HYBRID BIKES. The most common types of bike that you will see around Oxford are what we call hybrid bikes. These fall into five main categories:
·Town bikes are the modern successors to the old Raleigh 3-speed bikes that used to be everywhere in Oxford. They have a more upright riding position than other bikes and the ladies’ versions often have a low step-through style frame. Many have hub gears (sometimes hub brakes too), and they are usually supplied ready-fitted with mudguards and rear carrier or front basket. Ideal as short distance commute bikes and “shopping” bikes. We have town bikes in stock priced between £169 and £799
·Light, sporty hybrids are usually built on lighter frames than town bikes. They have a more stripped-down look (often supplied without the mudguards and carrier) and the more expensive ones may have a carbon fibre fork and lightweight wheelset. They are very versatile and will usually cope with light off-road use (tow path or similar) as well as a medium distance commute and some day touring. Prices between £269 and £1500.
·Flat bar road bikes are a more extreme version of the sporty hybrid. Narrow section wheels and calliper brakes mean that they will only accommodate narrow racing-style tyres and may not take full-length muguards. They tend to have a low, flat riding position. These bikes are great if you like to be the fastest away from the traffic lights and make a good fitness/training bike, but they are not as versatile as some other types of hybrid. Expect to pay between £350 and £1000
·Urban hybrids developed from early versions of mountain bikes and often have a chunky, stealthy or graffiti-style look. They usually have wider tyres and stronger forks than other hybrids so that they can be jumped up and down kerbs and steps and are at home on pot-holed inner city streets. Prices from £299 to £1200
·On/off-road hybrids are a kind of compromise bike, usually with the larger hybrid size wheel, but often with a suspension fork and disc brakes so that they can switch from road to off-road use quite well. They won’t cope with serious off-road riding and the heavier build and more knobbly tyres tends to make them a little sluggish on road. Ideal bike for someone doing a lot of tow path and converted railway line riding. |
