synapse vs Trek Domane

The frame material and geometry of a bike affect its performance, comfort, and weight. Different materials have different properties, such as stiffness, strength, durability, and cost. Different geometries have different effects on the rider’s position, aerodynamics, and handling.

Cannondale Synapse

Cannondale Synapse uses BallisTec carbon for its frame, which is a proprietary carbon fiber that is light, stiff, and strong. BallisTec carbon is engineered to optimize the balance between weight reduction and impact resistance, making it suitable for endurance riding. Cannondale also offers an aluminum version of the Synapse, which uses SmartForm C2 alloy, a high-quality aluminum that is also light, stiff, and strong.

Cannondale Synapse has a more aggressive geometry than Trek Domane, with a lower stack and longer reach, for a faster and more aerodynamic position. The Synapse also has a shorter wheelbase and chainstay length, for a more responsive and nimble handling. The Synapse can fit up to 32mm tires, which provide more traction, comfort, and versatility on different road surfaces.

Trek Domane

Trek Domane uses OCLV carbon for its frame, which stands for Optimum Compaction Low Void2. OCLV carbon is also a proprietary carbon fiber that is light, stiff, and strong, but has a more compliant ride quality than BallisTec carbon. OCLV carbon is designed to reduce the amount of space between the layers of carbon, which increases the strength and durability of the frame. Trek also offers an aluminum version of the Domane, which uses 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, a high-performance aluminum that is also light, stiff, and strong.

Trek Domane has a more relaxed geometry than Cannondale Synapse, with a higher stack and shorter reach, for a more upright and comfortable position2. The Domane also has a longer wheelbase and chainstay length, for a more stable and smooth handling. The Domane can fit up to 38mm tires, which provide even more traction, comfort, and versatility on different road surfaces2.

Brakes – Cannondale Synapse vs Trek Domane

Cannondale Synapse has disc brakes on all models, which provide better stopping power, modulation, and all-weather performance than rim brakes12. Disc brakes use a metal rotor attached to the wheel hub and a hydraulic or mechanical caliper that squeezes the rotor with brake pads. Disc brakes are heavier, more expensive, and harder to adjust than rim brakes, but they also last longer, generate less heat, and work better in wet or muddy conditions.

Cannondale Synapse uses different brands and models of disc brakes, depending on the groupset. For example, the Synapse Carbon 1 RLE has SRAM Force eTap AXS hydraulic disc brakes, while the Synapse Carbon 105 has Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes.

Trek Domane has disc brakes on most models, but also offers rim brakes on some lower-end models34567. Rim brakes use a metal rim as the braking surface and a cable-operated caliper that squeezes the rim with brake pads. Rim brakes are lighter, cheaper, and easier to maintain than disc brakes, but they also have less stopping power, modulation, and all-weather performance.

Trek Domane uses different brands and models of disc and rim brakes, depending on the groupset and frame material. For example, the Domane SLR Gen 4 Frameset has flat-mount disc brakes, while the Domane AL 3 Gen 3 has Tektro C550 dual-pivot rim brakes

Wheels and Tires – Cannondale Synapse vs Trek Domane

The wheels and tires of a bike affect its rolling resistance, traction, comfort, and versatility. Different sizes, widths, and materials have different advantages and disadvantages, such as weight, aerodynamics, and durability.

Cannondale Synapse has clearance for up to 35mm tires, which provide more traction, comfort, and versatility on different road surfaces123. The Synapse comes with 30mm tires as standard, which are wider than most road bikes and offer a smooth and fast ride. The Synapse also has tubeless-ready wheels, which allow the rider to run lower tire pressures without the risk of pinch flats, and reduce the weight and rolling resistance of the wheels.

Cannondale Synapse uses different brands and models of wheels, depending on the groupset and price. For example, the Synapse Carbon 1 RLE has HollowGram 45 SL KNØT carbon wheels, while the Synapse Carbon 105 has RD 2.0 aluminum wheels.

Trek Domane has clearance for up to 38mm tires, which provide even more traction, comfort, and versatility on different road surfaces. The Domane comes with 32mm tires as standard, which are very wide for a road bike and offer a plush and stable ride. The Domane also has tubeless-ready wheels, which have the same benefits as the Synapse’s wheels.

Trek Domane uses different brands and models of wheels, depending on the groupset, frame material, and price. For example, the Domane SLR Gen 4 Frameset has Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon wheels, while the Domane AL 3 Gen 3 has Bontrager Affinity aluminum wheels

Groupsets – Cannondale Synapse vs Trek Domane

The groupset of a bike affects its shifting performance, reliability, and weight. Different brands and models have different advantages and disadvantages, such as quality, compatibility, and cost.

Cannondale Synapse offers a range of groupsets, from Shimano Claris to SRAM Red eTap AXS, with different levels of performance, weight, and price. All Synapse models have 2x drivetrains, which offer more gear range and smoother transitions than 1x drivetrains. The Synapse also has electronic shifting options, which provide faster, more precise, and more consistent shifting than mechanical shifting.

Cannondale Synapse uses different brands and models of groupsets, depending on the frame material and price. For example, the Synapse Carbon 1 RLE has SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed groupset, while the Synapse AL 2 has Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset.

Trek Domane also offers a range of groupsets, from Shimano Claris to SRAM Force eTap AXS, with comparable levels of performance, weight, and price345. Most Domane models have 2x drivetrains, except for the Domane SL 6 AXS and Domane SLR 6 AXS, which have 1x drivetrains. The 1x drivetrains are simpler, lighter, and more reliable than 2x drivetrains, but they have less gear range and bigger jumps between gears. The Domane also has electronic shifting options, which have the same benefits as the Synapse’s electronic shifting options.

Trek Domane uses different brands and models of groupsets, depending on the frame material and price. For example, the Domane SLR 9 has Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 11-speed groupset, while the Domane AL 2 has Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset.

Cannondale Synapse and Trek Domane are both excellent choices for endurance road bikes, but they have different features and benefits that may appeal to different types of riders and preferences. In this article, we compared and contrasted their frame material and geometry, groupset and brakes and wheels and tires. We also recommended a specific bike model for different personas, based on their needs and goals. Whether you are a beginner, a casual rider, or a competitive rider, you can find a bike that suits you from either series.

However, the best way to decide which bike is best for you is to try them out yourself. You can visit the official websites of Cannondale and Trek to learn more about their products, or you can visit your local bike shop to test ride the bikes and get expert advice.

We hope this article helps you make an informed choice and enjoy your ride. Happy cycling!

About the Author

Hey, what's up? Ali here. EDM addict, gym rat, and Tame Impala fan of the Cycle Simply Team.

Trek Vs CannonDale Vs Specialized Bike: Which is Better?

There has never been a better time to get the right bike.

A confession: I love Trek bikes because they’re crazy fast and lightweight.

On the other hand, my mom prefers the CannonDale bike. Trust me, she doesn’t joke with it.

So throughout this article, I’ll compare Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized bikes to help you make buying decisions. First, bike essentials we recommend.

Essential Bike Kits and Recommended Products

BALEAF Men’s Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded

MSDADA Comfortable Bike Seat-Padded Soft Bike Seat Cushion Memory Foam Waterproof Wide Bike Saddle with Dual Shock Absorbing Rubber Balls Universal Fit for Indoor/Outdoor Bikes

BASE CAMP Adult Bike Helmet with Rear Light for Urban Commuter

Vont ‘Scope’ Bike Light, Comes with Free Tail Light, Bicycle Light Installs in Seconds Without Tools, Powerful Bike Headlight

BV Bicycle Y-Series Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag/Bicycle Seat Pack Bag, Cycling Wedge with Multi-Size Options

Beroy Women’s Bike Shorts with 3D Gel Padded, Cycling Women’s Shorts

What’s the difference between Trek and Cannondale bikes?

The difference is Cannondale bikes are designed with curved chainstays to absorb more of road shock, while Trek bikes are ideal for people with a short torso, and have 9 Tour de France wins so far. But most women also will enjoy Cannondale with its left fork that sits sideways to the front wheel more than Trek.

Each bike manufacturer uses different materials for mountain bikes.

The cheaper specialized bikes are made of aluminum, while the expensive bikes are built with carbon frames, just like Trek and Cannondale.

In this in-depth review, I want to share my best thoughts on Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized Bikes. In the end, you’ll have to make a decision yourself.

These 3 brands: Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized bikes seem to be loved by most families especially when commuting is their main goal. Depending on your reason for choosing to get either of these bikes , you’ll get the best out of your money.

We review each below, highlighting the features and how they can benefit you.

Born in California in the ’70s, this sports bike has taken over our cities and countryside.

The beginnings of mountain biking have been synonymous with adventure — a troop of enthusiasts was having fun down the mountain’s timing. Overheating and tinkering were at the rendezvous!

Today, we are far from the first models. Mountain biking is a huge hit all over the world and has become the best-selling bike.

Manufacturers are redoubling their creativity and ingenuity to offer ever more innovative frames and offer incredible sensations to mountain bikers.

Many people use it every day to go to work. As for those who are looking for pure adrenaline, they turn to more pointed models, ultra-worked suspensions: no bump resists them!

There are several types of ATVs for every use: allrounder, semi-rigid, enduro, cross-country, small or big wheels.

Are you a little lost? Whether you are a novice or a confirmed mountain biker, we guide you through the mountain bike jungle so that you find the bike that fits your style and budget (maybe).

Top 3 Bike Manufacturers You Can Trust

1. cannondale.

Cannondale Speed-C Nylon Bicycle Water Bottle Cage (Gloss Black)

Cannondale is an American manufacturer of travel bikes, mountain bikes, trekking bikes, road bikes, and urban sport bikes.

As a leading American brand, Cannondale has been synonymous with quality and innovation since its creation in 1971.

Long rooted in the sporting world of cycling, Cannondale has been around often surprising creations that have since remained in use by many manufacturers.

Cannondale, an American brand

First child trailer (1971), the first aluminum frame really worked (it was a trekking bike, in 1983, and it is still possible to cross this bike, even if it is rare, all over the world, proof of the viability of a good aluminum frame), the first suspension fork integrated into the head socket (HeadShok), etc.

The work done by Cannondale on its trekking bikes is full of experience and technical feedback, which is one of the reasons that explain the durability of their bikes, to which is added the lifetime warranty of their executives.

Cannondale Urban bikes:

Three models stand out in urban cycling at Cannondale:

The Bad Boy is the urban response to unpretentious and fast transportation. It benefits from Cannondale’s experience in manufacturing high-quality aluminum bikes.

The black matte accouterments suit him well. Behind this discreet and inaccessible look hides a bike that has character. His playground: the city center.

From large avenues to narrow streets, this bike is made to travel quickly through the city, with the strength of the calves, a messenger bag stowed on the back. Fast. Agile. Lightweight. Distinguished.

No doubt, this bike is for those who know what kind of bike they want to ride, and what they want to do.

The Cannondale Bad Boy is not a bike with which we will appreciate the Sunday ride smoothly, it is really him who drops you off to work in the shortest and quickest way.

Cannondale Bad Boy Urban Sport Bike

Recommended Pedal:

Imrider Lightweight Polyamide Bike Pedals for BMX Road MTB Bicycle

Like the Cannondale Bad Boy, the Cannondale Contro 3 is a high-end aluminum bike that emphasizes efficiency to be on time at work no matter what.

Moreover, it adopts the full range of urban equipment (mudguards, luggage racks …).

A refined and refined Cannondale look with stylish elements like the rigid Lefty fly. Built-in design luggage rack, minimalist aluminum fender.

Bike Cannondale Contro 3

Classic. Sophisticated. Stylish: Cannondale’s Vintage Bike Collection offers the rider a smart combination of functionality performance, all wrapped in an attractive look and nonchalant elegance.

Vintage Cannondale Bike Saddle Brooks

Recommended saddle :

DAWAY Comfortable Men Women Bike Seat – C99 Memory Foam Padded Leather Wide Bicycle Saddle Cushion with Taillight, Waterproof, Dual Spring Suspension, Soft, Breathable, Universal Fit

The Hooligan is a small, lightweight urban bike that makes getting around town easy.

You can easily mount it in your apartment or store it easily in a garage, a cellar — very simple to handle, it can also be the alternative to a folding bike for small inter-modal journeys, it will easily catch on a train.

Equipped with a Shimano Nexus 3 integrated gear hub, its development range is sufficient for small city center journeys.

Designed with noble materials and assembled with rigor, the Cannondale Hooligan, under its tunes of toys brings real solutions to commuters.

The Best of Urban Sport Bikes

Recommended product:

Brooks Saddles Challenge Tool Bag

• HANDMADE IN ENGLAND- Manufactured using 100-year-old traditional techniques and the highest quality materials.
• INTERIOR BUCKLES- The saddle buckles are within the bag to prevent annoying vibrating.
• SADDLE ATTACHMENT- The Challenge Tool Bag comes with two straps that easily attach to your saddle.

Velotaf or bike hike? It’s up to you, but with only one bike. The Tesoro range comes in several models:

Tesoro 0: Fully equipped, nervous, lightweight performance … and ergonomic thanks to its Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub .

Tesoro 1: An enjoyable bike: the perfect synthesis between a nervous, sporty, aggressive bike, and complete equipment for everyday use and hiking.

Tesoro 2 (the replacement of the famous Tesoro light): The light version of the Cannondale Tesoro, is always equipped with the essential equipment for daily use as well as hiking with some additional equipment.

Cannondale bike Tesoro hub Rohloff

For those who want to go further, it will rather turn to:

Tesoro Traveler classic: Designed for (very) long treks on paved roads or dirt tracks. It is particularly aimed at cyclists who practice road cycling and who want to start traveling.

Tesoro Traveler ultra: Particularly suitable for very long hikes on tracks and hard terrain. It is particularly aimed at mountain bikers who wish to start traveling.

Cannondale bike Tesoro traveler classic.

1. the electric bike by cannondale.

Cannondale has chosen to join its know-how with that of Bosch in order to create an electric bike that meets the design criteria that have always been theirs: design, reliability, and durability.

It’s like a custom at Cannondale, a bike must meet practical obligations, but also favor the dynamic side.

For example, Cannondale has created electric bikes for the city such as electric mountain bikes; Cyclable no longer offers a Cannondale bike and chose to work with the brand’s Focus and Kalkhoff.

2. Trek Bike

The Trek Bicycle Corporation is a major manufacturer of bicycles and components of American bicycles.

It markets its products under the Trek, Gary Fisher, Bontrager, Klein, and (until recently) LeMond Racing Cycles brands, through a network of more than 1,700 independent bike dealers in the United States and Canada, as well as Europe and Asia. Trek is based in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

In the United States, bicycle assembly takes place in Whitewater, while most of the components and frames are manufactured in Taiwan and China. The name Trek comes from the Afrikaans word “journey”.

History of Trek Bike

1975-1979: the first years.

In December 1975, Richard Burke and Biseau Hogg created “Trek Bicycle” and made it a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, a bicycle dealer based in Milwaukee.

In early 1976, Trek began manufacturing steel frames in Waterloo and targeted the middle and upscale market, which at the time was dominated by the Japanese and Italians. Trek builds nearly 900 custom frames this first year, each costing just under $ 200.

At the end of 1976, Trek became an independent company.

In 1977, the company opened its first distribution store, Penn Cycle, in Bloomington. In three years, sales of the brand bring in nearly $ 2 million

1980-1984: Trek Scaled the Market

However, without a large-scale manufacturing plant, sales peaked in the late 1970s. In just a few years, Trek had exceeded the production capacity of the “red barn”, a former carpet manufacturing plant.

In 1980, in response to the need for expansion, Trek relocated its premises and set up its new 2,400 m 2 head office in the suburbs of Waterloo.

Company co-founder Dick Burke later said that “Trek has truly become a company with the creation of these premises.”

With a larger factory, Trek is expanding its manufacturing activities to offer complete bikes.

In 1982, Trek entered the market for steel road bikes and launched the 750 and 950 models .

In 1983, Trek built its first mountain bike (MTB), the 850. In 1984, Trek launched the market for bicycle spare parts and accessories and opened a new department, the Trek Components Group (TCG).

In 1985 , using advances in the space industry, Trek launched its first aluminum frame, in the year 2000.

The introduction of aluminum into the Trek production line proved to be very problematic for a company that had built on the model of hand-made steel frames.

The company’s technological advances are stagnating, as Trek’s time to understand how to build aluminum bikes in its production environment.

A year later, Trek continues the success story of 2000 with a carbon fiber model, 2500. This marks the beginning of Trek’s carbon fiber frame design.

That same year, in order to deal with sales that have never been so important, Trek is building another 7,000 m 2 plant, still in Waterloo. In 1988, Trek introduced “Trek Wear”, marking the company’s entry into the cycling apparel market.

A year later Trek launched into foreign markets with the opening of offices in the United Kingdom and Germany.

That same year Trek introduced its “Jazz” collection, entry-level and children’s bicycles designed by Trek, but made in Taiwan.

The Jazz collection was abandoned in 1993. 1989 was a pivotal year for Trek.

This year, the company unveiled its first carbon fiber molded chassis, the Trek 5000. The 5000 frame set (monocoque carbon frame) had an advertised weight of 1.5 kg.

Designed by Trek, but built by a third-party manufacturer, the 5000 suffered from quality issues and was therefore discontinued after just one year of marketing.

Nevertheless, the lessons learned from manufacturing the 5000 would prove useful in Trek’s own manufacture of carbon frames in the years to come.

In 1990, Trek developed a new bike category that combines the comfort features of a mountain bike with the speed of a road bike: the MultiTracks, the first line of hybrid bikes, were born.

That same year Trek also launches its first line of children’s bicycles. In 1991, Trek opened its first store network in the Madison,

Wisconsin area. In addition to presenting a complete line of Trek products, the Trek Shop served as a training center for Trek headquarters employees who lacked sales experience.

The store was also a draft for Trek to test merchandising and marketing ideas for the brand and its resellers.

1992-1996: Expansion

In the early 1990s, Trek’s technology director, Bob Read, attended a demonstration of the aerospace industry in Salt Lake City, with the idea of ​​meeting the leaders of a company called Radius Engineering.

This visit convinced Read that Trek’s future success depended on the design of carbon fiber frames, a material the company could use to create the lightest and strongest frame ever made.

After the failed introduction of the 5000, Trek invested heavily in the manufacture of homemade carbon fiber.

In 1992, Trek unveils its first all-carbon adult range, the 5500 and 5200, featuring OCLV carbon frames.

OCLV stands for “Optimum Compaction, Low Void” and refers to Trek’s exclusive capabilities to create carbon frames that exceed aerospace standards.

Weighing only 1.11 kg, the 5500 frame was the lightest road frame in the world at its release.

To make room for its new OCLV manufacturing facility, Trek is expanding its Waterloo headquarters, bringing the total floor area to 13,000 m 2.

The year 1992 marks another first for Trek: its first full-suspension mountain bike, the 9000-series, which used for the first time the new T3C Trek suspension range (“Travel is three times compression”).

In the wake of the success of the 5200 and 5500, Trek launched 1993 its first OCLV carbon bike, the 9900, which weighed 1.29 kg, making it the lightest ATV frame in the world.

In 1993, Trek bought Gary Fisher Bicycles, named after one of the MTB inventors and one of the most popular names in mountain biking.

In 1994, Trek began home fitness and launched the Trek Fitness Exercycles exercise bike.

In 1995, Trek acquired the prestigious Klein brand known for its high-performance executives and the innovative nature of its productions.

In 1996, Trek interrupts this range and divides its fitness division into a new independent company called Vision Fitness.

In 1995, Trek shakes the bicycle world by introducing its full suspension bike “Y”, which is a radical change in the traditional design of bikes. Although not a very good model, the “Y” sold well and even won an “Outstanding Design and Engineering Award” from the magazine Popular Mechanics.

That same year, Trek sought to diversify its product offering, acquiring Klein Bicycles, a manufacturer of high-end aluminum frames, and Bontrager Cycles, a manufacturer of bicycle and steel frame components made hands.

Trek also signs a long-term licensing agreement with Greg LeMond, the triple winner of the Tour de France and the first American to win the Tour, to design, manufacture and distribute LeMond Racing bikes.

1997-2005: The Armstrong years

In 1997, Trek aided the former world champion of road cycling (1993) Lance Armstrong, who returns from convalescence after getting treatment for cancer of the testicles, to join the team United States Postal Service.

Armstrong won his first Tour de France in 1999 on a Trek 5500, becoming the first American to win the Tour in an American team equipped with an American bike brand. Armstrong has won each of his seven tours on a Trek bike.

In 1998, Trek creates the Advanced Components Group (ACG), made up of engineers and technicians dedicated to the technological development of the brand’s bicycles.

They are looking to improve the design and engineering of Trek bikes. ACG is perhaps best known for being the origin of a number of products introduced and used by Lance Armstrong during his “septennat”, notably the Madone (2003) (named after the Col de la Madone ), and the TTX, a time trial bike (2005).

That same year, Trek opened its first manufacturing facility in Europe to assemble frames and wheels in Carlow, Ireland. The Carlow plant remained open until the end of 2004, in Hartmannsdorf, Germany.

In 2000, Trek introduces a specific line of bikes and accessories for women (WSD).

In October 2001, Trek introduced a custom bike program called Project One, which gives customers the ability to customize their Trek bikes by selecting paint, accessories, and more.

In an effort to expand into a new market, Trek launched Trek Travel in December 2002, a luxury bicycle vacation provider in Europe and North America.

Trek Travel operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trek Bicycle until January 2007, when Trek sold its interest in the company.

Despite the division, Trek and Trek Travel have close working relationships and pursue several partnerships.

In 2003, Trek acquires Villiger, a Swiss bicycle manufacturer, and Diamant, the oldest bicycle company in Germany.

The acquisition gives Trek the opportunity to interfere in the bicycle market, a fairly large market in Europe. With the acquisition, Trek becomes the owner of the Villiger-Diamant production plant in Hartmannsdorf.

The global expansion of Trek continued until 2005, with the opening of two stores in Beijing and the signing of distribution agreements with 20 Chinese distributors.

For the third time in its history, Trek expands to new global headquarters in Waterloo, in 2005, creating 4,000 m 2 of additional space, used mainly for engineering booming, R&D, and marketing.

A museum was also set up on the company’s premises, where a number of bicycles that have marked the history of Trek, including one of Gary Fisher’s first ATVs, and seven bikes used by Lance Armstrong were displayed — ts seven Tours de France (one for each year from 1999 to 2005).

2006 Till Date

The year 2007 dedicates the efforts to the democratization Trek bike. After years of support for the US Cycling League and the Bikes Belong Coalition, Trek launches its “1 World 2 Wheels” campaign at its annual World Congress in Madison, Wisconsin.

The “Go By Bike” campaign is at the center of the “1 World 2 Wheels” program, as it encourages Americans to ride a bike instead of driving for less than 3 km.

Trek also committed $ 1 million in funding for the Bicycle Friendly Community program of the League of American Cyclists.

In April 2008, after years of growing tensions with Greg LeMond, Trek files an application in Federal Court to break the contract with the former rider, citing multiple breaches of contract.

On March 20 of the same year, LeMond presented his arguments against Trek. The dispute is pending in the Minnesota District Court.

3. Specialized Bike

Specialized Bicycle Components is a major manufacturer of bicycles and cycle equipment, based in Morgan Hill, California.

Brief History of Specialized Bikes

Specialized was founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard , a cycling enthusiast who set out to tour Europe by bike, and after which he started importing Italian components ( Campagnolo, Cinelli ) that were difficult to find in the United States.

The company started producing its own components in 1976, with the introduction of a tire for touring bikes.

The first bikes of the brand come to the catalog in 1979: the race bike Go and the Sequoia touring bike.

In 1981, the manufacturer marks a change in the world of cycling by launching the first mountain bike for the general public: the Stumpjumper.

This model is a hybrid form between the robust touring bikes that Mike Sinyard used for his tour of Europe, and the road bikes of the time.

Produced at 500 units in the first year, it flows very quickly, prompting the company to anticipate the next vintage 1.

This bike equipped with impressive tires and 15 speeds is so striking that an original model is present in a museum of the Smithsonian Institute.

Faced with this rapid growth, the brand leaves its premises located in a warehouse in San Jose in 1982 for a much larger space in Morgan Hill, still in the suburbs of San Francisco.

This new foot on the ground surrounded by large spaces suitable for cycling is ideal for the company.

Specialized continues its progress by creating the first professional MTB team: Team Stumpjumper in 1983.

The initiative is successful, with the team winning many competitions in the colors of the brand, and testing the products at the same time for possible future commercialization.

Since then, the company has continued to play this card: technologically advanced products, tested and proven by professional cyclists at the highest level of international competition 1.

Mike Sinyard’s contribution to mountain biking was highlighted in 1988 with his entry into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.

This year is also important for Specialized, which releases the first carbon fiber MTB, the Stumpjumper Epic 3, consisting of 8 carbon fiber tubes glued together.

The Body Geometry ergonomic saddle is making its appearance and is the very first saddle whose design has been specially designed for male morphology.

It follows the studies of Dr. Irwin Goldstein on the correlation between the practice of cycling and the increased risk of male infertility and limits this risk by removing pressure on the perineal area when the cyclist is seated 1.

In collaboration with the company Duralcan specialized in the design of aluminum alloys, Specialized in the first model of bike rim designed Metal Matrix (metal matrix composite), and produced 5,000 copies.

This complex realization required the involvement of many stakeholders in the different aspects of production and was highlighted by competitors like Huffy [archive] who confessed to having worked on the use of metal matrix composite, but who gave up research after failing to develop a large-scale production process.

The early 1990s marked a revival in the world of cycling, with the arrival of many competitors offering their own ranges of bicycles while the market does not follow this pace of expansion.

Added to this are management and production problems that put the brand in difficulty.

While many competitors complete their ranges with low-cost models sold in supermarkets, Specialized decided to exploit this potential in 1995, by launching a specialized sub-brand for the entry-level called Full Force.

This announcement was poorly perceived by dealers loyal to the brand, who perceived this approach as a strategic error 1.

In 1996, Specialized reversed its decision and stopped the Full Force concept. Mike Sinyard writes on this occasion a formal letter of apology to all the dealers of the brand.

Unique characteristics of Trek Bike

1). TSI Design Technology: The TSI ( Total Suspension Integration ) is a design technique developed by Specialized, and used in more and more bikes of the brand.

Specific to the use of mountain biking, it is based on the observation that it is impossible to obtain a bike with optimal behavior based on these components whose design is separate.

Unlike almost all brands of ATVs that use the shocks and forks of third-party manufacturers like Fox Racing Shox or Rockshox, Specialized decided to develop its own components at the same time as the frame.

This research has resulted in the production of the AFR shock absorbers and the FutureShock forks, the models of which are specific to the bikes they come with: Enduro SL, Stumpjumper FSR, and Epic.

2). Shock Absorber AFR: The AFR ( Active Functional Response ) damper made its appearance in the Specialized range in 2007.

The AFR damper design has been integrated into the Specialized Frame Development Program to provide optimal operation with FSR geometry.

Therefore, each shock is equipped with a hydraulic spring specific to the kinematics of each model.

The AFR shock absorber appeared in 2007 on the Enduro SL , Stumpjumper FSR, and Epic models. On the latter, it is also accompanied by an inertia valve under the name of Brain.

3). Fork FutureShock: In parallel with the development of the AFR fender, Specialized also focused on developing forks in conjunction with the frame.

They, therefore, have, according to the models and the uses of specific functionalities, such as the spike valve which makes it possible to offer a variable compression curve depending on the intensity of the shocks, or the inertia valve which modulates the operation of the fork. depending on the terrain, regardless of the pedaling movements of the driver.

The FutureShock appeared in 2007 on the Enduro SL model under the name future shock E150 , offering 150mm of travel.

It is followed in 2008 by the FutureShock S120 designed to equip the Stumpjumper FSR with 120mm of travel.

Finally, the FutureShock E100 100mm travel made its appearance in 2009 to equip the Epic on the occasion of its renewal.

In 2010, the FutureShock S120 is replaced by the FutureShock S140TA which offers a 140mm travel more in line with the new geometry of the frame. The same goes for the FutureShock E160 that comes in place of the FutureShock E150.

Today, the manufacturer produces a wide variety of clothing dedicated to cycling , including helmets, shoes, and gloves, to add to the list of more than 25 series of bikes.

The bike range ranges from affordable models such as the Rockhopper to the S-Works for the road and the ATV or the Demo for the Freeride.

Many riders have used Specialized Bikes in recent years for North American and European races.

Currently, in 2017, the cycling teams Bora-Hansgrohe and Quick-Step Floors ride on the Tarmac and the Venge (all-carbon racing bicycles one more for the mountain tarmac and the other stiffer for the riders, the sprinters).

How to Choose Your Mountain Bike

The all-terrain vehicle ( atv) you need to begin.

Beginner or jack-of-all? No need to choose your side!

Technique and quality are not reserved for the pros, far from it. Even beginners can afford, at a lower cost, a nice machine that will allow them to enjoy beautiful hikes and ride on any type of path.

Entry-level mountain bikes also have good ride quality and at least a sturdy fork and a stable aluminum frame – this is often all you need to get started. As for the driving position, it is generally less stretched and therefore more comfortable.

What is Mountain Bike Used For?

This type of mountain bike is very suitable for hiking in the wilderness, but also for daily commutes in the city.

They are versatile and offer a very pleasant ride, whether downhill or uphill, on the road or on country roads.

With Which Equipment?

Typically, all-terrain vehicle equipment is rather minimalist. Mudguards, lights, and crutch considered not useful on this type of bike, are not part of the table.

However, many all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for beginners have threaded grommets that can be used to mount accessories on the frame.

In terms of basic equipment, it is essential that your ATV is equipped with powerful brakes and a good transmission (Shimano and Sram are references in the matter), and that you circulate in town or in the countryside. ATVs whose price does not exceed €500 are often equipped with V-Brake brakes.

Lightweight and easy to maintain, they have nothing to envy to disc brakes when the road is dry. But when the weather is rainy, mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic brakes take advantage.

Follow the maintenance tips = get off to a good start

Making simple repairs on your bike is within everyone’s reach. No need for an engineering degree.

But for them to be effective and you can keep your bike in good condition, it is better to have some tools and essential maintenance products.

For example, regularly oiling the chain of your bike will allow you to enjoy a longer driving comfort! There are also many guides that provide basic tips for ATV repair and maintenance.

XC Race And Marathon All-Terrian Vehicle ATV

These mountain bikes are fast on the climbs and efficient on the downhill. Nothing resists them: whether you are a fan of technical trails or large uneven, you will be served.

Stability, lightness, and rigidity are their greatest assets. To you long hikes and runs at full speed!

Do you want to unwind after a long day of work or beat your friends in a marathon descent?

The XC Race and Marathon mountain bikes are the answer to your adrenaline cravings.

Suspended just right, they make descents pleasant by softening the roughness of the road but do not go so far as to give you the impression of rolling on air cushions. The sensations first!

The Essential Equipment Used

XC Race and Marathon ATV equipment are quite spartan.

A journey of 100 to 120 mm is de rigueur, and there is often the possibility to block the suspensions of your bike if you are preparing to climb a long climb. Most of the time, derailleurs in this category are 2×10 or 1×11.

Their frames are increasing carbon, manufacturers are constantly looking for lightness. But a good aluminum frame will do the trick: it will cost less and its weight will not be an inconvenience.

Some ATVs are equipped with ultra-light wheels and tires. In the XC category, the weight of the bike makes all the difference!

All-Mountain And Enduro ATVs

High mountains and very steep slopes: the field of use of these mountain bikes is quite small.

All-mountain bikes are for experienced riders . Whether you want to tackle the Alps or test your agility in highly technical circuits, this is the mountain bike you need.

Enduro bikes are more downhill-oriented. If they do not let themselves fall in the mountains, they run down the slopes with an ease that leaves no voice! This is their strong point.

What are they Used For?

These ultra sports bikes have been designed for all those who place the challenge and the sensations at the heart of their practice. The rough coasts do not scare you?

Opt for an all-mountain mountain bike with large suspensions, up to 160 mm of travel.

If, on the contrary, you are a true downhill fan and are willing to sacrifice some efficiency on the climb to be able to hit aggressive slopes on your machine, you have the Enduro profile.

Turn to an all-mountain bike, with a travel of up to 170 mm and a narrow-angle. With this fearsome machine, you get the extreme Offroad or Enduro sessions at the Bikepark.

The Equipment You Need

The latest models are usually equipped with 27.5-inch wheels with tires and wide rims.

To take advantage of the confirmed driver’s area, 180mm disc brakes and high-quality adjustable suspensions (such as those from RockShox or Fox) are more than recommended. Just as important: the handlebars must be wide – not less than 740 mm.

From € 2000, your bike will necessarily have an adjustable seat post. But even if your ATV is cheaper, do not hesitate to equip this type of Seatpost, very valuable for this type of sport.

Women’s ATV

More and more women are mountain biking: a new challenge for manufacturers! But should women necessarily turn to bikes specifically designed for them? Yes and no.

Women can ride a “normal” ATV as long as the size of the frame suits them. Some manufacturers offer mountain bikes specifically designed for women. And their arguments are good!

A Specific Position

Some experienced bikers have no problem riding a men’s ATV. But for other women, the driving position is too “sporty”: the upper tube is a bit too long, the handlebars too wide and the handles too big.

The saddle of mountain bikes for men is not more comfortable either! Beginning women will feel much better on a light and maneuverable bike than on a very responsive ATV with big suspensions.

The Primary Advantages

All these differences are therefore taken into account by the manufacturers, who offer MTB more adapted to women: shorter frame, saddle for woman, softer suspensions, handlebar and handles finer and narrower.

As for the choice of model, it’s like for men: it depends on your use, your desires, and your budget. If we were still recommending a bike for beginners, it would be a semi-rigid mountain bike, relatively light.

Do It Yourself

Just a little bit of elbow grease to make small changes (but that can change everything!) On your ATV.

You can fit a saddle for women like the Lady Sport-Comp RCP saddle, perfectly adapted to the female anatomy, without compromising on the sporty look.

Side handlebar grips, the ESI Racer’s Ege will be perfect for smaller hands — and come in many colors.

Wheel Size: a Matter of Inches

A few years ago, all ATVs were equipped with 26-inch wheels.

We could not imagine anything else! For about thirty years, only this diameter was used. Until a bike designer wonders if we could not see things in a big way.

The 29-inch wheel was born!

The principle is simple: a larger wheel passes without wobbling on small obstacles like roots or pebbles and the bike is more stable.

However, their large size makes them heavier and not suitable for smaller cyclists. An intermediate diameter has therefore appeared: 27.5 inches. The ideal compromise!

A classic! This diameter guarantees flawless agility and good stability. But in disciplines such as cross-country or hiking, these wheels are less and less used.

They are nevertheless perfect for the Enduro.

If you like to pedal in winding ways, you must go to them. Their price has also dropped a lot!

27.5 inches

The new darling of manufacturers is likely to dethrone the 26-inch version.

It combines the agility of a 26-inch wheel and the much more comfortable ride of its big sister, the 29-inch.

The winning combo for bikers who likes bikes is a bit more aggressive.

The 29-inch version gave a new impetus to cycling, literally.

On hilly terrain, you can clearly feel the difference: it provides traction power and unparalleled comfort.

It’s perfect for those who want to go straight without worrying about obstacles. These wheels are a very good choice for mountain bikes .

Even athletes under 1m70, cross-country enthusiasts, and long trips can be tempted without a bad surprise.

The obstacles will disappear under your wheels.

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Frame material, pedal power, no results found, hybrid bikes: what to know and how to choose, the complete guide to buying hybrid bikes: everything to know.

Did you know that switching from cars to bikes decreases transportation emissions by up to 67% ? Biking is also known to increase cardiovascular fitness, joint mobility, and posture.

A popular favorite in the biking world is the hybrid bike, a cross between a classic mountain and road bike . It blends mountain and road bike features, making it broadly appealing and highly versatile.

Since they combine components from two types of bikes, hybrid bikes are built to serve different purposes. Some are perfect for fast road riding, while others lean toward off-road riding.

In this article, we'll give you a detailed breakdown of hybrid bikes to help you choose the perfect one.

What Exactly is a Hybrid Bike?

Hybrid bikes combine mountain bike and road bike characteristics to serve various purposes. Standard ones come with components such as medium-width tires and wide gearing. They also feature an upright geometry and a flat handlebar for comfort and versatility.

Depending on the model, a hybrid bike may look like a touring bike, a flat-bar road bike , or even a mountain bike. It performs well in different environments, including light trails, city commutes, and rural roads.

What Doesn’t Count as a Hybrid Bike?

If you are new to hybrid bikes, you may confuse them with other bikes. This is because hybrids have similarities with other types of bikes. To help you know what to look out for, here are components or characteristics that don't define a hybrid bike:

• Cruiser-style bike
• Rear suspension
• Drop handlebars
• Front basket
• Integrated rear cargo rack
• Fenders (although they can be added to hybrid bikes for all-weather riding)

Types of Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are built for adventure, leisure, commuting, or fitness. They offer comfortable and memorable riding experiences depending on their components. The common types of hybrid bikes include the following:

1. Comfort Bikes

You can also find one with a front suspension or a suspension seat-post for maximum comfort when riding through all terrains. Though these bikes are slower and heavier, they may suit you if you prefer comfort over performance.

2. Performance Hybrid

Performance hybrid bikes feature a sporty fit and offer a mix of comfort and efficiency . They are usually lighter and feature a mountain bike gearing to help you climb hilly slopes with ease. Thanks to their lighter wheels and frame and narrower tires, performance hybrid bikes are perfect for athletes.

3. Cruiser Bike

Cruiser hybrid bikes focus more on fun and style rather than performance . They feature simple, reliable components that offer similar cycling experiences as comfort bikes. Standard features of cruiser bikes include a comfortable saddle, bigger tires, and a higher handlebar.

4. Urban Bike

With fewer components and a simpler design, urban bikes are built for urban commuting . You can't use them in sports or leisure activities. They also feature fenders, racks, and baskets to make urban commuting easier.

5. Dual Sport

One appealing thing about dual sport bikes is that you can ride them on any terrain . They can suit your cycling needs if you are looking for a bike that leans toward a mountain bike. As a more robust hybrid, the bike features disc brakes and front suspensions for easier commuting.

Top Features to Consider When Choosing a Hybrid Bike

The difference between most hybrid bikes is brought about by the frame type, brakes, and size of wheels and tires. Components such as saddle types, gearing, valves, and forks set the bikes apart. Here's a breakdown of each of these components as you consider buying a hybrid bike:

1. Frame Type

Hybrid bikes come with either step-over or step-through frames. Step-over frames are popular since you can conveniently mount or dismount them on racks. They are also stronger, lighter, and better suited for performance-based bikes.

The four main types of brakes found on hybrid bikes include rim, coaster, mechanical disc, and hydraulic disc. Rim brakes are lightweight, lowly priced, cheap to replace, and easy to maintain. The downside is that they don't work well in wet conditions and can wear the rims.

Since they work by backpedaling, coaster brakes don’t need any cables. They perform better in wet environments than rim brakes but are quite challenging to operate.

Though they are heavier, mechanical disc brakes work well in wet weather conditions. The disc brake uses cables to operate, just like rim brakes. They are also cheaper compared to other disc brake types but don’t have the same stopping force as hydraulic disc brakes and require more frequent maintenance.

A hydraulic disc brake relies on hydraulic fluid to operate. Despite being more expensive, they are the most powerful, reliable, and consistent brakes ever made.

3. Wheels and Tire Sizes

The standard rim diameter on a hybrid bike is 29 inches (700c). A model with a smaller wheel size of 27.5 inches (650b) pairs well with wider tires.

A 650b wheel may have tires with a width of 61mm, while a 700c wheel may have tire sizes ranging from 35mm to 45mm. Either way, a bike with a 650b x 2.2" setup is slower than one with 700c x 35mm but very comfortable.

4. Saddle Types

Hybrid bikes come with different types of saddles, depending on the manufacturer. Some have a heavily padded saddle for comfort, while other saddles are lightly padded for performance-optimized rides. You can buy an aftermarket saddle if the one on your bike doesn't fit your needs.

5. Belt Vs. Chain Drives

Belt drives require less maintenance and last longer than chain drives. They are also cleaner (since they don't need lubrication), quieter, and lighter. The downside is that they are quite costly and can only fit bikes with an internal gear hub.

Chain drives fit nicely on every bike frame, are cheaper, and pair well with derailleurs. Their spare parts are also easier to find, adjust, service, and replace. On the downside, chain drives require maintenance, are less durable, and require frequent lubrication.

6. Schrader Vs Presta Valves

Hybrid bikes may come with Schrader valves or with Presta valves. These valves differ in terms of their mode of operation and type of pump fitting needed to inflate.

Schrader valves are thick, more durable, and use a fitting that is more commonly available.

On the other hand, Presta valves are tall and narrow, making them ideal for 700c tubes. Their locking mechanism provides a slightly better seal at the valve meaning they lose less air over time.

7. Suspension Vs. Rigid Fork

Rigid forks are common in hybrid bikes since they perform well on paved surfaces. They are also cheaper (unless they are made of carbon fiber), long-lasting, and efficient.

You can also find a hybrid bike with a suspension fork to improve comfort on gravel paths and bumpy roads. Though they are slower and more suited for off-road use, suspension forks are easier on the wrists.

Choose a fork design based on how you will be using your hybrid bike. Suspension forks are ideal for mixed-terrain rides, while rigid forks suit city commutes, road riding, and bike paths.

Accessories to Buy with a Hybrid Bike

If you are getting a hybrid bike for the first time, certain accessories can improve your riding experience. Since they cost more when you sum up their costs, you don't have to get them all at once.

A bicycle helmet is one of the essential accessories you can get for your hybrid bike. Look for one that is comfortable, cool to wear, and adequately ventilated. The helmet should sit level (not tilted back) on the head.

If you use your bike to commute on a busy road, get a bike bell that will alert pedestrians as you pass the road. Bike lights can also help you see clearly in the evening or early morning. Don't forget to invest in comfortable bicycle clothing that can absorb sweat during the rides.

Cycling sunglasses, which can protect your eyes against debris and wind, are also a must-have accessory. They prevent your eyes from excess UV light exposure, which may cause cancer.

You may buy a saddle bag fitted with a mini bike pump and spare inner tube. These accessories will help you fix minor bike problems like punctured tires.

How Hybrid Bikes Compare to Other Bikes

Since hybrid bikes are built for comfortable and casual upright riding, their frames reflect this design principle. They borrow design cues from mountain bikes and material structures from road bikes. Hybrids compare to other bikes in the following ways:

1. Kids' vs. Adult Hybrid Bikes

The adults' hybrid bike version is similar to the kids' one. Differences emerge with the shape and size of components, such as saddle shape, brake lever design, and frame geometry.

Kids' hybrid bikes feature a kids' saddle, brake levers suited for kids' hands, and smaller wheels. They also have a lower frame height and shorter reach measurement.

2. Mountain Bikes

Since most mountain bikes are built for off-road rides, they perform better on mountain trails . Hybrid bikes have limited off-road capabilities, unlike mountain bikes. Their tires and suspension are ideal for riding on light trails like gravel paths.

Hybrid bikes come with fork travel ranging from 40 to 80mm, while the one on mountain bikes ranges from 100 to 200mm. They also have 650b or 700c wheels, while mountain bikes have 27.5 or 29-inch wheels with wide tires and slacker geometry.

3. Commuter Bikes

The term “commuter bikes” is used to describe bikes used for commuting . Examples of these bikes include mountain, city, fitness, cruiser, hybrid, and road bikes.

You can use a hybrid bike for commuting, depending on your preferences. However, the bike can't outperform a city bike in terms of commuting.

4. Touring Bikes

Though you can use a hybrid bike for touring, it isn't well equipped for this purpose.

Touring bikes feature flat or drop handlebars to improve wrist comfort and wide gearing to tackle hills. They also come with a number of mounting points built into the frame and may include pre-installed fenders for rain protection and pannier racks to support more loads.

5. Road Bike

Road bikes are ideal for road racing or any speed-oriented ride. Unlike a hybrid bike, a road bike features drop handlebars, no suspension, and compact gearing. You can also find the bike with an aggressive riding position, thin and smooth tires, and carbon fiber frames.

6. Gravel Bike

Both hybrid and gravel bikes can tackle paved and unpaved roads. However, gravel bikes feature a drop bar that makes them ideal for sporting. They also have wider 650b or 700c wheels, carbon frames, wider gear ranges, and aggressive geometry.

With gravel bikes, you can switch the tires and fit larger tires and wheels for improved comfort and grip on bumpy trails. Since they feature lower gearing, they are slower than road bikes on paved surfaces.

7. Fitness Bike

Fitness bikes are a lightweight version of hybrid bikes optimized for road rides. Thanks to their speed, weight, and simple design, they are suitable for working out.

Instead of having step-through frames and wide tires like hybrids, they have lighter aluminum frames. Fitness bikes also feature a rigid fork, a more aggressive geometry, 700c wheels, and narrower tires.

Buy a Hybrid Bike Today

As discussed in this guide, each hybrid bike has unique characteristics and features. Choose one that fits your cycling habits, weight, and height. Since hybrid bikes are also available in different frame sizes and use cases, choose one that fits your needs.

Trust Cannondale with your hybrid bike needs to make your riding experiences fruitful and memorable. We seek to revolutionize cycling with our wide range of iconic bicycles that have helped push people further. Find a Cannondale dealer in your city today to buy a hybrid bike of your choice.

Come ride with us.

Cannondale Quick 3 vs Trek FX3 Disc

In this article, we’re taking a look at two popular mid-range commuter/fitness bikes from two reputable manufacturers,  Cannondale and Trek. They are the Cannondale Quick 3 and the Trek FX3 Disc.

Both of these bikes are aimed at fitness enthusiasts and commuters, who are looking for a reliable new bike and are willing to spend more than the entry-level offerings in exchange for better, more reliable components.

Let’s start with the price, which is pretty similar. The FX3 Disc comes in at $899.99, while the Quick 3 sets you back $925 . The extra 25 dollars isn’t a significant difference to decide for one or the other.

They are also pretty similar in the choice of materials . Both of them come with aluminum frames and carbon forks. It’s nice to see internal cable routing on both bikes, which results in cleaner-looking lines.

FX 3 Disc is a versatile hybrid bike that's primed for performance, comfort, and utility. It has features like a lightweight aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and powerful disc brakes that stop in any weather. It's a commuting pro if you want it to be, or the perfect fitness companion on pavement and rail trails.

Both the Trek and the Cannondale come in 5 sizes , and range from small to extra-extra large, but there is a significant difference in the maximum weight each of these bikes can carry.

The Trek has a maximum total weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg), which includes the combined weight of the bike, rider and the cargo, while the Cannondale can carry a 300 lb (136 kg) rider and 30 lbs (14 kg) of luggage not including the bike’s own weight . This is good news for heavy riders looking for a bike in the XXL range.

Both bikes are available in women’s versions , which means different color variations and in the case of the FX3, it also has women specific saddles for better comfort for female riders. Both the Quick 3 and the FX3 are also availabe with low step through frames in case you don’t fancy throwing your legs over the rear wheel and the saddle when getting on and off the bike.

Sadly, if you opt for other than the standard Cannondale version, you’re going to pay a higher price. Here’s a comparison chart of the differences.

In terms of groupsets and other components used, both bicycles are quite comparable.

They both come with 9 speed cassettes and double cranks, resulting in a wide gear ratio, but with a difference offered in the lowest and highest gear ratios .

Cannondale’s highest gear ratio is going to provide a faster speed at the same pedal revolution , concentrating on faster speeds, while Trek’s more focused on the lower gear ratios, and helps tackle steep hills better .

The Cannondale Quick 3 uses Shimano Altus shifters, Acera front derailleurs and Alivio rear derailleurs. For brakes it uses Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors at the front and 140mm rotors at the rear. Even with the smaller rotor at the rear, it provides sufficient stopping power for its intended use.

The Trek FX 3 is equiped with Shimano components both for the brakes and the for the drive train. It uses Shimano Acera shifters and front derailleurs and Alivio rear derailleurs . It’s not a huge upgrade over the Quick 3, but it’s nice to see a higher end shifter for less price. The FX 3 uses Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors both at the front and the rear, which again, is slighly better than the Cannondale offering.

In terms of weight, the Cannondale manages to keep it under 25 lbs, while the FX 3 comes in at just under 26 lbs . It’s not a huge difference, especially for the type of use these bicycles are intended, but it’s always nice to have a lighter bike, especially if you need to carry it up the stairs.

One area where Cannondale offers a bit more comfort over the Trek is the tire size, which is 35 mm against the 32 mm of the latter . The 3 mm difference translates into a smoother riding experience on uneven roads, and it makes getting up curbs and hitting potholes a little safer, reducing the chance of a pinch flat.

I also love that Cannondale offers Schwalbe Spicer tires with reflective strips on the wheels . They offer excellent puncture resistance (number 5 on Schwalbe’s scale, which is on par with the Schwalbe Marathon, and runs up to 7). These tires perform very well on urban roads, but they don’t offer much traction off road.

The Trek comes with their own manufactured Bontrager H2 tires, which aren’t terrible, but they definitely offer significantly less puncture protection compared to the Schwalbe. If you want to eliminate the chance of flats , this is something you should probably upgrade as soon as you get the bike.

Both bicycles have mouting points for two bottle cages, fenders and racks, and the FX 3 also includes additional eyelets on the front fork.

Ergonomic grips and comfortable saddles are included in both packages . These are great for getting started, and if you spend a lot of time in the saddle, you may want to upgrade those down the line.

Both bikes come with basic plastic pedals . The Cannondale is a little more versatile, while the Trek is more geared toward city riding. Again, they are fine just to get started, but you will probably want to replace them if you use your bike a lot.

There are two additional nice details from Cannondale, which are not present in the Trek.

One of them is the inclusion of their integrated wheel sensor , which they developed together with Garmin. It pairs up with your smartphone, and provides you information about your bicycle, service intervals, speed and other useful details. Although it’s not essential, but it’s certainly nice to have.

The second bonus is that the Cannondale paintjob includes 360° reflective details, which makes it super safe to ride at night because it’s virtually impossible to not notice. This, combined with the reflective strip of the Schwalbe tires, is a winning duo.

When it comes to comfort and bike geometry, there are lots of similarities, and some differences too. Let’s see some of them taking the L size bikes in from both manufacturers.

The Quick 3 has a slightly longer wheelbase, which translates to a marginally more stable ride, while the FX 3 is a little easier to steer and turn.

The FX 3 has a slightly longer chainstay, which means that you may be less likely to bump into heel clearence issues if you use a pannier than you are with the Quick 3. The difference is only 15mm, but sometimes that can be the difference between hitting a pannier or not.

The Cannondale is slightly more oriented towards speed, while the FX 3 is a more balanced, and a slightly more upright bicycle .

These differences are quite subtle and probably not very noticeable to a beginner, but one would notice the difference if he sat on one after using the other one for some time

Which is the better choice for you?

If you are committed to spending a lot of time in the saddle, and you want to ride at fast speeds, you should probably opt for the Cannondale Quick 3. It is better for performance riding and offers some other benefits, such as great puncture protection and the integrated wheel sensor. If you weigh more than 263 lbs (120 kg), and you intend to carry some stuff with you, the Cannondale is the only option you have between these two.

If you’re not too concerned about a marginally higher top speed, and you’re looking for a more upright bicycle that can get you up steeper hills, and has slightly better components, the FX 3 won’t disappoint.

Either way you choose, the main thing is to get on your bike and ride it often. The best bike you can own is the one that makes you want to ride it every time you see it.

Happy pedaling!

Sam Benkoczy

Hi, I'm Sam. I own and maintain 6 e-bikes, 15 regular bikes (road bikes, folding bikes, hybrid bikes, city bikes among others). I learned about bikes from my local bike mechanic as well as from bike maintenance courses. I love being out there in the saddle, and using my bike as a practical means of transportation. You can also find me on my YouTube channel at youtube.com/bikecommuterhero Say hi to me at [email protected].

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Domane+ hp - trek bikes.

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Cannondale Bikes Vs. Trek Bikes

While Cannondale has more of a Rolls-Royce reputation among certain cyclists, Trek has Tour de France bragging rights, with nine victories on its models. Lance Armstrong, for example, winner of a record seven consecutive Tours, rides a Trek. "The companies have bikes that compete each other against at every level," notes Simone Jowett, manager of Bike Doctor of Linthicum in Linthicum, Maryland, which sells both brands.

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Both companies sell mountain, road, commuter and women-specific design bicycles. Trek also sells triathlon, electric and children's bicycles, as well as the Gary Fisher line of bicycles, originally mountain only but now road bikes as well. "Trek offers a bigger umbrella," Jowett says.

Considerations

The same frame may differ slightly between the manufacturers. If you have a long torso, Cannondale's top tubes tend to run a bit longer and may fit a bit better, Jowett advises. Conversely, a short torso may match up better to a Trek. Finish and overall quality are comparable. "Trek actually offers a better value at the lower end. They came up with the Trek 1.1 at $600," Jowett notes, citing the model's September 2010 price.

Both companies make carbon and aluminum frames, which give different road feels and are a matter of personal preference, Jowett says. "Some love carbon, and some love aluminum," Jowett says. Trek offers its signature Madone 1.1 at $1,900 as of September 2010, "and finding a carbon bike under $2,000 is very good," Jowett says. Trek also offers entry-level mountain and kid's bikes made of steel. Both companies make their bicycles in Taiwan, with the exception of Trek's high-end Madone, which is made in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

Expert Insight

Penny Troutner, owner of Light Street Cycles in Baltimore, believes Cannondale has more progressive designs than Trek and puts more effort into research and development. She points to Cannondale's long history with aluminum frames, as well as the curved chainstays on the Cannondale 6 and the Synapse, which absorb more of road shock. Cannondale offers a left fork that sits sideways to the front wheel on its high-end mountain bikes such as the Scalpel, RZ and Jekyll, for added lightness and stiffness. Cannondale also provides strong offerings for women, especially women's hybrids, Troutner says. "Women who say they can't find a hybrid to fit me can usually find a Cannondale," she notes.

Comparisons

To compare a Cannondale to a Trek, visit the online site PedalsMonkey, which allows side-by-side comparisons of the two brands, as well as Specialized, Schwinn, Giant and Scott bikes. The site groups bicycles by mountain, bike, comfort and triathlon, and allows you to call up, for example, a Trek model's basics, specifications, manufacturer's suggested retail price and user ratings, followed by a Cannondale.

• Trek: Road 2010
• Simone Jowett; manager, Bike Doctor of Linthicum; Linthicum, Maryland
• Penny Troutner; owner, Light Street Cycles; Baltimore, Maryland

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Title : Active carbons as nanoporous materials for solving of environmental problems

However, up to now, the main carriers of catalytic additives have been mineral sorbents: silica gels, alumogels. This is obviously due to the fact that they consist of pure homogeneous components SiO2 and Al2O3, respectively. It is generally known that impurities, especially the ash elements, are catalytic poisons that reduce the effectiveness of the catalyst. Therefore, carbon sorbents with 5-15% by weight of ash elements in their composition are not used in the above mentioned technologies. However, in such an important field as a gas-mask technique, carbon sorbents (active carbons) are carriers of catalytic additives, providing effective protection of a person against any types of potent poisonous substances (PPS). In ESPE “JSC "Neorganika" there has been developed the technology of unique ashless spherical carbon carrier-catalysts by the method of liquid forming of furfural copolymers with subsequent gas-vapor activation, brand PAC. Active carbons PAC have 100% qualitative characteristics of the three main properties of carbon sorbents: strength - 100%, the proportion of sorbing pores in the pore space – 100%, purity - 100% (ash content is close to zero). A particularly outstanding feature of active PAC carbons is their uniquely high mechanical compressive strength of 740 ± 40 MPa, which is 3-7 times larger than that of  such materials as granite, quartzite, electric coal, and is comparable to the value for cast iron - 400-1000 MPa. This allows the PAC to operate under severe conditions in moving and fluidized beds.  Obviously, it is time to actively develop catalysts based on PAC sorbents for oil refining, petrochemicals, gas processing and various technologies of organic synthesis.

Victor M. Mukhin was born in 1946 in the town of Orsk, Russia. In 1970 he graduated the Technological Institute in Leningrad. Victor M. Mukhin was directed to work to the scientific-industrial organization "Neorganika" (Elektrostal, Moscow region) where he is working during 47 years, at present as the head of the laboratory of carbon sorbents.     Victor M. Mukhin defended a Ph. D. thesis and a doctoral thesis at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (in 1979 and 1997 accordingly). Professor of Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Scientific interests: production, investigation and application of active carbons, technological and ecological carbon-adsorptive processes, environmental protection, production of ecologically clean food.   

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