specialized vs trek hybrid

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Trek Vs Specialized Bikes – Which Has the Better Bikes?

You've decided to buy a bike, and you've narrowed your search down to two brands, Trek and specialized. Which one of them offers more value for your money? It's the classic case of Trek vs. Specialized. Well, Both of these cycle manufacturers are established and have their crowds of a loyal fan base. They both offer a diverse range of bikes across categories and budgets.

But there has got to be a clear winner between the two brands when it comes to deciding the reliability of their bikes, right? Frankly speaking, the answer isn't a clear cut one. It is true that Trek houses more varieties of bikes than Specialized. But the bikes in both brands boast high-quality components . Plus, the bikes from both brands do not vary too much in terms of their price range.

Both Trek and Specialized have a wide range of road bikes, mountain bikes , and even kids' bikes to their credit. As many characteristics as bikes from these brands share, they also have that many differences between them.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of which brand has the better bikes, here's a brief recap on what each brand stands for individually.

Trek Vs Specialized Bikes Comparison

Overview of trek.

Trek bikes are most popularly associated with the legendary Lance Armstrong. It was on these bikes that this Cycling champ won all of his Tour de France championships. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Trek is popularly known for their road bikes.

This American company made its entry into the bike market in 1976, but most of its bikes are made in Taiwan. Today, the brand has a commendable range of bikes for men, women, and kids. You can also be sure to find Trek bikes for every level of rider and for different riding terrains.

• The manufacturer has an extensive range of bikes for all kinds of riders.
• Trek bikes can be customized in more ways than one.
• The brand is most famous for its road bikes.
• Trek bikes can be pricey compared to cycles from other brands.

Overview of Specialized

Specialized began its journey of manufacturing bikes with their iconic road and touring bikes. Then in 1995, it added on to its accolades with its range of mountain bikes. This range of mountain bikes was aptly named 'The Full Force.' Today, Specialized is synonymous with mountain bikes, with the company even sponsoring Loic Bruni, the downhill world champion.

• Specialized is well known for its range of mountain bikes.
• Like Trek, Specialized also caters to riders of all levels.
• Specialized bikes are more expensive than Trek bikes.

Feature Comparison

When you are a beginner rider, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the minor differences between different bike models. But experienced riders are likely to notice even the slightest of differences. This happens especially for lower-end bike ranges. The high-end bikes typically boast quite visible differences in design, geometry, or components.

Regardless of that, bikes from Trek and Specialized both have their own unique appeal. So at the end of the day, which bike model or brand you decide to go with boils down to personal preference. Don't hold back from checking out as many options of bikes from both manufacturers. Doing so will only benefit you.

To help simplify your quest for the ideal bike for yourself, we've compiled a list of differences between Trek bikes and Specialized bikes. Take a look:

Customization

Trek allows riders the flexibility to build a bike of your liking. You have the option to choose your bike's fork, frame, and other parts so as to customize it. Pretty neat, isn't it?

Specialized has a wide range of bike types and styles, but this manufacturer doesn't offer customization services.

The Design of Their Bikes' Rear Suspension

Trek takes pride in their Active Braking Pivot and Full Floater rear suspension designs. The Full Floater rear suspension design system works in a way that prevents the shock mount's movement from increasing when you pedal. This way, there is more pedaling efficiency.

The Active Braking Pivot rear suspension design system works similar to the braking systems in modern cars. Here, the rear suspension allows more chatter, so your bike's wheels skid less.

Specialized bikes generally use the Future Shock rear suspension design. Incorporating this design into their bikes helps riders journey over rough roads with ease. This design system also allows more control and stability for riders.

The Pricing of Their Bikes

Bikes from Trek or Specialized aren't exactly cheap, especially if we're talking about mountain bikes. Even so, both manufacturers offer lower-end bikes just as they do high-end ones. The price range of bikes from Trek and Specialized are almost on par with each other. In this case, the bike model or the type of bike determines its price.

The Materials They Use

In most cases, both Trek and Specialized use the same materials with their bikes. With either brand, you'll find that they utilize premium aluminum for their lower-end bikes. Moreover, they both save carbon fiber for their higher-end bikes.

Components & Parts

This is another area where both manufacturers find common ground. They both use SRAM and Shimano components for their bikes. So if you want a fair comparison of bikes from these manufacturers, the fair way to do so is to compare bikes that are on the same price range.

Range of Mountain Bikes

Trek's range of mountain bikes covers cross-country mountain bikes, hardtail mountain bikes, aluminum mountain bikes, 27.5 m mountain bikes, carbon mountain bikes, entry-level, and beginner mountain bikes, and 29er mountain bikes.

Take the Trek Procaliber 9.6 mountain bike, for instance. It is a heavy duty mtb that allows you to experience the thrill of riding a carbon race bike that boasts IsoSpeed, all at a fairly affordable price. This bike is equipped with solid features, and it also provides you with the option to upgrade its parts easily if you want to.

Specialized's range of mountain bikes includes cross country mountain bikes, trail mountain bikes, and BMX/dirt jump mountain bikes.

The Chisel Comp is a classic example of an exemplary cross-country mountain bike from Specialized. It impresses with its superior performance and budget-friendly price tag. This bike's aluminum frame is responsive and facilitates easy handling when riding over technical courses. Getting you ahead of other riders are the bike's fast-rolling wheels. Its wheels boast high-speed control when riding on difficult terrain.

Range o f Road Bikes

Under its road bikes category, Trek houses performance, women's road bikes , aluminum, lightweight, endurance, carbon, and disc brake road bikes. These bikes typically feature IsoSpeed or Aerodynamic designs.

This Trek Domane 5 embodies everything this brand aims for with its road bikes - versatility, speed, and a smooth ride. It features a carbon frame (OCLV), which has both rear and front IsoSpeed. This detailing helps smooth out bumps on the road and does its bit to reduce fatigue on long rides. The Domane SL5 road bike from Trek is ideal for riders looking for a racing bike that is quick and able to withstand long distances.

For Specialized, their range of road bikes includes performance bikes, triathlon bikes, and gravel bikes.

A Specialized road bike that justifies this manufacturer's credibility is the Tarmac Disc Comp. It offers stiff competition with its impressive climbing responsiveness and great descending capabilities. This bike comes with hydraulic disc brakes, which boast precise shifting and good stopping power.

Features such as its cartridge hubs, which are sealed, and its reliable wheels equip this bike to confidently aid you in conquering highways, challenging terrains, and street corners. This Specialized road bike also comes with 24 spokes on its front and rear. These spokes help maintain the bike's weight and contribute to its durability.

What are the Differences and Similarities Between Trek Bikes & Specialized Bikes?

Initially, Trek was mainly associated with making top-notch cross country bikes. The company changed the game when they started manufacturing other styles of bikes. Today, Trek boasts an impressive range of bikes for all sorts of riding feats – road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes .

Not one to be caught lacking, Specialized entices with its own versions of top-notch bikes for every type of rider. They are best known for their mountain bikes, but they also make road bikes , turbo E-bikes, active bikes, and kids' bikes. Specialized bikes are the ideal choice for you if you want precision, good quality components, strength, and aren't afraid of financially splurging on a bike.

What are the main differences between full suspension mountain bikes from Trek and Specialized?

Full suspension mountain bikes from Trek and Specialized both offer a comfortable and smooth ride on rough terrain, but there are a few key differences to consider. Trek full suspension bikes tend to be more versatile and can handle a wider range of terrain, while Specialized bikes are often designed with a specific type of rider and terrain in mind. Trek also tends to use higher-end components and materials, such as carbon fiber, in their full suspension bikes, making them generally more expensive than Specialized models.

How do Trek and Specialized compare when it comes to mountain biking performance?

Both Trek and Specialized are highly regarded for their mountain biking performance, but there are some key differences to consider. Trek bikes are known for their versatility and ability to handle a wide range of terrain, while Specialized bikes are often designed with specific types of riders and terrain in mind. Trek also tends to use higher-end components and materials, such as carbon fiber, in their mountain bikes, which can give them a performance edge. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a mountain biker.

Are Trek and Specialized considered to be among the top mountain bike brands?

Yes, both Trek and Specialized are widely considered to be among the best mountain bike brands in the industry. They both have a long history of innovation and performance in the world of mountain biking, and their bikes are known for their high quality and durability. They are also both respected by professional mountain bikers and are often seen as the go-to choice for serious riders.

What are some key factors to consider when choosing between Trek and Specialized mountain bikes?

When choosing between Trek and Specialized mountain bikes, there are several key factors to consider. These include the type of terrain you will be riding on, your riding style and preferences, and your budget. It's also important to consider the components and materials used in the bikes, as well as the level of support and service offered by the manufacturer. Finally, it can be helpful to talk to other riders and visit a local bike shop to get more information and advice.

Are Trek and Specialized bikes available at local bike shops?

Yes, both Trek and Specialized bikes are widely available at local bike shops. Many bike shops carry a range of models from both brands, and can offer expert advice and support to help you choose the right bike for your needs. In addition, both Trek and Specialized have their own network of authorized dealers, where you can find a wider range of bikes and accessories, as well as specialized service and support.

How do specialized mountain bikes compare to trek bikes in terms of performance and durability on rough terrain?

Both specialized and trek bikes are known for their ability to handle tough, rocky trails, but specialized is generally considered to have an edge in downhill riding. Specialized's advanced suspension systems and use of carbon fiber in their frames give them a more agile, responsive ride on steep, technical trails. Trek, on the other hand, is known for their durability and reliability, making them a solid choice for riders who value long-lasting performance.

Are specialized and trek bikes in the same price range?

Yes, specialized and trek bikes are generally in the same price range, with entry-level models starting around $500 and high-end models reaching over $5,000. However, specialized's use of carbon fiber in their frames often makes their bikes slightly more expensive than comparable trek models.

What are the key differences between specialized and trek's electric mountain bike offerings?

Specialized and trek both offer a range of electric mountain bikes, but specialized's e-bikes are generally more performance-oriented and designed for more aggressive riders. Specialized's e-bikes feature more powerful motors and larger battery packs, allowing them to tackle steep, technical trails with ease. Trek's e-bikes, on the other hand, are more geared towards leisurely, casual rides, with smaller motors and batteries that are better suited for flat, smooth trails.

Should a new mountain biker choose a hardtail or full-suspension bike from specialized or trek?

As a new mountain biker, it's important to consider your riding style and the type of trails you'll be riding on when deciding between a hardtail or full-suspension bike. If you're planning to ride mostly on smooth, well-groomed trails, a hardtail bike from specialized or trek will provide a lightweight, efficient ride that's easy to handle. However, if you're planning to tackle more challenging, technical trails, a full-suspension bike from specialized or trek will offer more control and comfort on rough, rocky terrain.

How do specialized and trek's entry-level mountain bikes compare in terms of quality and value?

Both specialized and trek offer a range of entry-level mountain bikes that are designed to provide a high-quality, affordable option for new mountain bikers. Specialized's entry-level bikes are typically made with lightweight aluminum frames, while trek's entry-level bikes are often made with a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber. Both specialized and trek offer a wide range of components and features on their entry-level bikes, so it's important to carefully compare the specs and prices of each brand to find the best value for your needs.

The Final Verdict

Every component in Trek bikes is carefully thought out to enhance the rider's comfort and performance. Most bikes from this manufacturer feature hydraulic disc brakes and trigger shifters. They are also no stranger to Rockshocks forks and SRAM gears. Similarly, Specialized bikes put up fierce competition with equally impressive features and components.

It's okay if you aren't willing to shell out too much cash on a Specialized mountain bike because the company offers lower-end bikes that promise just the same level of high performance. Detailing such as Suntour forks, mechanical disc brakes, and Shimano components make these lesser-priced bikes just as efficient as their more expensive counterparts.

Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White

Best hybrid bikes 2024 for leisure and commuting: top rated models

How to find the best hybrid bike that suits both your riding and your budget

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Best hybrid bikes: comparison table

Hybrid bike buyer's guide.

The best hybrid bikes are a versatile option that will serve for your commutes and cycling around town. Also called fitness bikes, as they'll help you to keep in shape, they're also good for weekend excursions and, with their wide tires and stable ride, can handle off-road trips on gravel tracks, bridleways and tow paths too.

A hybrid bike mixes the properties of a road bike and a mountain bike. While a road bike or a gravel bike has drop bars and a more aggressive ride position, a hybrid bike will allow you to sit more upright, which many riders find more comfortable.

Although some hybrid bikes include a suspension fork, many don't. This is a feature that may not be needed for less extreme riding, as the hybrid bike's wide tires will take care of bumpy surface conditions. A suspension fork can add substantial weight to the bike, while lower priced suspension forks may not add much comfort to the ride.

Some hybrid bikes may use less complex suspension systems, as with the Specialized Sirrus X below. Most will allow you to fit fenders for year-round use and also a rear rack , so that they can be used for shopping or commuting without needing to carry a backpack .

Hybrid bikes are also a popular option to which to add an electric motor, making them some of the best electric bikes . We've included some electric hybrid bikes in our round-up of the best hybrid bikes below. 

To put the bikes through their paces, our testers rode a variety of terrain across varying distances and weather conditions, detailing important considerations such as comfort, ease of use and durability - all vital components of the best hybrid bikes. 

Read on for our top picks or head lower down the page for advice on how to choose the best hybrid bike for your needs.

The best hybrid bikes

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Vitus Substance is a flat bar version of Vitus's gravel bike

1. Vitus Substance V-2 Flat Bar

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Technically a flat bar version of Vitus's Substance gravel bike, the rugged spec gives you great all-round capabilities for a hybrid. It's stable and easy to ride both on road and off, on fast off-road and picking through traffic.

There's a quality alloy frame with a carbon fork and the cables routed neatly through the down tube, which helps to protect them. There are plenty of mounting points for racks and fenders and you can even fit a third water bottle or a tool case underneath the down tube.

The component choice gives a wide gear range from its 46/30t Prowheel crankset and 11-34t 9-speed Shimano Sora cassette, while the Tektro mechanical disc brakes offer effective stopping power. Both have a very light touch, making them easy to use.

The Vitus rolls on quality WTB ST i23 rims and Vitus hubs. It's let down by its non-tubeless 40mm tires though, which have a recommended minimum 45psi/3.5 bar pressure, which is too much for comfort on tarmac, let alone off-road. Drop below this and they squirm. A swap to tubeless tires on the tubeless-ready rims upped the Vitus's game no end.

Read more: Vitus Substance V-2 Flat Bar full review

Ribble Hybrid AL e  demonstrates how subtle the electric power is on the bike 

2. Ribble Hybrid AL e

We test rode the electric version of the Ribble Hybrid AL - the Ribble Hybrid AL e - and loved it so much we gave it a Cycling Weekly Editor's Choice Award as it's one of the best hybrid electric bike's we've seen. 

Offering a smooth level of assistance from the Ebikemotion system, coupled with decent range and a fully loaded spec the Ribble Hybrid AL e can handle the daily commute as well as anything. But being both capable and rewarding, it's certainly not restricted to A to B rides and could take you on many adventures.

The aluminum frame features elegantly shaped tubing profiles including pencil-thin, dropped seatstays for added compliance and a distinctive dropped driveside chainstay design. There's a step-through frame option as well as a frame with a crossbar if you prefer a bike that's easier to mount and dismount.

Ribble has specced a full carbon fork on the Hybrid AL e to help keep weight down whilst still retaining a good level of steering stiffness and much needed vibration damping.

The Ribble Hybrid AL e is really quite a joy to ride in most respects. It has an engaging handling feel and a build quality that turn it into a bike you look forward to riding rather than a dead and dreary commuter.

At this price point you get a fully loaded electric bike with a superb frame, quality motor system and really decent parts the Ribble Hybrid AL e certainly offers almost unbeatable value when compared to its rivals. 

If you want a non-assisted bike, the Ribble Hybrid AL is available in a range of pre-built specs, many of which come with mudguards and a rear rack. Ribble provides advice via video link to its showroom if you want a walkthrough of the bike's features or more buying info.

Read more: Ribble Hybrid AL e full review

Tenways integrates the motor and battery neatly into the CGO600 electric bike

3. Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bike

The Tenways CGO600 Pro has an alloy frame and fork with a slender battery enclosed in the downtube. It's a low maintenance design with a lubricant-free Gates belt drive that Tenways says should go up to 19,000 miles without servicing. Tenways says that the bike is weatherproof, but should not be stored outdoors regularly.

Assistance comes from a 350W (in the US) rear hub motor, which gives a 53 mile claimed range and includes a torque sensor that helps ensure that the power output matches your pedalling input. The battery locks into place, but can be removed for easier charging. The on-bike LCD display gives plenty of data and allows you to switch between the four assist modes and there's an app which lets you log trip distance and other data.

The CGO600 Pro has Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. It's kitted out with grippy tires, mudguards and an integrated front light, although there are no water bottle cage mounting points.

Tenways sells its range of commuter bikes part-assembled, so there's a little work to get everything set up, with some tasks a little tricky. The bike is supplied with some useful extras like a mini pump . The handlebar grips were a little uncomfortable with bare hands, but they're easy to swap out and a pair of cycling mitts would solve this.

Read more: Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bike full review

The Priority Bicycles Continuum Onyx has a belt drive and variable ratio transmission

4. Priority Bicycles Continuum Onyx

The Priority Bicycles Continuum Onyx includes front and rear lights, fenders, and uses a Gates Carbon belt drive system with a continuously variable rear hub. It's unlike most anything on the market and offers the advantage of reduced maintenance and no chance of grease on your clothes.

If you want a bike that feels at home in the urban jungle the Priority Continuum Onyx might be the perfect solution.

Both the frame and the fork are made from aluminium - a material common at this price point. It's light but stiff and easy to work with.

But what's really unique is the continuously variable NuVinci N380 CVT drivetrain. What you get is roughly the same gear range as a common 7-speed chain driven bike but without distinct gears. Shifting happens with a grip shift and there is a smooth progression from easy to difficult. 

It has a carbon belt instead of a chain and all the shifting components live in the rear hub. The system is silent and requires no real maintenance, which is why it suits a  commuting bike  so well.

With the Priority Continuum Onyx there is no real point of comparison on the market. It's possible to get other hybrid bikes in the same price range with a focus on different features. It's also possible to find cheaper bikes but if you want something with this unique mix of features, this is it. There's simply nothing else out there that's quite the same.

Read more: Priority Continuum Onyx full review

Decathlon offers excellent value with the Triban RC500

5. Triban RC500

The Triban RC500 is a speedy hybrid bike that's more tarmac than off-road orientated and will suit those riding mostly on the road. The carbon fork supplies phenomenal value and adds an enormous amount of comfort to the ride.

The bike's head tube puts you in an upright position from the off. Out on the roads you're left feeling in control of the bike but also comfortable, with the aluminium frame absorbing a good amount of the road's lumps and bumps.

Just because it has a focus on comfort doesn't mean the RC500 is slow to respond. We were impressed by the bike's fast acceleration and how well it holds its speed. Newer riders will certainly be impressed by its turn of pace.

It's a great price for a great bike; the mechanical disc brakes are OK, but worth a hydraulic upgrade if you see a good deal. There's a compact 50/34 chainset boasting a rear cassette replete with a wide spread of gears that will see you up and over most hills, without sacrificing flat speed.

The tyres warrant a special mention, having proven their robustness over the course of commutes (and many more shards of glass). The tyres and the wheels (another Decathlon in-house product) form a fine partnership and can even be set up tubeless should you want the extra security.

If you are looking for the best hybrid bike at this sort of price point, and are after plenty of versatility and dependability then look no further than the Triban RC500 flat bar.

Read more: Triban RC500 flat bar full review

The Specialized Sirrus X has a unique design that adds a lot of comfort to its ride

6. Specialized Sirrus X 5.0

The eye-catching carbon frame design of the Sirrus X stands out and, along with the Future Shock 1.5 headset, adds plenty of comfort. You can fit tires up to 42mm wide too. Reflective paint ups your road presence when riding after dark.

The combination of a 38 tooth chainring with an 11-50 tooth 12-speed cassette gives a wide gear range, although we found the SRAM Eagle NX shifting a little unrefined and that it lacked the top-end ratios for higher speeds on tarmac. There's a more road-going spec available if you do want higher gearing and skinnier tires.

The Sirrus X 5.0 feels light, fast and very comfortable on road and in its element on bumpy off-road, when its built-in compliance features make it very smooth, even with tires at higher than ideal pressure, to avoid pinch flats. The wheels and tires are both tubeless-ready, allowing you to lower pressure and add even greater comfort and grip.

The price is high for a hybrid, but the Sirrus X isn't your normal hybrid and its clever design will up your riding enjoyment no end, even is the component spec is underwhelming for the price.

Read more: Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 full review

The Boardman HYB offers a women's-specific fit

7. Boardman HYB 8.8

The Boardman HYB 8.8 has a carbon fork paired with its alloy frame - the fork being a nice extra to improve comfort over an alloy or steel number. The bike's geometry is quite racy, so you're not sitting as upright as on many hybrids.

There's a smart-looking one piece bar and stem, which gives the Boardman Hyb 8.8 a stylish air, although it makes for fewer adjustment options than a more conventional separate bar and stem.

The bike comes with a single chainring 10-speed Shimano Deore groupset. That's a good combination, lowering complexity by eliminating the front derailleur. The wide range cassette still gives lots of gear range, although it does result in quite large jumps between ratios.

We reviewed the women's HYB 8.8, but there's a men's/unisex version too, which differs only in its size range and contact points: saddle and bar width. It's well specced for its price and comfortable and fast to ride, although we'd have liked wider tyres for more off-road adventures.

Have a look too at our review of the Boardman HYB 8.6 , a lower priced alternative to the HYB 8.8.

Read more: Boardman HYB 8.8 hybrid bike full review

A quality spec marks out the Giant Escape 1 Disc 

8. Giant Escape

The Giant Escape 1 has a butted aluminium frame (Giant calls it ALUXX) with tons of stand-over clearance - an ideal bonus if you're commuting in jeans - and a composite fork. The tyres are wide and this model can go off-road, but this is a bike designed mostly with tarmac in mind.

This would be a great hybrid bike for anyone looking to start leisure riding or wanting to get to work in comfort.

The Shimano Altus gearing is excellent. As with most Shimano products, it has proven itself bombproof, and its shifting didn't miss a beat. It's a triple setup, which means you'll have the use of three rings at the front (in a 26/36/48 guise paired with a nine speed cassette on the back) which makes winching yourself up any hills relatively painless.

Giant has gone for integrated cables, a smart move as it reduces the risk of contamination or damage over time and thus maintenance. The brakes offer super speedy stopping and there's a huge choice of gears.

Features such as a riser stem allow for an upright and comfortable position.

There are a handful of Giant Escape Disc Sport Hybrids to choose from with the Escape 1 the range topper, although it can be a little harder to track down than the lower priced Escape 2 and 3.

Read more: Giant Escape 1 Disc full review

Carrera's Subway is low priced and easy to live with

9. Carrera Subway 1

This bike from Carrera represents good value for money, and with mudguard and a pannier rack it's a versatile option too. If you're planning on cruising around town, riding to parks, to beaches or to other recreation spots, you can't really go wrong with this.

There are three Carrera Subway bikes in the range: a men's and women's-specific Subway 1 and a male/unisex Subway 2.

All three share the same lightweight aluminium frame, with the women's frame getting a subtle frame geometry tweak with a dropped top tube. 

We reviewed the women's Subway 1 and rode it on a mix of road and trail-like terrain.

Admittedly, it's not quite as comfortable as some other options out there, but a slight decrease of tyre pressure helped soften the buzz enough to take the Carrera Subway 1 off road, and it coped pretty well.

It's nimble enough to navigate tight slow corners, while being predictable to give a rider handling confidence, especially when descending at a reasonable speed or when riding slowly in traffic.

The mechanical disc brakes were top notch and we actually struggled to tell the difference performance-wise compared to hydraulic ones.

The Carrera Subway 1 is a good bike that will get you out rolling and enjoying the world on two wheels. With its mudguard and pannier rack mounts, it also offers a good deal of opportunity to be reasonably versatile.

Read more: Carrera Subway full review

What is a hybrid bike?

A hybrid bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike, incorporating the best bits of both to create a machine that is comfortable over multiple terrains and surfaces.

While the best comfort bikes are ideal for gentler-paced leisure riding and best fitness bikes are designed more for workout goals, the best hybrid bikes give you a lot of versatility, either for commuting or weekend leisure rides.

What makes the best hybrid bike?

Each of the best hybrid bikes will have its own unique design. The road and off road capability is blended differently depending on model, with some having a stronger speedy road/urban bias, while others will have a greater preference for gravelly lanes and uneven off-road terrain. If you're unsure what bike is best for your riding then read our article explaining the difference between mountain bikes and hybrid bikes .

What are the features you can expect in the best hybrid bikes?

• Hybrid bikes generally have tyres that are wider than those of a pure road bike, but narrower than mountain bike tyres. Somewhere around 28-32mm is the norm but the more rugged will go up to 50mm
• Hybrid bikes will have flat handlebars and a more upright position that allows the rider to sit with a straighter back than on a road bike
• You'll often find disc brakes on a hybrid: these provide more powerful stopping and are more reliable in wet weather than rim brakes
• If you plan to use your hybrid bike for commuting, look for eyelets for mounting a pannier rack and mudguards - most hybrid bikes will have these and they may have a rack and mudguards already fitted

Do I need a women's-specific model to get the best hybrid bike for me?

Yes and no! The most important thing about getting the best hybrid bike for you is fit. Many brands will offer women's hybrid bikes which will come in smaller sizes, including narrower handlebars and women's-specific saddles. Check out the full range of the best women's hybrid bikes on our dedicated page to help you decide.

Are there different types of hybrid?

How do I get the best style of hybrid bike?

The best hybrid bike for someone else might not be the best hybrid bike for you. Think about the sort of riding you're going to be doing. Would you be better suited buying a hybrid bike that is more similar to a road bike, or one that is more similar to a mountain bike?

If you are thinking of riding your bike to work check out our top tips for commuting to work by bike page for all you need to know. In the UK consider the Cycle to Work Scheme to reduce the net cost of your purchase.

If you're doing most of your riding on roads and cycle paths, then the best option is to go for a more road-orientated hybrid. Quite often, these will feature the same frame and fork as found on the manufacturer's sportive road bike, but with a flat bar handlebar for a more upright position. The tyres will also be slick, and not super wide, allowing you to ride fast and keep up with traffic.

This type of hybrid bike will normally also come with gearing that reflects its road origins, mainly designed for relatively fast riding over flat roads. At its bottom end, the gearing should also be easy enough to tackle some pretty fierce hills. But, if you're carrying extra pounds in your panniers (or around your middle), then you may struggle a little.

However, if you are going to be riding on rough cycle paths and bridleways, then it's better to go for one that will be able to cope with the terrain.

The main difference with this type of hybrid is that it will come with a suspension fork, which will improve comfort when riding over rough, rutted surfaces. These bikes will also come with slightly wider tyres, usually with a bit of tread on too to give a little more grip.

With regard to gearing, they will generally have slightly easier gearing than their more road-orientated brethren.

Although you won't be able to hit quite the same top speeds, having a big sprocket at the back and a tiny ring at the front should help you get better at climbing hills. Our video on how to ride faster up short, steep hills could help here,  especially at the end of your commute, even on a Friday evening at the end of a long, tiring week.

Compared to road bikes, all hybrids will come with wider tyres. The width will vary, but it will generally be something between 28c and 42c. Not only will this help to improve comfort, ironing out any rough surfaces, but will also add to the level of grip when the roads are wet.

The more varied the terrain you plan to ride on, the wider you'll want your tyres. If you're sticking mainly to the road, opt for the lower volume end.

What's the best hybrid bike geometry?

The best hybrid bike frame will generally have a fairly relaxed geometry. This means a short top tube and tall head tube to give a relaxed and upright riding position that should be nice and comfortable and help you avoid cycling neck pain.

Many of the best hybrid bikes also feature a top tube that is sloped downwards from the front of the bike towards the back, which will increase standover clearance and should make it a little bit easier to get on and off whatever you are wearing. Step-through frames without a top tube are also available for many hybrid bikes if you want even easier mounting and dismounting.

Hybrid bikes promote a comfortable ride position

Does it matter what material a hybrid bike is made from?

The majority of hybrid bikes - like most bikes - use one of three materials: steel, aluminium, or carbon.

The least used of the three is steel, which although it is able to give a comfortable ride, generally makes a heavy bike. Think: tough to haul over the hills. Often, though, steel finds itself on the more stylish bikes. It can be a good choice if you're looking for a bike to pootle down to the shops on summer days.

If you're wondering should your next bike be carbon, aluminium, steel or titanium it's worth knowing that either steel or aluminium is the material used on the majority of the best hybrid bikes. 

From budget options right up to more serious machines costing four figures, most will feature either a steel or aluminium frame. The better of the two generally will be aluminium, providing a light and comfortable ride, while standing up to plenty of abuse through years of use.

The third material, carbon, is more common on road bikes and higher-end mountain bikes, but it's starting to turn up on the best hybrid bikes. It's an incredibly versatile material, so a good choice if you're wanting to drop the overall bike weight, add compliance, or even stiffen it up.

There are also quite a few hybrids on the market that combine an aluminium frame with a carbon fork. This helps to keep the cost down through the use of aluminium for the frame, while the carbon fork will do a better job of soaking up judder from rough roads.

What components should I expect on the best hybrid bike?

It might be a bit of a cliché, but you will generally get what you pay for when it comes to gearing. Pay more and the best hybrid bikes will come with higher quality groupsets. You'll gain more gear ratios, better quality shifting and less effort needed to shift between gears.

Our Buyer's Guide to road bike groupsets will explain the hierarchies in more detail for you.

Depending on use, gearing range might be more important than shift quality. If you live in a hilly area, then it's worth looking for a bike with a 32-tooth sprocket at the back. A big sprocket paired with a small front chainring will let you winch your way up steep gradients.

There are lots of hybrid bikes that offer a triple chainset. This is good if you want some seriously easy gears but it's not always the best answer. The gear range is often not that much more than with only two rings at the front. Moreover, it can be harder to find the perfect gear if you want to get into a rhythm on a long flat road or steady climb.

Most of the best hybrid bikes - and that increasingly includes the more value-orientated ones - use disc brakes. Rim brakes use two pads to grip the rim of the wheel, while disc brakes grip a rotor attached to the hub of the wheel.

Mechanical disc brakes use a cable to link the brake levers to the brake callipers, while hydraulic disc brakes have a closed system with hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic brakes generally give you more stopping power, better modulation and they're less prone to contamination than cable-operated disc brakes, but they're more expensive and harder to work on.

Disc brakes are an advantage for all-weather commuting 

Although disc brakes have been used on mountain bikes for years, they're a more recent addition to road bikes, although they are pretty commonplace now and a perfect match for the best hybrid bikes.

Although discs supply more predictable braking in the wet, the stopping power of mechanical discs is not always greater than rim brakes in the dry. 

Additionally, the rim brake system is lighter than the mechanical disc system. 

Expect the superior hydraulic options to come with a bigger price tag.

Another advantage of disc brakes is longevity of your wheels. The rim-braking surface wears down over time, particularly if the bike is ridden in wet or dirty conditions. Moving it to a disposable rotor saves having to replace more expensive wheels.

Another thing to consider is the saddle that comes with the bike. Check that it suits the sort of riding that you're going to be doing. Also consider the clothing that you're going to be doing it in.

If you're riding more than a couple of miles then we highly recommend you invest in the best cycling shorts as getting a pair of padded cycling shorts will vastly improve your comfort in the saddle.

As is the case with most bikes, you may find even the best hybrid bike is sold either without pedals or in some cases, you might find plasticky black flat pedals included. If it's the latter, the first thing you should do to your new hybrid bike is take these off and throw them in the bin. Seriously. Invest in a more suitable pair. Check out our guide to clipless pedal systems and the best models reviewed .

The best options for commuting and urban riding are off-road pedals such as Shimano's SPD system. These are easy, even for beginners, to get in and out of. The recessed cleat makes walking easy and since it's an off-road design it's less susceptible to mud.

What are the best tires for a hybrid bike?

The best tire choice for a hybrid bike will depend on where you're riding. If you only expect to ride on tarmac, narrower tires with less grip will roll faster  with less effort. Although you could fit 25mm wide tires, even the best road bikes are now routinely fitted with 28mm tires. 

The best hybrid bikes will usually allow you to fit tires that are much wider though. You can choose a wide city tire, but if you plan to take your fitness bike off-road, the best gravel bike tires can add extra grip and versatility, without necessarily affecting your on-road riding experience.

For any riding, whether on road or off, the risk of punctures can be reduced by fitting the best puncture proof tires .

What other features that I should look for on the best hybrid bike?

If you're having to carry large or heavy items to work, then it can be uncomfortable to carry a backpack . A better option is to invest in a pair of panniers. Panniers will move the weight from you to the bike. Have a look at our guide to panniers and pannier racks to help you decide.

All of the best hybrid bikes should come with eyelets in the frame for a pannier rack. It is possible to buy adaptor clips that will let you use a pannier rack without having the eyelets. The problem is these won't hold the rack quite as securely as if the frame is specifically designed for the purpose.

If you are pondering the question regarding whether you really need mudguards? The answer is yes!

Look for a hybrid bike that has plenty of clearance between the frame and the tyre. The clearance will be important for fitting mudguards. Even better will be a frame with eyelets so you can fit ones with better coverage, rather than flimsy clip-on ones.

It might seem a shame to spoil the look of your new bike in such a way, but you'll certainly appreciate it when cycling on wet roads.

Where's the best place to buy a hybrid bike?

The vast majority of major bike manufacturers create hybrid bikes. Specialized bikes , Trek bikes , Giant bikes and Boardman bikes are all examples of brands who offer flat-bar multi terrain hybrid bikes within their collections.

The best value is often on line if you know what features you want

You can buy a bike online, but it might not be the best choice. As a result of being new to the cycling world you might be unfamiliar with the right bike fit for you. A good shop will make sure you leave the shop with the perfect fitting hybrid bike.

Look for a retailer that will fit the bike for you and allow test rides. Some also offer money back guarantees after 30 days in case you change your mind.

How we test

We have a dedicated team of testers here at  Cycling Weekly , whose job is to review a whole range of cycling products and to write objective reviews of their experience of using them day in day out in a whole range of conditions.

With huge experience, they're really well placed to compare products, identify their strengths and weaknesses and bring you an honest, unbiased assessment of how they perform.

To test  hybrid bikes we undertake rides of varying lengths and conditions. Typically these will include town and city commutes as well as longer leisure rides. Our testers assess the performance each bike across a number of factors, including comfort and handling and the bike's suitability for commuting (for example, how well it is equipped to carry panniers and other luggage) as well as the quality of the build, the durability of the components and the bike's overall value for money.

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After winning the 2019 National Single-Speed Cross-Country Mountain Biking Championships and claiming the plushie unicorn (true story), Stefan swapped the flat-bars for drop-bars and has never looked back. 

Since then, he’s earnt his 2ⁿᵈ cat racing licence in his first season racing as a third , completed the South Downs Double in under 20 hours and Everested in under 12 .

But his favourite rides are multiday bikepacking trips, with all the huge amount of cycling tech and long days spent exploring new roads and trails - as well as histories and cultures. Most recently, he’s spent two weeks riding from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia . 

Height: 177cm

Weight: 67–69kg

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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.

Trek or Specialized Hybrid Bike: Which is the most versatile hybrid bike?

Whoever said that you could not have your cake and eat it too did not know about Trek or Specialized hybrid bikes. These bikes are for general purpose riding over a wide array of terrains without sacrificing comfort or performance. With that said, let us quickly delve into this Trek or Specialized hybrid bikes review.

As a bike aficionado, I have become quite fond of hybrid bikes due to their versatility and durability. Hybrid bikes are a combination of mountain bikes’ brakes and gears and the standard 700c tires of road bikes.

By having features from different bicycles, these bikes are great for fitness, commuting, adventure, leisure and many more. Two brands stand out when discussing the best hybrid bikes: Trek or Specialized. These two brands have years of experience in perfecting the craft of manufacturing hybrid bikes, thus their prowess in the industry.

Here is a detailed comparison of Trek and Specialized hybrid bikes.

What are the differences between Trek and Specialized hybrid bikes ?

Trek or Specialized Hybrid bikes – How do they compare to one another?

Handlebars and grip

Both brands invest in high-quality handlebars and grips. However, they have some distinct features. Trek hybrid bikes have Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone handlebars with an ergonomic grip. This unique pairing reduces the pressure exerted to the hand, preventing any strain or injury . It also minimizes vibrations and absorbs any impact from the road, resulting in an unforgettable riding experience.

The Specialized hybrid bikes have double-butted alloy handlebars with Specialized Body Geometry Targa grip which are light and offer more steering control.

The handlebars have contoured Body Geometry Targa pads which evenly distribute force across your hands to reduce the pressure to your nerves while maintaining blood circulation to your fingers. The Targa grips take the shape of your palm as it grips the handlebar, delivering ultimate control and comfort as you cycle.

Frame material and body geometry

Trek hybrid bikes are made up of lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame which complements the bike’s endurance body geometry. The frame is cold extruded and butted, forming manipulated tube shapes to maintain stability by balancing weight saving and strength.

Specialized hybrid bikes feature AI SL Premium Aluminum frames with fitness body geometry. This lightweight frame construction strikes the perfect balance between efficiency and stability as it pairs rugged durability and weight balancing, without compromising the bike’s versatile performance and comfort.

Trek hybrid bikes feature Shimano Acera shifters as well as Shimano MT-200 hydraulic disc brakes. This brake set is mainly known for its quiet and all-weather stopping power and stability on all types of terrain.

On the other hand, Specialized hybrid bikes consist of microSHIFT 9-speed shifters and Tektro HD-R310 hydraulic disc brakes . These brakes ensure consistent, efficient and reliable stopping power in both wet and muddy conditions due to their superior performance and durability.

Trek FX7.3 Disc vs. Specialized Sirrus Sport hybrid bikes – A comparison review

Trek FX 7.3 Disc Overview and Key features

Trek is an industry-leader known to make powerful and modern bikes. Its FX 7.3 Disc is no different.

This particular hybrid bike has the stability of a horse, the comfort of a fitness bike, the speed of a road bike and the versatility of a city bike.

Made from high-quality components, it offers a dependable ride for your daily commutes as well as for your fitness regime.

Some of the features of this impressive bike are its lightweight Alpha Gold aluminum frame, light carbon fork, a 27-speed performance drivetrain, IsoZone gel handlebars and grips, and rack and mudguard mounts. This bike is also DuoTrap S Compatible which is the best fitness companion for any rider.

What we like

• Smooth shifting gears for optimum steering control and maneuverability
• Lightweight and durable
• The frame and body geometry supports an upright riding position to reduce back pain and neck strain
• Carbon fiber forks which absorb hand-numbing road vibrations
• Easy to accessorize as it has rack and mudguard mounts as well as Blendr system

What we do not like

• The saddle requires an upgrade, especially during long haul rides

Table of Contents

View price here

Specialized Sirrus Sport hybrid bike Overview and Key features

If you are looking for a fitness bike ideal for commuting to work as well as a weekend getaway,

Specialized Sirrus Sport is an excellent companion. From its durable and versatile AI SL Premium aluminum frame to its impressive Tektro hydraulic disc brakes to its proven Body Geometry components such as the saddle and the grips, this bike is always ready to go whenever you need it.

• Lightweight and robust frame
• Easy to accessorize due to its rack and fender mounts
• Tektro hydraulic brakes offer all-weather stopping power
• Lightweight FACT carbon fork for a comfortable and smooth ride
• Fat Nimbus all-round 700*32c tires with reflective side-walls and Flak Jacket puncture protection
• Flat handlebars
• Slow braking power

How good is a hybrid bike when riding off-road?

One of the benefits of purchasing a quality hybrid bike is that it has multiple functions over multiple terrains. Whether you are mainly looking for a fitness bike, commuting bike, or a simple bike for cycle adventures, the different types of hybrid bikes available in the market can easily cater to all your needs. In case of any uncertainties, seek clarification from your local bike store or your preferred dealer’s customer service team.

What is my correct bike size?

Every local bike store should have a bike size chart which shows the different bike sizes corresponding to respective heights. For further satisfaction, you may opt to take the bike out for a short ride to get a feel of what you are putting your money on.

The 8 Best Hybrid Bikes of 2024, According to Experts

Tackle any urban terrain with the most versatile two-wheelers.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Best Hybrid Bike for Beginners

Specialized sirrus 2.0 hybrid bike.

Best Premium Hybrid Bike

Trek fx sport 6.

Best Hybrid Bike for Commuters

Priority bicycles continuum onyx.

Best Folding Hybrid Bike

Tern verge d9 folding bike.

Most Versatile Hybrid Bike

Giant bicycles toughroad slr 2.

Best Hybrid eBike

Ribble hybrid al e electric bike.

Best Step-Through Hybrid Bike

Co-op cycles cty 2.1 step-through bike.

Best Value Hybrid Bike

Schwinn gtx 2.0 comfort hybrid bike.

For most fitness riders, hybrid bikes—also called “fitness bikes”—are the solution. They’re designed to offer the lightweight design of many road-racing bikes, but with a more comfortable, confident upright riding stance. Most come with wider tires, too, which makes cruising rough, potholed city streets a whole lot more bearable. Plus, the best models are built with premium components like hydraulic disc brakes, battery-free lights, and low- to zero-maintenance drivetrains. These definitely aren’t the kid-friendly Huffy bikes you grew up with.

All of which is to say that bikes, even hybrid bikes , are deceptively complex. Whether you’re just getting started in your cycling journey or are looking to upgrade your current two-wheeler, there’s a perfect model out there for you. But where to start? We’ve done the legwork for you to research and personally test many of the top-rated bikes on the market. Here are our picks for the best hybrid bikes worth riding in 2023

Best Bikes for Men | Best Folding Electric Bikes | Best Electric Bikes | Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes | Best Cycling Shorts

Versatile, comfortable, and affordable—everything that makes Specialized’s wildly popular Sirrus 2.0 a solid buy for just about anyone. The lightweight design couples an aluminum alloy frame with a steel fork that altogether weighs roughly 27 pounds. Its ProMax F1 hydraulic disc brakes provide serious and reliable stopping power on any terrain. The result? The perfect balance of durability with easy, comfortable handling for riders of any skill level. That includes everyone from first-time adult riders to daily commuters.

It’s not the most budget-friendly bike in Specalized’s lineup, nor the most premium. At around $800 (closer to $600 on sale), it’s an incredibly affordable model for anyone looking to step up from an entry-level hybrid but who isn’t quite ready to drop $2,000 or more on a high-end two-wheeler. Of course, when you’re ready to upgrade your upgrade, Specialized’s lineup runs all the way up to the Sirrus 6.0.

What do buyers say? “This is the first Specialized bike. I've had many before but from the other brands. Very impressed. Light enough, smooth gears and stiff. Very well-made bicycle,” said one Specialized.com reviewer.

The all-new FX Sport 6 is the flagship in Trek’s FX lineup with a fitness-focused geometry that’s light, fast, and easy to ride. "Tipping the scales" at just over 20 pounds, the carbon frame is remarkably lightweight. It offers all the same features of a premium road bike—a 400 Series OCLV Carbon frame, carbon wheels, and a Shimano drivetrain—but with a flat handlebar design. It all combines in a hybrid bike that’s damn near-perfect for riders of all stripes, including commuters, newbies, and advanced fitness cyclists. Plus, the slick, blacked-out design looks pretty handsome too.

We’ve been fans of Trek for years and the FX Sport 6 is a standout among the company’s stellar lineup. It’s no surprise, given the nearly $3,000 price tag, which makes it the most expensive in this year’s round-up. But with solid buyer reviews and premium components throughout, we think it’s worth it. Plus, Trek’s 30-day unconditional guarantee means you can return it for any reason (even if it’s just because you changed your mind) for a full refund.

What do buyers say? “My previous Trek 2.6 was all the rage until I purchased this. The FX6 ia so much faster, better handling even with the fatter tires and lower pressure. They are great for the road,” said one TrekBikes.com reviewer.

If you’re looking for an upgrade to your entry-level two-wheeler but aren’t ready or willing to splash out on $3,000 high-end model, we like Priority’s Continuum Onyx. The brand is well-known for some of the best commuter bikes, and this hybrid model is no exception. It features premium components throughout, including a rust-free Gates Carbon belt drive, dynamo-powered (read battery-free) lights, and beefy 700x32mm WTB tires that are extremely flat-resistant. Enviolo CTV shifters guarantee smooth, responsive shifting and high-end Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver plenty of stopping power in tight city conditions.

At roughly $1,300, this certainly isn’t a cheap hybrid bike. But it’s built with premium parts from tip to tail, making that midrange price tag seem entirely reasonable. Everything that makes it a near-perfect commuter bike also ensures it’s a good fit for newbies and even more advanced riders.

What do buyers say? “It was very easy to assemble. I love the look and love the feel. Very quiet and solid,” said one PriorityBicycles.com reviewer.

Folding bikes used to be something of a novelty. They were rarely anything you’d actually want to ride (or be seen riding). Not so with Tern’s Verge D9. It’s our go-to pick for this year’s best folding hybrid bike. Proprietary T-Tuned geometry coupled with beefier 37mm tires makes this a more stable and comfortable model than most folders. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide solid stopping power on both wet and dry pavement. The saddle seat is also purpose-designed for shoulder-mounted carrying. Plus, we love that the entire bike folds or unfolds in just 10 seconds and is small enough to fit under a desk.

This is no doubt a specialty bike that’s designed with commuters and city dwellers in mind—hence the roughly $1,150 price tag. It’s at least 50% more than a comparably priced standard (non-folding) hybrid bike. But, if you’re looking for one of the most compact, street-friendly hybrid solutions on the market, you’ve found it. What’s more, Tern designed it with easy upgrading in mind.

What do buyers say? “Great choice. So versatile and easy to ride. Smooth ride for my 1.5 miles one way commute,” said one REI reviewer.

True to its name, Giant’s ToughRoad SLR 2 is a hybrid bike that’s built for less-than-ideal riding conditions. That includes smooth city streets, loose gravel bike paths, and everything in between. It’s made possible via a proprietary ALUXX SLR aluminum frame with a lightweight, durable carbon fork—both of which are ultra-durable yet absorb harsh front-end vibrations. Giant’s D-fuse seatpost and extra-grippy tires add an extra degree of comfort and confidence to your ride. Like other hybrid bikes in our roundup, this model features a standard flat-bar design with a more upright position that’s great for a wide variety of terrain and ride lengths.

Like most Giant two-wheelers, this hybrid bike is priced right at just over $1,000. That’s squarely at the midrange of our roundup, making it the perfect upgrade from most entry-level cycles. While it’s not a true mountain bike, it’s the closest hybrid model in our roundup that we’re comfortable taking on light off-road rides.

What do buyers say? “A higher ride position is enjoyable, shifting is smooth and quick, ride is very comfortable on rail bed trail locally,” said one Giant-Bicycles.com reviewer.

Of course, we can’t roundup the best hybrid bikes without throwing in a hybrid electric bike. Ribble’s Hybrid AL E Electric Bike is our favorite hybrid-style eBike of the year. The general framework is purpose-built with speed and efficiency in mind, making it one of the company’s best options for commuters and other city riders. But the geometry is incredibly versatile, allowing for complete customization of almost every component. If you want to add a rear storage rack, mudguards, and fatter tires, for example, all you have to do is ask. That also means you get the exact paint job you’re looking for, from blacked-out to cool blue to eye-popping red.

Under the “hood,” the Hybrid AL E is powered by a 250Wh battery which delivers roughly 60 miles on a single charge. It fast-charges in roughly three hours, too, so you can take it to work and top it up for your ride home. Ribble’s ebikemotion system weighs less than eight pounds and is so compact and perfectly built into the bike’s frame that it’s practically invisible. That only streamlines the look and the aerodynamics, but also makes it less of a target for thieves.

What do buyers say? “If you want to look stylish around town and arrive where you’re going sweat-free, it’s definitely one to consider,” said one RibbleCycles.co.uk reviewer.

For riders who like the convenience of a step-through model, Co-op Cycles’ CTY 2.1 is our favorite hybrid option. The low standover height allows for easy mounting and dismounting, while also ensuring it’s easy to stand with both feet square on the ground. The Shimano Altus 2x8 drivetrain serves up 16 available gear combinations. Coupled with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, it’s a satisfying ride around town, even over hilly, potholed terrain. The 40-mm-wide tires and shock-absorbing fork also ensure a smooth, bump-free ride.

What we especially love, though, is the price. At roughly $800, it’s on the low-end of our favorite midrange models. Given its excellent reviews and better-than-average components, we think it’s worth the premium for anyone looking to step up from a more entry-level hybrid. Because REI Co-op Cycles are only available to members, be sure to account for the (totally reasonable) $30 lifetime membership fee if you don’t already have one.

What do buyers say? “Great commuter & path bike! Perfect bike for riding around the neighborhood to stay in shape. It handles the gravel and overgrown paths with ease and is just as great on the road/sidewalk,” said one REI.com reviewer.

If $500+ is too rich for your wallet, there are other options. Schwinn’s lineup of entry-level hybrid adult bikes includes the Schwinn GTX Comfort. While it lacks the better components of our favorite premium models, this is a solid alternative for budget-conscious bicyclists. The design relies on an aluminum dual-sport frame and suspension fork that tackles city streets and light trails with aplomb. Like the best hybrid bikes of this year, it features a flat-bar design and a more upright riding position that combine for a comfortable, confident ride.

Schwinn is most synonymous with entry-level bikes that “hardcore” riders might scoff at. But, if you’re looking for a durable, reliable two-wheeler that’s ready to tackle most urban and suburban terrain, this is a solid option. We especially love that it’s available starting at less than $300 (depending on the exact model), which feels like a steal.

What do buyers say? “Great bike for the money. So far this bike has been great, and makes the daily commute to work a lot more fun,” said one Amazon reviewer.

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Like most fitness gear, bikes are entirely personal. The best bike for your neighbor might not be right for you. It’s all a matter of aesthetics, price, weight, gearing, features, and how and where you most often ride. But there are a few key things to consider when shopping for the best hybrid bike for you. Here’s the low-down:

Drop Bar or Flat Bar

Hybrid bikes are similar to traditional road bikes in that they typically boast a lightweight frame that rolls on fast 700c wheels. What sets them apart, however, is that hybrid bikes are almost always built with a flat handlebar, while road bikes use a drop bar. The former uses a wider design for a wider hand stance that makes riding easier to control with better break access and an upright seating position. The result is a more comfortable ride that’s perfect for casual (read non-racing) cyclists and commuters, too. Hybrid bikes can feature a drop bar, too, but they’re specifically designed for a flat handlebar.

It’s All in the Gearing

In general, hybrid/fitness bikes feature two chainrings up front and usually 9-11 cogs at the rear. The latter helps to better dial in your shifts for a smoother, more predictable ride on everything from bike paths to hilly city streets. Budget hybrids sometimes include three front chainrings. It’s a setup that trades performance for price, however.

Modern disc brakes seriously changed the game for cyclists. They’re more expensive than traditional rim-style brakes, but better in every way, offering more precise control in both dry and wet conditions. Beginners and cyclists who love long rides love them, too, because they require less hand strength to operate. More budget-friendly hybrid bikes may be built with cable-actuated disc brakes. These offer similar performance but aren’t as powerful and require a bit more maintenance.

Hybrid bikes, like many of the best bikes, vary widely in price. Decent budget models start around $400, while mid-range models run north of $1,000. For the best hybrid bikes, however, expect to pay as much as a used car (upwards of $4,000 or more). Just know that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to land a decent two-wheeler.

How We Selected the Best Hybrid Bikes of 2023

Over the past year, our fitness-loving writers and editors here at Men’s Health researched and personally tested dozens of top-selling bikes. We compared every spec and feature, from brake technology and frame style to overall aesthetic and price. For this roundup, we’ve also included a few hybrid bikes with overwhelmingly positive reviews on the retailer sites we trust most. The final list above represents our honest picks for the best hybrid bikes worth buying in 2023.

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Best hybrid bikes - Fast bikes for leisure and commuting

The best hybrid bikes will get you around town fast and keep going into the countryside when it's time to relax

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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Most Popular

Specialized vs Trek (Brand Comparison)

When it comes to buying a new bike, two brands that are often compared are Specialized and Trek. Both are well-established American bike brands that produce high-quality bikes for all types of riders. But which one is better? Below we’ll explore the differences and similarities between Specialized vs Trek bikes to help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways:

• Price and Range: Trek generally offers less expensive entry-level bikes compared to Specialized. Specialized’s use of carbon fiber in their frames makes their bikes slightly more expensive.
• Riding Focus: Trek is known for mountain bikes, while Specialized is known for road bikes.
• Design Approach: Trek focuses on innovative technology like OCLV carbon fiber frames for lightweight strength. Specialized prioritizes functional and aesthetically pleasing design.
• Target Audience: Trek caters more to serious cyclists, while Specialized offers a wider range from beginners to professionals.
• Quality and History: Both Trek and Specialized have a history of producing high-quality bikes. The choice depends on personal preference.
• Mountain Bikes: Both brands offer a range of mountain bikes. Trek’s hardtail bikes tend to be more affordable, while Specialized’s tend to be more expensive.
• Innovation and Future Trends: Specialized innovates with technologies like Future Shock for smoother rides, while Trek integrates technology and explores new materials like OCLV carbon fiber.

Trek vs Specialized: An Overview

When it comes to bike brands, Trek and Specialized are two of the most well-known and respected names in the industry. Both brands offer a wide range of bikes for different types of riders, from road bikes to mountain bikes and everything in between. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the similarities and differences between Trek and Specialized to help you decide which brand might be right for you.

One of the main differences between Trek and Specialized is their approach to bike design. Trek is known for its innovative technology, such as its OCLV carbon fiber frames, which are designed to be both lightweight and strong. Specialized, on the other hand, is known for its attention to detail and focus on creating bikes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Another key difference between the two brands is their target audience. Trek tends to focus more on serious cyclists and enthusiasts, while Specialized offers a wider range of bikes for different types of riders, from beginners to professionals. This means that if you’re just starting out, you may find more options with Specialized, while if you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for high-end performance, Trek may be the better choice.

When it comes to price, Trek bikes tend to be more expensive than Specialized bikes. This is partly due to the brand’s focus on high-end technology and performance, but it also reflects the quality of the materials used in their bikes. That being said, both brands offer a range of bikes at different price points, so you should be able to find something within your budget regardless of which brand you choose.

In terms of overall quality, both Trek and Specialized are highly respected brands with a long history of producing high-quality bikes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a bike. Whether you’re a serious cyclist or just looking for a reliable bike to get you from point A to point B, both Trek and Specialized are great options to consider.

Road Bikes Comparison

When it comes to road bikes, both Specialized and Trek offer a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level bike or a high-end model, both brands have something to offer. In this section, we will compare some of the most popular road bikes from both brands.

Specialized Tarmac vs Trek Emonda

The Specialized Tarmac and Trek Emonda are two of the most popular high-end road bikes from both brands. The Tarmac is known for its stiffness and responsiveness, while the Emonda is known for its lightweight and climbing ability. Both bikes are designed for speed and performance, but they have different strengths.

Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane

The Specialized Roubaix and Trek Domane are two endurance road bikes that are designed for long rides on rough roads. The Roubaix is known for its comfort and compliance, while the Domane is known for its stability and control. Both bikes are designed to absorb shocks and vibrations, but they have different approaches to achieving this.

Specialized Allez vs Trek Checkpoint

The Specialized Allez and Trek Checkpoint are two entry-level road bikes that are designed for beginners and budget-conscious riders. The Allez is known for its lightweight and agility, while the Checkpoint is known for its versatility and durability. Both bikes are designed to provide a comfortable and efficient ride, but they have different strengths.

Trek Boone vs Specialized Crux

The Trek Boone and Specialized Crux are two cyclocross bikes that are designed for off-road racing and adventure. The Boone is known for its stability and control, while the Crux is known for its agility and speed. Both bikes are designed to handle rough terrain and challenging conditions, but they have different strengths.

Mountain Bikes Face-off

When it comes to mountain biking, Trek and Specialized are two of the most popular brands. Both offer a range of mountain bikes designed to tackle everything from technical trails to cross-country terrain. In this face-off, we’ll take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of each brand’s mountain bikes.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes

If you’re looking for a hardtail mountain bike, Trek and Specialized both have plenty of options to choose from. Trek’s Marlin and X-Caliber series are popular choices, while Specialized’s Rockhopper and Pitch series are also well-regarded.

When comparing the two brands, Trek’s hardtail mountain bikes tend to be more affordable, with prices starting at around $500. Specialized’s hardtail mountain bikes, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive, with prices starting at around $700.

Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

For more technical trails, a full-suspension mountain bike is often the way to go. Both Trek and Specialized offer a range of full-suspension mountain bikes designed to handle rough terrain.

Trek’s Fuel EX series is a popular choice, with models ranging from the Fuel EX 5, which starts at around $2,000, to the Fuel EX 9.9, which costs upwards of $10,000. Specialized’s Stumpjumper series is also well-regarded, with models ranging from the Stumpjumper ST, which starts at around $2,000, to the Stumpjumper EVO, which costs upwards of $9,000.

Which Brand is Best?

When it comes to mountain bikes, there’s no clear winner between Trek and Specialized. Both brands offer a range of high-quality mountain bikes designed to handle a variety of terrain. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for an affordable hardtail mountain bike, Trek may be the better choice. If you’re interested in a full-suspension mountain bike, both Trek and Specialized offer excellent options.

No matter which brand you choose, make sure to test-ride several different models to find the one that feels the most comfortable and responsive to you.

Bike Models and Design

When it comes to bike models and designs, both Trek and Specialized offer a wide range of options for different types of riders. Both companies have models specifically designed for kids, women, and beginners, as well as other products that target unique uses such as downhill or cross country.

Trek offers a diverse range of bike models, including road, mountain, and hybrid bikes. They have a wide range of mountain bikes, with hardtail and full suspension options. Trek’s hardtail bikes are known for their efficiency and durability, while their full suspension bikes offer a smooth ride on rough terrain. Trek’s road bikes are known for their geometry, which provides a comfortable riding position for long rides.

Specialized also offers a range of bike models, including road, mountain, and hybrid bikes. Their mountain bikes are designed with the Future Shock technology, which provides a smoother ride, while their road bikes are equipped with the Future Shock Rear technology, which absorbs vibrations and bumps on the road. Specialized also offers a range of e-bikes, which are becoming increasingly popular among riders.

Both Trek and Specialized use high-quality materials in their bike designs. Trek uses their proprietary Alpha Aluminum and OCLV Carbon materials in their bike frames, while Specialized uses their FACT Carbon and M5 Aluminum materials. Specialized’s use of carbon fiber in their frames often makes their bikes slightly more expensive than comparable Trek models.

In terms of design, both companies prioritize comfort and efficiency. Trek’s road bikes are designed with a comfortable riding position, while their mountain bikes are designed with a focus on durability and efficiency. Specialized’s road bikes are designed with a focus on aerodynamics and speed, while their mountain bikes are designed with the Future Shock technology for a smoother ride.

Materials and Manufacturing

When it comes to materials and manufacturing, both Specialized and Trek have a lot to offer. Both brands use a range of materials to construct their bikes, including aluminum and carbon fiber.

Aluminum frames are lightweight and strong, making them a popular choice for many riders. Specialized and Trek both offer aluminum frames in their range of bikes. Carbon fiber frames are even lighter and stiffer, providing excellent performance for road and mountain bikes. Both brands offer carbon fiber frames in their top-of-the-line models.

In terms of manufacturing, both brands have their own factories in Taiwan, where they produce many of their bikes. They also work with manufacturers in Europe and Asia to produce their bikes. Specialized has a reputation for being very particular about the manufacturing process and has a team of engineers who oversee the production of their bikes.

Trek, on the other hand, has a reputation for being more focused on innovation and design. They have a range of sub-brands, each with its own focus on innovation and design. This allows them to create bikes that are both functional and stylish.

In terms of materials and manufacturing, both Specialized and Trek offer high-quality bikes that are built to last. Whether you are looking for an aluminum or carbon fiber frame, both brands have a range of options to choose from. And with their own factories and partnerships with manufacturers around the world, you can be sure that your bike will be built to the highest standards.

Components and Features

When it comes to components and features, both Trek and Specialized offer high-quality options. Let’s take a closer look at what each brand has to offer.

Trek and Specialized both use top-of-the-line components from well-known brands like Shimano and SRAM. For example, Trek’s mid-range road bikes often come equipped with Shimano 105 components, which are known for their reliability and performance. Specialized also offers bikes with Shimano components, but they tend to use a wider range of components from different brands.

Disc Brakes

Both Trek and Specialized offer disc brakes on many of their bikes. Disc brakes offer better stopping power and are more reliable in wet conditions than traditional rim brakes. They also require less maintenance and are easier to adjust.

Active Braking Pivot (ABP)

Trek’s patented Active Braking Pivot (ABP) technology is a unique feature that sets their mountain bikes apart. ABP allows the suspension to remain active while you’re braking, which improves control and stability. This technology is found on many of Trek’s high-end mountain bikes.

Full Floater

Another unique feature found on many Trek mountain bikes is the Full Floater suspension. This system allows the rear suspension to move independently of the frame, which improves traction and control on rough terrain.

High-Quality Components

Both Trek and Specialized use high-quality components throughout their bike lines. This means you can expect reliable shifting, smooth brakes, and comfortable saddles on all of their bikes.

Comfort and Stability

When it comes to choosing between Specialized and Trek bikes, comfort and stability are two critical factors to consider. Both brands offer bikes with features designed to maximize rider comfort and stability, but there are some differences to keep in mind.

Specialized bikes are known for their comfortable ride, thanks in part to the company’s proprietary technology called “Zertz.” Zertz inserts are placed in the fork and seat stays of the bike, which helps to absorb road vibrations and reduce fatigue on long rides. The Specialized Roubaix is a great example of a bike that prioritizes rider comfort with a design that is ideal for endurance rides.

Trek bikes also offer a comfortable ride with their IsoSpeed technology. IsoSpeed is a decoupler that separates the seat tube from the top tube and seat stay, which helps to absorb vibrations and reduce fatigue. The Trek Domane is a popular endurance bike that features IsoSpeed technology and is designed for long, comfortable rides.

Stability is another important factor to consider when choosing between Specialized and Trek bikes. Both brands offer bikes with stable handling, but there are some differences in how they achieve it.

Specialized bikes often feature a longer wheelbase, which helps to create a more stable ride. This is particularly true for their Roubaix and Diverge models, which are designed for endurance riding and gravel riding, respectively.

Trek bikes, on the other hand, often feature a shorter wheelbase, which can make them more nimble and responsive. However, their IsoSpeed technology helps to maintain stability even with a shorter wheelbase. The Trek Madone is a great example of a bike that offers both stability and nimble handling.

Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to performance and efficiency, both Specialized and Trek offer high-quality bikes that can handle different terrains and riding styles. Here are some aspects to consider:

• Frame materials : Both brands use advanced materials to make their frames lightweight and durable. Trek uses OCLV carbon fiber, while Specialized uses FACT carbon. Both brands also offer aluminum frames for those who want a more affordable option.
• Aerodynamics : Specialized has been a leader in aerodynamics for years, with their wind tunnel testing and development of the S-Works Venge. However, Trek has also made strides in this area with their Madone series, which also underwent wind tunnel testing to optimize its aerodynamics.
• Versatility : Both brands offer a range of bikes that can handle different terrains and riding styles. Trek offers a wider range of mountain bikes, while Specialized has a strong focus on road bikes. However, both brands offer hybrid and gravel bikes that can handle a variety of terrains.
• Components : Both brands use high-quality components from top manufacturers like Shimano and SRAM. However, Trek also has its own component line, Bontrager, which offers a range of components and accessories.

In terms of performance and efficiency, both Specialized and Trek offer high-quality bikes that can meet the needs of different riders. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the specific features and components that are important to you.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to pricing and value, both Trek and Specialized offer a range of options that cater to different budgets and needs. However, there are some differences in price points and features that are worth considering.

Trek’s entry-level road bikes start at around $500, while Specialized’s start at around $600. Both brands provide mid-range bicycles priced at approximately $1,500 to $2,000, along with premium models that can exceed $5,000 in cost. Nevertheless, due to Specialized’s incorporation of carbon fiber in their frames, their bicycles are generally priced slightly higher compared to similar offerings from Trek.

In terms of value, both brands promise endurance and performance, but it’s important to consider the specific features and components that come with each bike. For example, Trek’s Domane SL 5 Disc offers a lightweight frame and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power. On the other hand, Specialized’s Roubaix Sport features a Future Shock suspension system that absorbs road vibrations and provides a smoother ride.

It’s also worth noting that prices for bikes have increased over the years. In 2009, a high-end Specialized road bike with a Shimano Dura-Ace groupset would have cost around $8,500 in the US or £5,382 in the UK. Today, a high-end road bike from either brand can cost upwards of $10,000.

Ultimately, when it comes to pricing and value, it’s important to consider your budget, riding needs, and the specific features and components that come with each bike.

Customization and Variety

When it comes to customization and variety, both Trek and Specialized offer a wide range of options for their customers. Trek bikes can be customized in more ways than one, while Specialized is known for its relentless innovation and boundary-pushing technology.

Trek offers a wider variety of bikes, including road, mountain, hybrid, and electric bikes. They also have a range of sub-brands, such as Bontrager and Electra Bicycle Company, each focused on innovation while keeping a classic, elegant design. Trek bikes come with a lifetime warranty, which is a testament to their quality and durability.

On the other hand, Specialized is known for its superior brand and long experience in the construction of bikes, having started in 1974. They excel in adventure and sportbikes, with a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology. Specialized offers a range of bikes, including road, mountain, electric, and fitness bikes. They also have a range of sub-brands, such as Roval and Body Geometry, which provide specialized components and accessories.

Both Trek and Specialized offer customization options for their bikes. Trek allows you to customize your bike through their Project One program, which allows you to choose your frame, paint, components, and accessories. Specialized offers customization through their S-Works program, which allows you to choose your frame, paint, and components.

In terms of variety, Trek offers a wider range of bikes, while Specialized focuses on innovation and cutting-edge technology. Both brands offer customization options, allowing you to create a bike that suits your needs and preferences.

Durability and Quality

When it comes to durability and quality, both Trek and Specialized have a reputation for producing high-quality bikes that are built to last. Trek bikes are known for their durability and are designed to withstand tough conditions. Specialized bikes, on the other hand, are known for their high-quality build and attention to detail.

Trek bikes are built with high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. They are also designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for long rides. Trek bikes are built with features such as suspension systems, disc brakes, and tubeless tires that provide a smooth and comfortable ride.

Specialized bikes are built with a focus on high-quality components and attention to detail. They are designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic, making them ideal for racing and high-performance riding. Specialized bikes are built with features such as carbon fiber frames, hydraulic disc brakes, and advanced suspension systems that provide a smooth and responsive ride.

Both Trek and Specialized offer a range of bikes that are designed to meet the needs of different riders. Whether you are looking for a bike for off-road riding, road racing, or just cruising around town, both Trek and Specialized have a bike that will meet your needs.

In terms of durability and quality, it is difficult to say which brand is better, as both Trek and Specialized have a reputation for producing high-quality bikes. Ultimately, the choice between Trek and Specialized will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Innovation and Future Trends

When it comes to innovation and future trends, both Specialized and Trek are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the cycling industry.

Specialized has been at the forefront of innovation with their Future Shock technology, which is designed to absorb shock and vibrations from the road, providing a smoother ride. This technology has been integrated into their road, mountain, and gravel bikes and has received positive reviews from riders.

On the other hand, Trek has been focusing on integrating technology into their bikes, such as their Project One customization program, which allows riders to customize their bikes to their exact specifications. They have also been experimenting with new materials, such as their OCLV carbon fiber, which is designed to be lighter and stronger than traditional carbon fiber.

Looking towards the future, both brands are likely to continue their innovative streaks. Specialized has hinted at the possibility of integrating artificial intelligence into their bikes, which could provide real-time data and feedback to riders. Trek, on the other hand, has been experimenting with 3D printing, which could revolutionize the way bikes are manufactured and customized.

Brand Reputation and History

When it comes to brand reputation and history, both Specialized and Trek have a lot to offer. Specialized was founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard, who sold his Volkswagen Bus to fund a cycling trip across Europe. Today, Specialized is known for its high-quality bikes that cater to a wide range of riders, from beginners to professionals. In fact, many professional cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, have ridden Specialized bikes to victory in the Tour de France and other major races.

Trek, on the other hand, was founded in 1976 in Waterloo, Wisconsin. The company started out making steel touring frames and has since expanded to offer a wide range of bikes, including road, mountain, and electric bikes. Trek has also had its fair share of success in the cycling world, with many professional riders choosing Trek bikes for their races.

Both brands have a strong reputation for innovation and quality. Specialized is known for its Body Geometry fit system, which helps riders achieve a more comfortable and efficient riding position. Trek, on the other hand, has developed its own technology, including the IsoSpeed decoupler, which helps to absorb shocks and vibrations on rough roads.

In terms of brand recognition, both Specialized and Trek are well-known and respected in the cycling community. Specialized has a slightly more premium reputation, with many of its bikes priced higher than Trek’s. However, both brands offer a range of bikes at different price points to cater to different budgets.

The Electric and Hybrid Bikes

When it comes to electric and hybrid bikes, both Specialized and Trek have a lot to offer. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide assistance when pedaling, making them a great choice for commuting or longer rides. Hybrid bikes, on the other hand, are a versatile option that can handle both on and off-road terrain.

Specialized offers a range of electric bikes, including the Turbo Vado and Turbo Como. The Turbo Vado is a high-performance commuter bike with a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and a range of up to 80 miles (129 km) on a single charge. The Turbo Como is a more casual option, with a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a range of up to 60 miles (97 km) on a single charge. Both bikes feature a mid-drive motor and a removable battery for easy charging.

Trek also offers a range of electric bikes, including the Verve+, Allant+, and Super Commuter+. The Verve+ is a comfortable and easy-to-ride bike with a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a range of up to 50 miles (80 km) on a single charge. The Allant+ is a more performance-oriented option, with a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and a range of up to 70 miles (113 km) on a single charge. The Super Commuter+ is Trek’s fastest electric bike, with a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and a range of up to 65 miles (105 km) on a single charge.

In terms of hybrid bikes, both Specialized and Trek have a wide range of options. Specialized offers the Sirrus, Crosstrail, and Roll, while Trek offers the FX, Verve, and Dual Sport. All of these bikes are designed to handle a variety of terrain, from smooth roads to light off-road trails.

One key difference between Specialized and Trek’s hybrid bikes is the frame material. Specialized’s Sirrus and Crosstrail models feature an aluminum frame, while the Roll features a steel frame. Trek’s FX and Dual Sport models also feature an aluminum frame, while the Verve features a lightweight carbon frame.

FAQ: Specialized vs Trek

What are the differences between specialized and trek bikes.

Specialized and Trek bikes differ in terms of their design, materials, and features. Specialized bikes are known for their lightweight and nimble design, while Trek bikes are known for their durability and versatility. Specialized bikes also have a reputation for innovation, while Trek bikes are known for their classic design.

What features should I consider when choosing between a Specialized and a Trek bike?

When choosing between a Specialized and a Trek bike, you should consider the type of riding you plan to do, your budget, and your personal preferences. Specialized bikes are ideal for adventure and sport riding, while Trek bikes are great for commuting, touring, and off-road riding. You should also consider the frame material, suspension, brakes, and drivetrain when choosing between these two brands.

Which brand has better mountain bikes – Specialized or Trek?

Both Specialized and Trek offer high-quality mountain bikes. However, Specialized is known for their lightweight and agile mountain bikes, while Trek is known for their durable and versatile mountain bikes. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your personal preferences, and the type of riding you plan to do.

How does the sizing of Specialized and Trek bikes compare?

The sizing of Specialized and Trek bikes is similar, with both brands offering a range of sizes to fit riders of different heights. However, it is important to note that the sizing may vary slightly between different models and styles.

Are there any notable similarities between Specialized and Trek bikes?

Both Specialized and Trek bikes are known for their high-quality construction, innovative features, and excellent performance. They both offer a wide range of bikes for different types of riders and riding styles.

Which brand, Specialized or Trek, offers better road bikes?

Both Specialized and Trek offer excellent road bikes. Specialized is known for their lightweight and aerodynamic road bikes, while Trek is known for their comfortable and durable road bikes. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your personal preferences, and the type of riding you plan to do.

Continue Reading…

• Canyon vs Specialized (Brand Comprehensive Comparison)
• Trek 800 (A Detailed Review)
• Trek Crossrip 2 (A Comprehensive Review)
• Trek FX Sport 5 (Analyzed)

Andre Neves

I've been riding bikes for 30 of my 35 years. Nothing gives me more pleasure than grabbing my Enduro bike and take on the mountains. Learn more about me here.

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

The Specialized Sirrus X 4.0 is One Heck of a Hybrid

Smooth, fast, and utilitarian—this commuter has it all.

Takeaway: This quick-handling, zippy hybrid offers a smooth ride on pavement and gravel.

• 38mm-wide Pathfinder Sport tires have knobby sides for cornering and a flat strip down the middle for rolling fast on pavement.
• The carbon fork, wide tires, and handlebar suspension smooth out the ride.
• A wide gear range plus rack and fender mounts mean you can haul your stuff even where it’s hilly.

If you’re searching for a bike that is as fun to ride as it is utilitarian, consider the Specialized Sirrus X 4.0. It’s fast and maneuverable, making it ideal for quick city commutes and efficient errand running. To expand its capabilities, Specialized added 38mm gravel tires and its Future Shock, a rubber-encased coil shock above the headset with 20mm of travel to help absorb any front-tire impacts. These additions, plus the carbon fork, contribute to smoothing out your ride on any road.

Five Things We Love about the Sirrus X 4.0

Fast and Grippy Tires

A smooth-rolling strip down the middle, and knobs on the edges for cornering.

Wide Gear Range

1x12-speed Shimano Deore with an 11-42 tooth cassette.

Headset Suspension

20mm of squish under the handlebar to damp vibrations.

Internally Routed Cables

Keep it sleek-looking and smooth operating.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Stop fast, even in rainy weather.

Capable Gearing

I really appreciated the wide gear range (it goes up to 42 teeth—tons of granny gears!) when I encountered some punchy hills and could casually and comfortably spin up them while staying seated. This range comes in handy if you like to load up your bike with groceries or books. And the smallest cog (11) still gave me plenty of gear to push the pace and get my heart pumping. Currently, social distancing has brought coffee rides to a temporary halt. But when they return, I’m confident the Sirrus X 4.0 has what it takes to keep up on chill road and rail trail rides.

specialized Sirrus X 4.0

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} Sirrus X 4.0 Component Details

Frame Aluminum with internal cable routing and rack/fender mounts Fork Carbon Future Shock-compatible steerer Handlebar Stout Mini Rise, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 15mm rise, 31.8mm Stem Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise Saddle Bridge Comp Brakes Shimano hydraulic disc, 160mm Drivetrain Shimano Deore, 10-speed Cassette 11-42t Chainring Aluminum 40t Tires Pathfinder Sport, 700x38mm Pedals Specialized Body Geometry Fitness, platform, plastic

Super Rad Tires

The 38mm-wide tires contributed to a wider range of off-road capabilities. The (once-average) width of a road bike tire is closer to 23mm, which helps them roll and corner lickety-split. To keep some speed on this wider platform, the tires employ a bare strip down the center for less rolling resistance, which allowed me to get the bike going pretty quick on pavement. The width of the tires contributed to a really stable ride, even when I took it down gravel and dirt trails, and the knobby edges gripped the corners on looser ground, keeping me planted.

A Smooth Ride

Thanks to the vibration-damping carbon fork and handlebar suspension, this hybrid offers some serious comfort that doesn’t compromise speed. The suspension, which Specialized calls the Future Shock, is a coil shock positioned above the head tube, meaning you don’t experience any bobbling or loss of power like you would with a suspension fork on a mountain bike. When this 20mm of suspension compresses, it helps reduce upper-body fatigue from chattery roads, as well as allowing you to maintain speed and responsive handling. According to Chris Yu, Leader of Innovation & Engineering at Specialized, “a great by-product of this suspension is enhanced control by keeping your front tire in contact with the road for longer.” So rather than bobbing up and over bumps, you’ll stay more planted and feel more confident on gravel, descents, and rough roads.

Other Options

Whichever version you choose, the Sirrus line is full of high-quality and reasonably priced options for commuters looking for a great range of capabilities. The Sirrus X 4.0 hits near the sweet spot, with its smooth ride, commuter-friendly additions, and fast, grippy tires. It’s one heck of a hybrid.

Riley is a writer and outdoor adventure guide currently based in Tucson, Arizona where she leads mountain bike rides, rock climbing, and hiking trips. In her spare time, she writes stories and reviews outdoor and fitness gear. Find her writing in publications including Outside, Lonely Planet, SHAPE, Bicycling, Runner’s World, and others. When she’s not playing in the mountains, she’s probably laying down somewhere or eating (or both).

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Specialized vs Trek Road Bikes: My Comparison Guide

So you’re interested in comparing the road bike ranges of Trek and Specialized, huh?

Well, you’ve come to the right… oh wait, you’re not?

No matter. I’m going to write about it anyway.

I’m interested and that’s all that matters (and you may find it useful, entertaining, a useful sleep aid). Onward!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I may get a commission.

Why Specialized and Trek For This Special Comparison, Mont?

Well, I’ve ridden a Trek carbon road bike for these past (nearly) six years and I’ve been very happy with it. I’d certainly consider buying another one.

We’ll get onto this, but one of the (less rational) reasons for buying my bike (the Domane) was that it was both an ‘endurance’ bike (built for the less fit who want a more comfortable ride) and cool* (it was the bike Fabian Cancellara would use to ride Paris-Roubaix).

(* I … M … H … O)

Things have moved on slightly (‘endurance’ and all out racing bikes have converged somewhat), but Specialized also had (still have) a cool ‘endurance’ bike (i.e. aimed at the less flexible gent) that evoked the spring classics: the Specialized Roubaix – the clue’s in the title.

So Specialized remains the bike manufacturer I almost went for (the one that got away).

Other Slightly Related Facts

I did end up buying a Specialized steed a year after the conclusion of my endurance bike purchasing quest.

Only it was a 20″ Specialized Hotrock hardtail mountain bike for my son. Whilst an excellent bike, less relevant for this post.

Finally, true fact, the colour scheme for this ‘ere blog, which I updated last year is based on my current favourite team jersey: the Trek-Segafredo women’s kit (circa 2019).

So Let’s Start With The Basics

Both Trek and Specialized are US manufacturers.

Trek was founded in 1976 in Waterloo, Wisconsin by Richard Burke, owner of an appliance distribution business, and Bevil Hogg, a bike shop owner. As a lifelong fan of Lord Wellington and Abba (both of who loved distributing appliances), this appeals to me.

The company started life in a barn , a building which I recall from an episode of the Cycling Tips podcast, Trek still keeps as part of its current ‘campus’.

(Come on, that’s history, innit.)

The company (as far as I can tell) continues to be owned by the family of the original founders, and is run by John Burke, son of Richard.

Specialized was founded in 1974, two years earlier than Trek, by Mike Sinyard. Initially Sinyard imported Italian bike parts that he’d discovered on his bike travels, but by 1981, Specialized had started making its own bikes, with one of the first being the Allez road bike*.

(* Wait! They still make the Allez, all these years later. Amazing…).

The company is 49%-owned by Merida, a Taiwanese firm that also make bikes. I think I probably knew this (prior to undertaking the ‘sort-of-research’ for this post) but was more surprised to discover that it made the acquisition in 2001. Anyway, Sinyard remains CEO.

Where Do Trek and Specialized Make Their Bikes?

Both companies undertake a large amount of their manufacturing overseas. It’s difficult (or impossible) to get precise figures as both are privately owned.

I can see why companies keep this information to themselves. When she was standing for political office a few years ago, the opponents of Mary Burke (of the Trek family) focused heavily on the fact that Trek bikes were made overseas and not supporting American jobs…

Trek sells in the millions of bikes per year (not all road bikes), of which maybe 10,000 of the really high end ones are manufactured in the US. Whilst much of the overseas production is (I think) in China, it also manufactures in Holland and Germany.

According to this article (which sounds legit but don’t believe everything you read on the internet, kids), all Specialized bikes are made in Asia, with key suppliers being Merida (makes sense), Giant and ‘Ideal’ (?!?)

Summary of the two ranges

I doubt you came here just for the history and some speculation over manufacturing facilities (though you should be aware that I do have actually have a history degree).

Wherez arez the bikez.

I thought I’d try to break down the road bike ranges of each company to help understand what compares with what. I could try to do that for their mountain bikes as well, but with my lack of knowledge on that front, I’d quickly be well over my skis. Look for that info elsewhere.

Similarly for their hybrid, e-bikes and other random ranges, well… whatever.

Trying to boil it down, here is a list of the road bike model ‘families’ made by each company, classified by the target sub-segment of the roadie market:

Trek’s Road Bike Range

• Aluminium (beginner/budget) road bike: aluminium versions of the Domane and Emonda
• Endurance (relaxed fit): Domane
• Lightweight (racey climby): Emonda
• Aero road (as opposed to pure aero): Madone
• Gravel (adventure): Checkpoint, Boone and Crockett (not a 1960s group of protest musicians)

Here’s a link to the full range of Trek’s road bikes , in case you can’t work out how to Google.

Specialized’s Road Bike Range

• Aluminium (beginner/budget) road bike: Allez
• Endurance (relaxed fit): Roubaix
• Lightweight (racey climby): Tarmac
• Aero road (as opposed to pure aero): Venge
• Gravel (adventure): Diverge

And here’s a cheeky link to the Specialized website , so you can see all the up-to-date variants.

How Do Trek And Specialized Denote Better Bikes (Model Naming Conventions)?

This is not always an exact science, as specifications can vary as models can be updated each year.

(Inexact science is my jam…)

Trek signal different levels of specification, higher quality (or lighter) frames, additional expensive features, through a combination of numbers (mainly) and letters (to a limited degree).

Higher numbers denote a higher specc’ed bike. The current Domane SL 5 has a Shimano 105 groupset. The SL 6 has Ultegra. Top of the range, the SLR 9 has full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic gears.

Trek bikes at the lower end of the price scale generally have the ‘SL’ designation (unless they’re aluminium frames, in which case they’re ‘AL’). I query if all the bikes in a range can be Super Light (or superleggara ) but there you go.

At the upper end an R is added, to arrive at SLR (I’m guessing Super Light Race). The key difference between SL and SLR bikes is the frame.

Using the Domane as an example, the SLR frame has adjustable resistance settings on the Isospeed ‘suspension’ at the front and rear of the bike. The SL frame doesn’t (you’ll get the level of resistance you’re given).

The Emonda SL frame is made from 500 series OCLV* carbon and weighs 1.68kg. The SLR version is upgraded to 700 series OCLV and weighs 1.19kg.

(* Optimum Compaction Low Void, in case you’re wondering…)

Specialized (thankfully) adopt a slightly more straightforward forward approach to naming their bikes.

Generally speaking, the basic version is just called the, er, name. So the basic Specialized Roubaix is called the… Roubaix.

Then as you go up the spec tree (this monkey loves climbing the spec tree), you have the following suffixes:

Finally, at the top end, presumably in a nod to Lockheed’s advanced aircraft development arm (Skunk Works), Specialized does an ‘S-Works’ version of each bike (although ‘S-Works’ goes at the start, i.e. ‘S-Works Roubaix’ rather than ‘Specialized Roubaix S-Works’…).

Want To See More Photos Of Beautiful Trek and Specialized Road Bikes?

Of course you do.

The websites of both Trek and Specialized do a fine job of showing off their bikes to the fullest.

I ride a Trek Domane as my main road bike. I *love* the look of the new Emonda (shown here). Gold though...?

I am rather partial to the S-Works Tarmac (pictured here), if Specialized want to send me one to review....

Well there is no conclusion, is there?

Because I haven’t finished.

The first draft of this post (which wasn’t even finished) was knocking on 5,000 words. Too much for even the most patient blogfans to bear.

I’ve broken it down into what looks like four future posts, each one dealing with a different bike category. So I’ll compare the Trek Emonda with the Specialized Tarmac, the Madone with the Venge. You get the idea.

Update: I’m pleased to report that I’ve published the Trek/Specialized endurance bike comparison – so now you can read it:

• Trek Domane vs Specialized Roubaix: Endurance Road Bike Comparison  

Now, quick show of hands.

Who here owns a Trek road bike or a Specialized? Which one? What are your thoughts and would recommend the one you’ve got?

Let me know in the comments section below.

Cheers Monty

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33 thoughts on “Specialized vs Trek Road Bikes: My Comparison Guide”

I have 2013 S Roubaix and love it. Not sure I would purchase the latest model, everything seems to be getting to ‘technical’ and awkward to fix out on the road. I like to keep things simple stupid.

2016 Roubaix with 105 was my first drop bar bike, loved it but over time it became clear I needed a size 58 rather than the 61. Replaced it with a 2018 Roubaix and got it pro fitted, it’s amazing now. Followed up with a 2018 Diverge E5 to have an aluminum bike without the future shock but with the same fitting for dog trailer pulling, winter, and trainer use (SUPER similar geometry to the Roubaix)

I’ve been really happy with them, and never felt like it was holding me back compared to a Tarmac. They can be set up similar regardless, and the accumulated fatigue of chip seal around here makes the Roubaix a no brainer.

How tall are you? I’ve been waffling about a 58

Hi Jonathan – I’m between 5’9 and 5’10. Hope that helps!

I have a 2019 Roubaix Expert.

IT’S FABULOUS!!!!!

2018 Specialized Allez Sport. My first bike since I was a kid, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but it seems fast enough (I have a couple KOMs locally) and is comfortable at a century so nothing to complain about. It could be a little lighter, I’ve been thinking of upgrading and keeping the Allez for commuting but it will be hard to convince the wife it is a worthwhile expense.

Trek Domane. Great bike.

I have a Trek Checkpoint 5.0 and a Specialized Diverge Sport. I like both bikes. As a general comment, the Trek is heavier than the Specialized. So when you are buying at the bottom price of each carbon model, Trek seems to go for durability and flexibility of use over lightweight. By the way, my Checkpoint was made by Giant in Taiwan (on the bike box).

I finished 4 RAAM times on a Specialized S-Works Roubaix – loved it ; very comfortable to ride for hours, but slow and hard to ride fast. Just did RAW on my Trek Emonda – the best! Super light and fast. Actually, I love both of these bikes – there are just very different.

Had a 2013 Roubaix for a couple of years, loved it, did some 100 milers and the Grand Depart 2019 for Prostate Cancer UK 130 miles including cobbles. Last ride on Doris (the Roubaix) was Revolve 24 at Brands Hatch, again she performed well. I now have a 2016 Tarmac SL3 Expert, early days but loving the sportier geometry and the ability to put the power down.

I have a 2014 Trek Domane 4.5 which I purchased after a bike fit with my Boardman Team Carbon demonstrated that I needed a smaller bike. If this sounds familiar I went for the bike fit after reading your blog as I prepared for Ride London – just as you did a year before! I love this bike and have rode Ride London in 2014, Velothon Wales in 2015, Ride London 46 in 2016 and Velo Birmingham in 2017 numerous 100Km plus rides. I must have ridden well over 4000 miles. BUT – this year I was due to ride it on Ride London again. Following a gear cable break on a training ride I discovered play in the cranks and this was traced to a siezed BB bearing which was spinning in the frame and had worn the BB housing. This required a return of the frame to Trek for a repair which they would not do under the lifetime warranty- apparently this is wear and tear. The repair wasn’t cheap but wasn’t as bad as I first feared but couldn’t be done in time for this years Ride London. So I’d be interested to know what maintenance regime other Trek users have used to avoid this happening to them. With the Trek unavailable for RL this year used a smaller 2014 Boardman Team Carbon which I bought at the end of 2014 for £750 when it was end of line at Halfords, an absolute bargain and a third of the price of the Trek. Upgraded from 10-speed 105 to 11 speed Ultegra, and getting it set up properly for me it is just as good as the Trek and climbs better although is perhaps a little harsher on rough roads. I use Specialised Toupe saddles on all my bikes though!

I have a 2017 Trek Domane SL7 (Ultegra Di2) for my normal road bike. I’ve updated it in a few places, Deda Zero 100 bars and Stem, Hunt wheels with Swalbe Pro one tubeless tires, Absolute Black Oval chainrings,Selle Italia Superflow SLR saddle. Weight saved was 0.8KG. Overall love my Domane, a much better ride on the welsh pothole riddled roads than previous bikes. Will use it on next years Ride London (assuming I get a place) rather than my Look Huez (great as a lightweight climbing bike for the welsh hills).

I had a 2015 Specialized Roubaix expert. It was good. Made the mistake of test riding a 2018 Roubaix Comp with Future Shock. First ride not much difference. We changed the shock spring from the stiffest to lightest. Night and day better. This bike floats over bumps compared to my previous Roubaix. It’s quick and fast. The 28 tires are excellent too.

Thanks for the great post.

After laboring (or “labouring” if you are in Europe) – or really obsessing – about my “retirement” bike, I finally chose the 2019 Specialized Tarmac Pro frameset (my first full carbon bike was the first iteration of the carbon Tarmac – so many decades ago!) I chose this over the Trek Domane SLR, and the Cervelo S-3 for its slight weight advantage and because it seemed to have the best overall reviews in terms of speed, weight and comfort. As I still race in age-grouped triathlons and aquabikes, but am now at an age when a full-on tri frame is too jarring, the last attribute was important.

Simply put, I love this bike. Though the others are amazing in their own right, the Tarmac has offered the speed and comfort that I longed for. I have raced it (including an aquabike with a 26-mile bike leg, and the one-person sprint tri that I did yesterday, (I came in first on that one, ) it has exceeded my expectations and wishes. It is built with Sram Etap, Reynolds Attack wheels (with 25mm tubeless tires,) a Zipp cockpit, and the stupidly expensive s-works saddle the name of which I have forgotten, but which is heaven to sit on.

I choose the 2017 Specialized Roubaix sport w/105 . Added Zipp’s course 30 wheel set W/ S-Work 28mm tires. this year Absolute black oval chain ring sub compact 32/48 for lots of climbing and 34/11 in the rear. I love the ride and the feel of the bike wish I could afford the S Works Roubaix

First road bike was an Allez and loved it several bikes and many years later I have a Roubaix Comp. This has to be the best bike I have ridden the perfect balance of comfort and pace, ok younger legs might get better speed out of a Tarmac, loving it.

I have a 2017 Roubaix with Specialized’s future shock suspension and at 50 years old appreciate that little bit of comfort. The rest of the standard bike is pretty good too

I’m not a top-end rider. I don’t race or compete at all, I’m just an average guy that likes to ride. I owned a Specialized hybrid and it was a very good bike. When I decided I wanted a road bike I found both Specialized and Trek lacking unless you were willing to spend a *lot* of money. My preference was a road bike with a Shimano 105 group set. While both Specialized and Trek advertized a 105 group set, both were only partially 105’s. Many of the components were not 105’s ( read “less expensive”). I wanted to by from an American manufacturer (I live in America), but I bought a bike from a German manufacturer (Bulls). The Bulls bike had 105 components across the board and cost about 1/2 (yes, a full half) of the closest equivalent Specialized or Trek. In my opinion, Specialized and Trek make some very good bikes, but they are more expensive.

I have a Specialized Roubaix Sport 2017 model which I bought to do Ride London 100 in August this year. My first carbon bike. I bought it on recomendation from a work colleague and I love it. Such a good comfortable bike. I had a professional fit on your recomendation Monty. 105 groupset. I put a 34/11 cassette on the rear to help me up the hills in the peak district. Don’t believe Shimano. 105 can take a 34 rear cog without any adjustment. All in all very happy.

Despite all the advice regarding Disk brakes I went for the Trek Emonda SL7 Disk, purchased at the end of May this year (2019) and not at all what I set out to buy. I use a Spa Audax Ti bike for winter and commuting so have only done 506 miles so far but have to say that the SL7 has exceeded my expectations in many areas including the Disk brakes. The bike was set up with data from a previous Retul bike fit in 2016 done on a Bianchi Infinito CV (loaned to me for a couple of years by my Son) and from the beginning has given me pain free cycling, I do intend to have another Retul fit done on the Trek when time and money allows. I would not hesitate to recommend both Trek as the manufacturer and the SL7 Disk as a fast, sporty climber that ticks many of the “Endurance” qualities along with a comfortable and smooth ride.

Trek Emonda ALR 5, this is my first bike since my Schwinn Varsity when I was a kid a long time ago. So not much to compare to, it goes up hills really nice, around turns with confidence. If I want to reduce any weight, the best way would be to lighten the rider not the bike! I think it is lightweight, had several people have asked if it is carbon, the welds are great. I ride it on the road and rail trails.

I’ve got a Trek Domane 5.2, 2014 vintage, replacing a Cannondale R2.8 that I really liked. But I was really amazed at the differences in the old Dale vs. the Trek. I had ridden several other bikes before selecting the Domane and all the others seemed to be just a newer version of the Dale, the trek felt like an actual upgrade beyond just newer.

Finally, I’ll be expecting Mont to compile these comments and add these survey notes to one of the remaining 3 posts : )

iI am a vintage weekend warrior (so to speak) ie +50 , i bought a Trek Emonda SL6 with upgraded Mavic wheel set about three years ago – best bike I have had ! especially on the hilly bits. Before this i was ( in recent times anyhow) a Specialized convert with an aluminium Allez followed by a carbon Roubaix – both great bikes

Thanks for posting this blog.. I’m recently getting back into road biking after over 20 years away from it when i was in college riding my, then at the time, Bianchi race bike. I’m been riding pretty regularly recently and just did a recent sportive, and looking to upgrade my bike, originally was thinking ‘endurance’ but others in my ‘sportive team’ all ride the ‘race’ bikes. Been back and forth between Trek Emonda vs Cannondale Supersix / CAAD13, as well as carbon vs aluminium. Specialized keeps coming up in my research but not sold by my LBS. Just asking out of curiosity and because I’m really interested in learning more.. 1) why you didn’t include Cannondale in your blog.. I thought this would have been a natural comparison in the mix (is there a reason i should discount Cannondale) 2) are any bikes still manufactured in the US by Trek and Specialized?… and more specifically the models you listed above? This would be helpful as I continue my search for my next bike and value the opinion in the other comments above. Cheers!

Hi Monty Firstly love your work please keep it up especially the videos, great fun 👍

I missed this last year so apologies

I spent a year waiting for the new Roubaix to be released in Australia and went to buy one May 2019 I wanted the Di2 version with a 61cm frame Well the only color Specialized would offer was Matt black I’m not a drug dealer so why would I want s stealth matt black bike

My local bike shop where amazing, they asked Specialized to offer another color anything but black but no luck After a month or so of trying the bike shop even offered to paint the bike for me

At that point I decided Specialized did not deserve my $6000 and purchased a Cervelo R3 which I am really happy with in fluro green 😎

May be you could do a blog on bike color/ paint jobs in the future

Keep up the great work Safe riding

KS Brisbane AUS

Thanks KS. Glad you’re enjoying the blog and the vids. That’s great to hear. I’ll keep the bike colour topic in mind for future content. Cheers, Monty

Kinda late, but just reading this. The Trek Domane versus S Works Roubaix argument. I have a 2012 Domane 6.1 P1 with the Ultegra, a superb bike, but no front suspension dampening. I’ve demo’d the Spech Roubaix also, and these bikes are quite different in their handling, IMO Mostly due to frame dimensions.

The Spech has a ton of stack ( I ride 58 cm at 5-10 ) and is a bit.more jittery at higher speeds on windy roads. So, I’m buying another Domane, the SLR 9 with Dura Ace as a P1 (mostly paint). I may also get the Spech S Works, same components, but I really need to ride the 56 and 58 again.

I’m older (62), so no racing, just like nice bikes!!

Did you ever wrote the comparison articles as I cannot find them

Hmm, I did…. but then I haven’t quite finished and posted them. You’re prompt is a helpful kick up the bum. I’ll get them published. loveyoubyeeee

Hi there, i hope you can help me out.

Im looking for a road bike. i am 5’8″ and 130 lbs. What size is good for me? thanks so much

I have trek madone 2013 after specialized tarmac 2016 now i have giant tcr advance 2019 and its the best for qualité and price

I have a Trek Emonda SL6 disc, which I bought new a little over 2 years ago. After reading about how light the Emonda was, I went to the Trek store to ride one. They didn’t have any SLs, but one of the guys at the shop let me ride his personal SLR disc. On a quick spin, the bike felt amazingly responsive and quick. I figured how much difference could there be between the SL and SLR, so for probably 1/2 the price, I got the SL6 instead of the SLR6. HUGE MISTAKE! The two bikes are nothing alike. I’m super disappointed in the SL, which weighed 17.75 lb without pedals or bottle cages at delivery. Plus it came with 60 tpi tires that roll like square blocks. I replaced the tires with Conti GP5000s, so at least the bike is rideable, but I now ride my wife’s old Trek 5000 WSD instead. I average about 10,000 miles per year, but I probably have only about 5000 miles on the Emonda in the past two or three years. That’s what I get for trying to save a few bucks.

2012 Madone 4.5, great bike, fast very comfortable 2015 S-Works Tarmac, great bike, extremely fast

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Trek 7200 Hybrid Bike: Our In-Depth Review

Looking for a versatile and reliable bike that can handle both smooth roads and rocky terrains? You should consider the Trek 7200.

Trek 7200 is a versatile and powerful bike that can handle a variety of terrains, making it a great choice for commuting and casual riders. 

In this review, we’ll be examining the bike’s features, design, and performance to help you determine if it is the right fit for your cycling needs. 

So, let’s dive into the Trek 7200 hybrid bike review!

Trek 7200 At A Glance

The Trek 7200 hybrid bike is a versatile and comfortable bike that performs well on both smooth and rough terrain. 

It features a soft and comfortable seat, a lightweight frame that can withstand any terrain, and a reliable fork that offers stability. With a wide gear range and powerful brakes, this bike is perfect for tackling any terrain. 

It also comes with high-quality components that make for a smooth and enjoyable ride. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle anything and still be comfortable, the Trek 7200 is an excellent choice.

• Lightweight aluminum frame
• High-quality components
• Budget-friendly price tag
• Comfy saddle for long rides
• Wide gear range
• Plastic pedals are not durable
• Saddle may be too soft

Related Post: 15 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 in 2023 + Buying Guide

Trek 7200 Review: Features and Specifications

Frame and fork.

When it comes to biking, having a sturdy and reliable frame is key. This is no surprise since the frame is the backbone of the bike and can make a huge difference in terms of stability and control while you’re riding.

For the Trek 7200, you get a solid hybrid bike frame. This bike is made with Trek’s Alpha aluminum, which is known for its lightweight and durability. You’ll feel the difference as soon as you start pedaling, it’s that light!

What’s really cool about the Trek 7200 is its slightly steeper head tube angle of 71.5°. This makes it perfect for climbing hills and gives riders more confidence and balance on fast descents. You’ll be able to handle any terrain with ease!

And for the fork, the Trek 7200 is equipped with an RST CT-COM C5 fork with 50 mm of travel. For a hybrid bike like this, that’s more than enough. 

While suspension isn’t usually a top priority for hybrid bikes, the suspension on the Trek 7200 is designed to absorb the bumps of trails and potholes with ease.

Finally, let’s not forget about comfort! As a hybrid bike, the main focus of the Trek 7200 is on providing comfortable rides. 

You’ll appreciate the suspension and enjoy smooth rides even on rough terrain, and you’ll feel like you’re gliding on air on paved roads and smooth city streets.

Gears and Brakes

Gears are one of the most important components of any bike, as they can make a huge difference in how easy or difficult it is to ride.

Luckily, the Trek 7200 has got you covered with high-quality components from Shimano, SRAM, and Bontrager. These components provide precise shifting and braking, making for smooth and safe rides.

One of the best things about the Trek 7200 is its 8-speed rear gear. This provides a wide gear range that’s perfect for both commuting, riding around your neighborhood or even taking on rough trails. 

You’ll always have the perfect gear to make the ride easy and enjoyable, whether on climbs or descents.

If you’re looking at an earlier model of the Trek 7200, you might find it fitted with 7-speed SRAM MRX Plus shifters and Shimano C102 front derailleur and Shimano Acera rear derailleur. 

But in the later 2010 model, these components were upgraded to SRAM MRX Comp twist shifters, Shimano M191 front derailleur, and Shimano Alivio rear derailleur. 

Either way, you can be sure you’re getting top-notch components that will give you efficient rides.

Now, let’s talk about the brakes. The Trek 7200 comes with Tektro linear-pull alloy brakes. These brakes are powerful and efficient, giving you the stopping power you need to stay safe on any ride. You’ll be able to stop quickly and easily, even when you’re gliding down a steep hill.

Wheels and Tires

Wheels and tires are crucial components of any bike, as they contribute to its overall performance and riding experience.

The Trek 7200 comes with a high-quality set of wheels, including an alloy front hub and a Shimano RM30 rear hub. 

The Bontrager 750 rims have 32 holes and are more than strong enough for most commuters. These wheels are both durable and lightweight, and won’t weigh you down.

Trek 7200 has very solid tires, but depending on which model of the Trek 7200 you have, you may be riding on different tires. 

The earlier models were equipped with Bontrager Invert Puncture Resistant tires, while the later 2010 model has 700x35c Bontrager H2 Plus tires with a puncture-resistant belt.

No matter which tires you have, you can expect good traction on smooth surfaces. However, on rougher terrain, the tires may not perform as well. That being said, the tires are puncture-resistant and should withstand most road hazards.

Saddle and Handlebars

The Trek 7200 comes with a soft and padded Bontrager Boulevard saddle that is perfect for long-distance commutes. What’s even better is that the saddle is attached to an alloy seatpost with adjustable suspension. 

This means that your seatpost is more flexible, reducing the transfer of high-frequency road vibrations from your bike to your body. It also helps dampen the impacts of big hits from the road, making your ride smoother and more comfortable.

Also, the Trek 7200 comes with a Bontrager Approved handlebar made of solid steel and with a 50 mm rise. 

You can always adjust the height of the handlebar to give you a comfortable fit. This means that you can ride for longer without experiencing any discomfort or strain on your back or shoulders.

Size and weight 

When it comes to finding the perfect fit for your ride, the Trek 7200 hybrid bike has many sizes to choose from. With sizes ranging from 15″ to 25″, you’re sure to find the size that fits you just right. 

The frame sizes are precisely 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, and 25 inches, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

And even with all the high-quality components, the Trek 7200 still manages to keep its weight down. With an average weight of about 26.4 lbs (11.9 kg), this bike is easy to handle and maneuver on the trails. 

It’s not too heavy to carry around when you need to, but it’s still sturdy enough to support riders up to 275 to 300 lbs.

How much is the Trek 7200 Multitrack?

The current Trek 7200 value is estimated to be less than $100, you will most likely find one going from $65 to $110. But, keep in mind that it would be a used bike. 

If you happen to find a brand-new Trek 7200, though this is very unlikely, expect the price to be from $250 to $450. It doesn’t go over $500.

Related Post: 11 Best Commuter Bikes Under $200 in 2023

Best Trek 7200 Alternatives on Amazon

• Schwinn Suburban

Schwinn Suburban is a hybrid bike that offers comfort and versatility with an adjustable seat and handlebars. 

It has a steel frame, 26″ wheels, a reliable drivetrain, and aluminum linear-pull rim brakes for precise braking. 

You’ll also get a suspension fork, 7-speed shifters, and Shimano rear derailleurs. The Suburban is great for commuting and has a plush saddle for a comfortable ride.

• Sixthreezero Around the Block

The SixThreeZero Around the Block has a robust and simple appearance, with a weight limit of 300 lbs and a height range of 5 to 6 feet tall. 

Its 17-inch steel frame and aluminum wheels provide a smooth and comfortable ride with outstanding traction when braking. 

The bike’s foam grips on the handlebars allow for an upright riding position. And the coaster brakes are acceptable for commuting and casual use.

• Schwinn Sanctuary

The Schwinn Sanctuary Bike has a durable steel frame and 2.1-inch wide tires for a smooth ride, and weighs 38.8 lbs with a 225-pound weight limit. 

It features a 7-speed twist shifter, swept back handlebars, front and rear alloy linear pull brakes, and a limited lifetime warranty. 

It’s ideal for riders between 64 and 74 inches tall, it’s suitable for leisurely cycling experiences on paved roads or the beach.

Finally, is Trek 7200 bike a good buy?

Yes, Trek 7200 hybrid bike is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile bike. It’s perfect for both commuting and light off-road riding. 

Its lightweight frame and reliable components make it a joy to ride, while the comfortable saddle and adjustable suspension help to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the Trek 7200 hybrid bike is definitely worth considering.

Can’t find the Trek 7200? Check out these great alternatives on Amazon

You may also like: 9 Best Commuter Bike Under $300 in 2023

Dial up your biking experience.

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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

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The Best Budget Hybrid Bikes (That I’d Actually Buy)

December 14, 2020

Erik Bassett

Last updated: September 1st, 2023

Hybrid bikes are the champions of versatility, but there’s more variation than you might expect.

Drawing on my personal bikes, test-rides, and extensive research, I’ve rounded up three different but altogether outstanding hybrids at the accessible price point of $600—give or take.

(Due to supply chain turmoil, availability is a bigger factor than in previous years. The previous threshold of $500 no longer buys a bike I’d recommend for daily use.)

The Trek FX 1 and Trek Verve 1 Disc are time-tested, widely available, and a refreshingly good value amid escalating prices.

From bashing curbs to tackling trails, the Norco Indie 4's deep MTB roots are ready to get rowdier than typical hybrid can handle.

The stripped-down Priority Classic Plus Gotham Edition requires almost no daily maintenance, thanks to a belt drive and hub gears.

Breaking down the best $600 hybrids

As 2023, I believe the Trek FX 1 or Verve 1 Disc, Norco Indie 4, and Priority Classic Plus Gotham Edition are the best readily available hybrids on a limited budget.

The FX is the most generic design of the lot, so it’s the easiest to find alternatives for. The rest are more distinctive, but virtually unbeatable at their price for the right rider .

What about all the good, reputable options not listed here? That’s no knock against them; I’ve just tried to pick ones that stand out in terms of design or availability. I welcome your feedback

Trek FX 1 & Verve 1 Disc

The FX 1 is a perennial favorite for good reason: it's a middle-of-the-road design that'll keep commuters, fitness enthusiasts, and leisure riders equally happy. The Verve 1 Disc offers similar value in a more relaxed, upright package.

The FX and the Verve both have everything a utilitarian cyclist could need : fender mounts, rack eyelets, a good ol’ triple crankset (for wide range on a budget), and city-friendly tire clearance of 35 mm and 45 mm (respectively) with fenders.

Both bikes are neutral in posture : neither hunched forward like a road racer nor bolt-upright as on a Dutch bike. The Verve is the more upright of the two, however, which bumps up comfort but takes a slight hit in efficiency.

In dry weather , the FX 1’s V-brakes may actually outperform the Verve 1’s entry-level Tektro mechanical discs. Good rim brakes are generally more powerful than budget discs. However, the latter are more consistent in wet weather, even if they lack absolute stopping power.

At upwards of 30 lbs, the Verve is heavy even for the entry-level category. Weight hardly matters once you’re rolling, but I’d choose the FX if I needed to haul it up stairs or onto buses’ bike racks.

If these models pique your interest, then check out my deep-dive FX vs. Verve comparison to learn more.

Buy it if…

• You ride on roads and bike paths most of the time, but may venture off the pavement when the urge strikes.
• You like a slightly sporty feel , whether for exercise or for tackling big hills, but shy away from the aggressive lean of a road bike.
• Value and simplicity are paramount, since simply getting out matters most.

Norco Indie 4

All hybrids combine road and MTB influences, but the Norco Indie 4 borrows far more from the mountain side of things. It's far above our limit of $600-ish, but there's no cheaper hybrid that I'd personally choose for rough-and-tumble city riding.

On chewed-up streets, the Indie 4 feels unperturbable thanks to long, relaxed geometry and remarkably wide 53 mm tires.

Posture-wise, it’s halfway in between the FX and Verve. Modestly swept-back handlebars are a good match, creating a comfortably neutral wrist angle without compromising leverage.

The Indie remains one of the funnest hybrids I’ve ever ridden, but its value is less thrilling . The Tourney derailleur is disappointing at a price where others spec Altus or Acera), and the no-name mechanical disc brakes feel ill-suited to a hard-charging urban bike.

Even though you ride mostly on asphalt, you embrace (or at least can’t avoid) hitting torn-up streets at speed. A mountain bike would be overkill, and would lack essential rack and fender mounts, but you still need something that’ll take the rough stuff in stride. You only need to climb rolling hills, at most , so a narrow 7-speed range won’t be a problem.

Priority Classic Plus Gotham Edition

Priority Bicycles is a direct-to-consumer brand that I've had solid experiences with. The Classic Plus Gotham Edition is the most cost-effective way for daily riders to keep maintenance to a bare minimum. It feels and rides similarly to proven hybrids like the Trek FX, albeit with slightly higher (read: more comfortable) handlebars and, most importantly, the most reliable drivetrain possible.

The grease-free, adjustment-free Gates belt rinses clean and should last 5-10x as long as a chain. Belts aren’t compatible with derailleurs, so Priority spec’d an equally dependable 3-speed internally geared hub from Shimano.

The geometry and feel are similar to mainstream hybrids like the Trek FX and Specialized Sirrus, so it’s highly unlikely to surprise you. That’s for the better, seeing as test rides aren’t generally available .

While I’ve had great experience with this particular Shimano Nexus hub, keep in mind that’s not DIY-friendly. Maintenance is non-existent from day to day, but it’ll need more complex service every few thousand miles. Its 186% gear range is fine for the rolling hills of most cities, but truly hilly places call for wider range.

Finally, well-adjusted V-brakes are more than enough in the dry, and generally preferable to the cheap discs you’ll normally find at this price point. Still, they aren’t as predictable in the rain, and they do require more care than quality discs. I stand by this recommendation for its price . However, daily riders in wet climates may be happier with another model in the Priority line, such as my pick for the year’s all-around best belt-drive bike .

You like the feel of a mainstream hybrid . Perhaps you’ve even owned (and enjoyed) something like an FX or Sirrus in the past.

However, you’re happy to sacrifice some gear range in exchange for avoiding derailleur cable adjustment, chain care, and annual (at least) chain replacement. Your hills are modest , and you’re not concerned about a strict pedaling cadence, so three speeds will do the trick.

Common questions about budget hybrids

Are cheap hybrids good to commute on.

Yes! Hybrids in general are extremely popular with commuters, especially those who want something livelier than a traditional city bike. The $600 price range won’t buy anything fancy, but it will get you trustworthy name-brand components that are easy to maintain.

What about riding these for exericse?

In general, any bike is good for exercise. Whatever you ride, it’s possible to work equally harder for equally long provided you’re comfortable .

And that’s where hybrids—included these budget models—absolutely shine. They’re just upright enough to relieve neck and wrist strain during long cardio-focused sessions, yet lively enough to be fun (not merely manageable) during sprints.

They seem cool…but why these bikes?

I’ve recommended models that run the gamut, at least as much as possible. Now, understand that $600-ish is on the bottom end of the price range for hybrid bikes that are worth owning . You can certainly spend even less, but then you start sacrificing really important things like hub and headset quality, or wheel construction, that aren’t obvious on paper but can add up to way more maintenance or nuisance down the road.

Some of the very cheapest options are only available through general online retailers, obscure direct-to-consumer brands (results may vary), or big-box stores (like the Target bikes I avoid ).

Those aren’t all bad, but buying from a bike shop or a better-known direct-to-consumer brand stacks the deck in your favor in terms of quality and proper assembly.

What else should I budget for?

Depending on how you’re going to ride the bike, there are a couple of absolute must-haves to factor into the price . Check out these essential commuter accessories here.

That’s in addition to whatever clothing and safety equipment you deem appropriate. Besides the relatively sporty Trek FX, all these bikes are relaxed (upright) enough that most people can comfortably ride them in everyday clothes—which bodes well for integrating cycling into daily life.

What’s a good Trek FX alternative?

If you don’t have a Trek dealer nearby, or just have some beef with the brand, then there are countless FX alternatives. The entry-level Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, Marin Fairfax, and Jamis Coda (among others) are functionally identical bikes with only trivial differences in specs, geometry, and even price.

After spending time on all the above at some point, I’ve yet to find a difference large enough to declare one a hands-down winner over the rest.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes (7 Helpful Differences)

When it comes to choosing a bike, there are many factors to consider. Two of the most popular brands on the market are Specialized Sirrus and Trek Fx. Both offer a wide range of bikes for different purposes, so it can be tough to decide which is right for you.

To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a comparison of Specialized Sirrus bikes and Trek Fx bikes.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes

Both brands offer a wide range of bike types, from road bikes to mountain bikes. However, Sirrus specializes in hybrid bikes, while Trek focuses more on performance-oriented bikes. If you’re looking for a bike to use for commuting or leisure riding, Sirrus is a great option.

However, if you’re looking for a bike to take on tougher trails or race, Trek is the better choice.

In terms of pricing, Sirrus bikes are generally more affordable than Trek bikes. However, Trek offers more premium options that come at a higher price tag.

When it comes to features, both brands offer a wide range of options. However, Sirrus bikes tend to be more basic, while Trek offers more advanced features. For example, Sirrus bikes typically have steel frames, while Trek offers aluminum and carbon fiber frames.

Trek also tends to offer more suspension options, making their bikes better suited for off-road riding.

In terms of size, Sirrus bikes are typically smaller than Trek bikes. This makes them a better choice for riders who are on the shorter side.

However, Trek offers a wide range of sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits you well.

Finally, when it comes to warranty, Sirrus offers a lifetime warranty on their frames and a two-year warranty on their components. Trek offers a similar warranty on their bikes.

It depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a bike to use for commuting or leisure riding, Sirrus is a great option.

However, if you’re looking for a bike to take on tougher trails or race, Trek is the better choice. It comes down to what you need the bike for and how much you’re willing to spend.

Specialized Sirrus Bikes

Specialized Sirrus bikes were first introduced in 2003 as part of the company’s line of urban fitness bicycles.

The Sirrus was designed to offer a balance of comfort, performance, and value, and quickly became a popular choice for riders looking for a versatile bike that could handle both city streets and light off-road trails.

In recent years, the Sirrus has undergone several major redesigns, and today’s models are available in a wide range of styles and configurations to suit the needs of any rider.

Whether you’re looking for a simple city cruiser or a versatile all-rounder, there’s a Sirrus bike that’s perfect for you.

Sirrus bikes are built with lightweight aluminum frames and forks that provide a smooth, comfortable ride. The bikes are equipped with durable components that can handle the rigors of everyday riding, and they’re available in a variety of sizes to fit riders of all shapes and sizes.

Sirrus bikes come in both men’s and women’s specific models, and they’re equipped with a wide range of gears to help you tackle any terrain. Whether you’re looking to commute to work or explore your local trails, a Sirrus bike will help you get there in comfort and style.

Trek Fx Bikes

Trek began in 1976 when two young men decided to follow their dreams and start their own business. They started by selling bike parts out of the back of a van at races and rallies, and quickly gained a reputation for quality products and excellent customer service.

Trek has since grown into one of the largest and most successful bicycle manufacturers in the world , with a passion for innovation and a commitment to quality that is unmatched in the industry.

Trek’s FX series bikes are some of the most popular models in the lineup, thanks to their versatility and affordable price point. The FX series offers a wide range of bikes designed for everything from casual riding to commuting to serious training and racing.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight carbon fiber road bike or a durable aluminum hybrid, Trek has an FX bike that’s perfect for you.

If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable bike that can do it all, the Trek FX series is the perfect choice. With a wide range of models to choose from, there’s an FX bike that’s perfect for any rider.

Whether you’re just getting started in the world of cycling or you’re a seasoned veteran, Trek’s FX series has a bike that’s right for you.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes Frame

When it comes to choosing a bike, there are many factors to consider. One important factor is the frame. The frame of a bike can have a big impact on the ride quality, weight, and durability of the bike. Two popular choices for bike frames are the Specialized Sirrus and the Trek Fx.

Here is a comparison of the Specialized Sirrus and Trek Fx frames:

Specialized Sirrus:

• The Specialized Sirrus frame is made from lightweight aluminum. This makes the bike lighter and easier to ride.
• The frame is designed to provide a comfortable, upright riding position. This is ideal for casual riders who want to be able to see and enjoy the scenery.
• The Sirrus frame is also designed for easy pedaling. This makes it a great choice for people who want to get around quickly or ride long distances.
• The Trek Fx frame is made from durable steel. This makes the bike heavier but also more durable.
• The frame is designed to provide a sporty riding position. This is ideal for riders who want to go fast and have a more aggressive riding style.
• The Trek Fx frame is also designed for easy pedaling. This makes it a great choice for people who want to get around quickly or ride long distances.

If you want a lighter, more comfortable bike for casual riding, then the Specialized Sirrus is a great choice. If you want a more durable, sporty bike for a more aggressive riding style, then the Trek Fx is a great choice.

Both bikes are designed for easy pedaling , so they are both great choices for people who want to get around quickly or ride long distances.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes Groupset

Bike groupset is a very important factor to consider when purchasing a new bike. There are many different types of groupsets available on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Two of the most popular groupsets on the market are the Specialized Sirrus and Trek Fx Bikes. Both of these groupsets have their unique features and benefits, so it is important to compare them before making a decision.

Specialized Sirrus Bikes Groupset:

• The Specialized Sirrus Bikes groupset is designed for use on road bikes. It is one of the lightest groupsets on the market, and it offers great shifting performance. The only downside to this groupset is that it is not compatible with mountain bikes.

Trek Fx Bikes Groupset:

• The Trek Fx Bikes groupset is designed for use on both road and mountain bikes. It is a bit heavier than the Specialized Sirrus, but it offers excellent shifting performance and durability. The only downside to this groupset is that it is not compatible with some older model bikes.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes Wheels

When it comes to choosing a bike, there are many factors to consider. One important choice is between a specialized Sirrus bike and a Trek FX bike. Both offer great options for riders, but they have some key differences in terms of wheels.

The Specialized Sirrus has 700c wheels, which are the standard size for most adult bikes. They are a good choice for riders who want a bike that is versatile and can be used on a variety of terrain. The Trek FX has 26-inch wheels, which are smaller and better suited for road riding.

If you plan to do mostly road cycling, the Trek FX may be a better option.

Both the Specialized Sirrus and the Trek FX have strong and durable wheels. However, the Sirrus has slightly wider tires , which may provide more traction and stability on rough terrain. If you plan to do a lot of off-road riding, the Sirrus may be the better.

When it comes to choosing between a Specialized Sirrus and a Trek FX, it is important to consider your riding needs. Both bikes have great features, but they differ in terms of wheels. Consider your terrain and intended use to choose the bike that will be best for you.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes Tires

One of the biggest differences between the Specialized Sirrus and Trek FX bikes is the tires.

The Specialized Sirrus comes with specialized tires that are designed for speed and efficiency, while the Trek FX comes with wider, more comfortable tires that are better suited for leisurely rides or commuting.

The Specialized Sirrus tires are faster and more efficient, but they can be more difficult to ride on rough terrain. The Trek FX tires are wider and more comfortable, but they can slow you down on smoother roads.

Ultimately, the choice between these two types of tires depends on your riding style and what kind of bike you want to use.

If you’re looking for a bike that’s fast and efficient, the Specialized Sirrus is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a bike that’s more comfortable and versatile, the Trek FX may be a better choice.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes Brakes

The Sirrus and Trek FX bikes both come with specialized brakes that are designed to provide optimal stopping power and control. Sirrus bikes feature V-brakes, while Trek FX bikes come equipped with disc brakes.

Both types of brakes offer advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

V-brakes are typically lighter and easier to adjust than disc brakes. They also offer good stopping power in dry conditions. However, V-brakes can be less effective in wet or muddy conditions, and they may not provide as much stopping power as disc brakes.

Disc brakes are more expensive than V-brakes, but they offer superior stopping power in all conditions. Disc brakes are also easier to maintain than V-brakes, and they offer more consistent performance over time.

If you’re looking for the best possible braking performance, disc brakes are the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget or you don’t need the absolute best performance, V-brakes may be a better option.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes Saddle

When it comes to comfort, both the Specialized Sirrus and Trek FX bikes offer a comfortable saddle. However, the Specialized Sirrus has a bit more padding, making it slightly more comfortable for longer rides.

For those who are looking for a bike that can handle both road and off-road riding, the Specialized Sirrus is the better option. It has more durable tires and can handle rougher terrain. However, the Trek FX is a great choice for those who want a lighter bike that is easier to carry.

Overall, both bikes offer a comfortable ride, but the Specialized Sirrus is the better choice for those who want a bike that can handle more difficult terrain.

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes Riding Experience

Riding a bike is a great way to get around. It’s a healthy activity that can help you lose weight , and it’s also environmentally friendly. But what kind of bike should you buy?

There are many different types of bikes on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Two of the most popular types of bikes are the Specialized Sirrus and the Trek FX.

Both of these bikes have their pros and cons, so it’s important to decide what you’re looking for in a bike before making a purchase. Here’s a look at the riding experience of each type of bike:

The Specialized Sirrus is a great choice for someone who wants a bike that is comfortable and easy to ride. The Sirrus has a suspension fork that absorbs bumps in the road, and the frame is made of aluminum, which makes the bike lightweight.

The Sirrus also has wide tires that provide stability, and the bike comes with Shimano components, which are known for being high-quality.

The Trek FX is a great choice for someone who wants a bike that is fast and efficient. The frame of the Trek FX is made of carbon fiber, which makes the bike extremely lightweight.

The Trek FX also has narrow tires that are designed for speed, and the bike comes with Shimano components.

So, which bike is right for you? It depends on what you’re looking for in a bike. If you want a bike that is easy to ride, then the Specialized Sirrus is a great choice.

If you’re looking for a bike that is fast and efficient, then the Trek FX is a better choice. Whichever bike you choose, you’re sure to have a great time riding it. Get out there and enjoy the ride!

Specialized Sirrus vs Trek Fx Bikes How To Choose?

When it comes to choosing a bike, there are a lot of factors to consider. But if you’re stuck between the Specialized Sirrus and the Trek FX, two of the most popular hybrid bikes on the market, how do you choose?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between these two bikes:

• The Specialized Sirrus has a more road-oriented design, while the Trek FX is more versatile and can be used for both road and off-road riding.
• The Sirrus has a lightweight aluminum frame, while the FX has a steel frame that’s slightly heavier but also more durable.
• The Sirrus comes with front and rear suspensions, while the FX has a front suspension only.
• The Sirrus has disc brakes for better stopping power, while the FX has rim brakes.

If you’re mostly going to be riding on paved roads, the Sirrus is a great choice. But if you want a bike that can handle a bit of everything, the FX is a better option. Whichever bike you choose, you’re sure to enjoy hours of riding fun!

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Specialized Vs Trek Vs Giant Bikes Compared ?

Today, Specialized, Trek, and Giant are three of the largest and most reputable bike brands. They make everything top-end, from mountain bikes to hybrid bikes. But how do you choose between Specialized vs Trek vs Giant?

While the three stock top quality bikes, Giant offers the most affordable but the least flashy all-around options. On the other hand, Trek offers the best high-end racers while Specialized offers the best high-end climbers.

Overall, the quality of the brands is undeniable, owing to their impressive frame technologies, quality suspension, top-end components, and excellent warranties.

This guide will look at the things that these three brands have in common and their key differences. That’ll help you know which of the three suits you more.

Specialized vs Trek vs Giant: Similarities and Differences.

Let’s start with the differences.

Trek vs Specialized vs Giant – The Differences

Here are the things that separate the three brands:

1.  Market Focus

While Specialized claims to make bikes for all cyclists, it focuses mainly on the high-end market. Trek also appears to be leading the Specialized way, but unlike Specialized, Trek also focuses more on the mid-range.

Giant being the ‘mother of all brands’, make bikes that cut across all levels. They have as many entry-level bikes as their high-end siblings.

2.  Suspension Technology

Specialized is known to use Brain Technology, which enables the suspension to self-adjust according to the condition of the terrain. That makes Specialized better climbers.

Specialized also employs Future Shock Rear (FSR) suspension on most MTBs to guarantee better comfort and optimal bump absorption.

On the other hand, Giant employs the Maestro System, which gives the bikes more leverage when climbing and racing. As a result, they are better all-around choices.

As for Trek, the manufacturer is known for RE: Aktiv and Full-Floater suspension. While RE: Active offers you more leverage uphill, Full-Floater makes pedaling more seamless.

Most modern Trek bikes also employ Active Pivot Point (AVP), which minimizes ground contact and lets you ride over obstacles.

3. Saddle Technology

Specialized sets itself apart from the other two when it comes to saddle design. Specialized employs Body Geometry, a saddle technology that conforms to your body to offer you better comfort.

While Trek and Giant have decent saddles, they are not as ergonomic as Specialized.

4.  Frame Technology

Specialized employs SuperLight frame technology on some of its bikes to guarantee extra lightweight frames.

Giant, in contrast, employs Advanced Composite Technology on its carbon frames and Aluxx aluminum on its aluminum frames, making the bikes lighter, stiffer, stronger, and most high-end.

On the other hand, Trek employs OCLV carbon on its carbon frames and alpha aluminum technology on its high-end aluminum frames. The two bike frame technologies guarantee lighter, stronger, stiffer, and high-quality frames, just like the other brands.

4.  Specialized vs Giant vs Trek Frame Warranty

All three brands offer limited lifetime warranties for the frames, but it doesn’t apply to all bikes. Specialized offers lifetime warranties for all its branded frames and forks, but you only get two years on the frame paint.

Trek also offers you a lifetime warranty for its branded frames and swing arms. However, you only get one year for the frame paint and five years for the full suspension.

Additionally, Giant offers a limited lifetime warranty for all frames, ten years for its rigid forks, and one year for frame paint.

5.  Brand Reputation

Though all the three brands are pretty reputable, most pro riders tend to go for Trek as Trek has won Tour de France ac couple of times. Though the other two brands have participated in the annual race, they aren’t that successful.

But still, the issue of reputation has nothing to do with the bike’s quality. It’s a matter of what brand appeals to customers the most.

6. Bike Design

While the qualities of these bike brands are unquestionable, their designs are a bit different. Giant tends to keep things low-profile, and so its bikes are less flashy. That’s unlike Trek and Specializes that employ the most stylish and flashiest designs.

7. Bike Price

While all the three bike brands make quality bikes, Giant tries to make their bikes more affordable. For that reason, the bike maker makes bikes at all price points.

Primarily, that’s because Giant gets its supplies in bulk, which means they enjoy the discount advantage, which compels them to price their bikes slightly lower.

Remember, Giant also makes some of its frames for Trek and other brands. So their bikes cannot be of the same price.

Giant vs Trek vs Specialized – The Similarities

There are reasons why it’s hard choosing among these three brands, and I’m talking about the following:

1.  Frame Quality

Though the three brands employ different frame technologies, it’s hard to separate their high-end bikes as they are high-quality. The frames are lighter and enjoy a more excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which explains why most come with a lifetime warranty.

2. Components Quality

The three brands get most of their components from reputable manufacturers like Shimano, RockShox, and SRAM. Plus, they have an in-house quality control team that ensures the parts are precise and high-quality.

3. Bike Customization

These three brands offer you the option of customizing some of their high-end bikes. That’s the primary reason why they attract the high-end pro-cycling community.

4. Bike Weight

These three bikes are top-sellers mostly because they are lighter than most bikes. Yes, they employ different technologies, but the results are the same; more lightweight bikes.

Specialized, for example, employs SuperLight frames while Trek uses OCLV carbon and alpha aluminum frames as Giant focuses on Advanced Composite frames. All of these frames are lighter.

5. Bike Types

These three brands stock a variety of bikes which include:

• Mountain bikes
• Gravel bikes
• Hybrid bikes
• Electric bikes
• Women bikes

However, Giant offers you more options for each bike category to accommodate both the high-end and low-end markets.

Table Summary of Giant vs Specialized vs Trek

Here is a table summary to help you compare Specialized, Giant, and Trek.

Giant vs Specialized vs Trek Road Bikes

When it comes to road bikes, the three brands promise bikes that are lightweight and aerodynamic. Overall, Specialized’s SuperLight technology is just as effective as Trek’s OCLV carbon technology and Giant’s Advanced Composite Technology.

But given the stiffness of Trek’s OCLV carbon, the bikes are much steadier and more enduring. Their recent Tour de France victories are proof of this.

The issue, however, is that Trek high-end road bikes are costly, which makes Giant a fair choice. Giant offers you an array of budget road bikes and a few high-end options which cost much less than Trek.

Specialized is not a bad choice for racing either, but it’s a much better climber.

Giant vs Trek vs Specialized Mountain Bikes

A good mountain bike should feature a lighter and stronger frame with a good suspension. These three bike brands seem to have covered this area, making it harder to choose among them.

Overall, Specialized self-adjust brain technology makes the bikes more adaptable to challenging terrains, making them better climbers.

That doesn’t make other brands less effective uphill, however. It’s only that their suspensions are not as adaptable as that of Specialized.

But given that some Specialized MTBs cost over $10,000, Giant presents itself as the cheaper option.

Yes, some Giant MTBs are just as costly as Specialized MTBs, but the difference is that you are likely to find a quality Giant MTB on a budget than either a Specialized or Trek option.

Giant vs Trek vs Specialized Hybrid Bikes

There is little to separate the three bike brands when it comes to the hybrid sector. On the one hand, Giant offers you some of the most affordable hybrid bikes, and on the other hand, Trek offers you some of the fastest though slightly costly options.

Specialized sadly falls behind the two when it comes to hybrid bikes. For one, there aren’t as many options as there are on Trek and Giant.

Secondly, while some Specialized hybrid bikes cost under $1,000, you are only likely to get a decent option with more than $1,000. That’s unlike Giant, which offers a lot of hybrid bikes for less than $1,000.

Trek is also like Specialized, offering you slightly costly hybrids. The difference is that there are more options on Trek than Specialized.

People Also Ask

1. is giant better than specialized.

Giant offers you more affordable bikes than Specialized, but that doesn’t make it the better option. Overall, Specialized focuses more on the high-end cycling market when Giant produces bikes for all markets.

2. Is Trek or Specialized Better?

Both Trek and Specialized make top-end bikes that suit pro riders more. The difference is that Trek is a better racer while Specialized is a better climber.

In that case, go for Trek if you want a high-end road bike and Specialized if you want a high-end mountain bike.

3. Is Trek Better Than Giant?

While Trek targets the high-end and mid-range market, Giant focuses on all markets. Thus, you are more likely to find a budget bike on Giant than on Trek. But overall, both bike brands are high-quality, making it unfair to pronounce one better than the other.

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Specialized vs Trek vs Giant – What Suits You?

Deciding among Trek, Specialized, and Giant depends on a couple of things; budget, experience level, and bike purpose.

If you are looking for a better climber, go for Specialized as its self-adjust Brain Technology suspension makes hill climbing more comfortable.

In contrast, if you crave a proven racer, go for Trek. The fact that Trek has won Tour de France is proof that these bikes are great racers. But still, everything boils down to its OCLV carbon and alpha aluminum frames that are super lightweight, making the bikes faster.

But if you want an all-around bike (a climber and racer) on a budget, go for Giant. Giant offers you an array of quality bikes for racing, mountain biking, commuting, and recreational cycling.

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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Trek Allant+

The Trek Allant+  is a sleek bike that provides a comfortable and capable ride on any urban street or light trail. It features an efficient Bosch Performance motor with shift detection. The bike frame can fit an optional second battery pack making it a great bike for long trips. It reaches a top speed of 20 mph and has a great range of up to 120 miles.

• Trek Allant is very durable and comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate all riders.
• This e-bike features an amazing range of up to 120 miles, making it an ideal product for a long commuter.
• Great suspension system with excellent shock absorption makes for a comfortable ride on any city street or light trail.
• Trek has a relatively quick 5.5-hour charge time.
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Specialized Turbo Vado

Specialized has long been considered one of the best in the business, so it is no surprise that the company’s main commuter e-bike is a top-notch product.

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• Affordable bike for such a high-quality product.
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• The 2.0 mid-drive motor creates a smooth riding experience.
• Faster than most commuter e-bikes.
• Average battery life.

The Turbo Vado is an excellent bike with a starting price of $4,000, which is an incredible value for such a high-quality bike.

Which Is Better?

Trek and Specialized have created two of the best commuter e-bikes on the market, but Specialized has created a superior product. Both bikes have similar price points, and the Trek Allant+ can go longer distances. Still, the Turbo Vado has superior speed, durability, and smooth riding experience, making it a product better suited to all riders.

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