Need to know
What are the key features you should look for in a versatile commuter?
The key to choosing the best commuter bike is ensuring it's comfortable and practical for the type of riding you intend to do. If your commute is short and you're not in a rush, the best option could be a flat-bar bike, such as a hybrid or mountain bike. Or, if you want to cover lots of ground quickly, a drop-bar road or gravel bike may be a better choice for you. This month, we're concentrating on the flat bar, hybrid variety across a range of prices.
01 Hybrids
A hybrid bike is best thought of as a hardy road bike that takes some influence from mountain bikes. It borrows its off-road cousin's flat handlebars and a more upright, traffic and comfort-friendly position.
Like a road bike, modern hybrids are usually built around 700c wheels. However, the tyres are often wider than a road bike's - but usually not as wide as a mountain bike - enabling you to traverse rough roads and gravel paths comfortably.
Most hybrids have a rigid fork, but some are also sold with cheaper suspension forks. Heavy, low-end forks will add little to the comfort of the bike though. Cheaper hybrids usually have rim brakes, while the best hybrid bikes sport disc brakes. Just be aware that hybrids aren't the lightest or most comfortable bike for riding longer distances.
Hybrid bikes are also hugely versatile, with many bikes ready to go with bosses and mounts for every accessory imaginable. This makes them useful for conversion to other duties, such as touring. Hybrids that come with accessories are often good value for money as adding on mudguards, a rack and lights is expensive.
02 Road bikes
この記事は Cycling Plus UK の March 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Cycling Plus UK の March 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Here Tadej...
Even in a thrilling Giro, the shadow of the Tour de France looms large
Tern Orox R14
The Orox just can't be pigeonholed. It's designed, say Tern, for adventure and utility, be it personal or commercial (it even has a built-in tow bar!).
SRAM Apex AXS XPLR groupset
\"Apex shifters are basically the same as on Rival AXS... and the brake units follow the same design as the latest Force AXS brakes\"
Land of the Giants
Warren Rossiter heads to Taiwan to experience the launch of the new Giant TCR
Tourtalk
Eight key talking points ahead of a much-anticipated race
PFEIFFER GEORGI CAPTAIN MARVEL
Great Britain's 2023 national road champion Pfeiffer Georgi is one of the youngest road captains in the peloton. Here she explains this unique job and the pressures that go with it in the season's biggest race
"I help people overcome life's problems through cycling"
Rob Brown, 72, from Yorkshire, has created a haven of inclusivity and accessible cycling in Dalby Forest
Great start
Here's how to avoid ultra-processed foods at breakfast
HELL OR HIGH WATER
The Paris-Roubaix Challenge pits amateurs against an abridged version of the iconic 'Hell of the North' race
Go ultra
Want to go long, very long, in 2021? Here's our proven advice on taking on an ultra cycling challenge such as LEJOG or Chase the Sun in 20214