Hybrid Bicycles - Post pictures of your Hybrid

Hi everyone (and hi xoxo - I live in Fayetteville so we're practically neighbors!:)

Until recently I hadn't ridden a bike in 20+ years but my husband told me he'd get me a bike as an early Christmas present. We didn't really know what we were doing but I got a Raleigh Detour 2.5. I like it a lot but I think it's a bit too big for me - I'm 5' and I rest on the bar when I straddle it. But I like it and it's fun to ride! :)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/ltlghiagrl/IMG_8196.jpg

Nice to see someone close by, (LOL) Fayetteville is a great place for commuting around in also. Just have to brave the traffic, even the buses are designed to handle bikes on the front. Your probably having the stand over issue, because that is the Men's version. But I have known women who prefer that style anyway. Just wondering, did you get it at Hawley's Bicycle World ?

pic taken on the Washington Secondary bike path in rhode island.
this path goes fromm cranston to coventry r.i. 14.2 miles (one way)

Thanks... It was my first time wrapping bar tape... watched a few youtube videos and went to town. We went to dinner last night and planned on painting the new baby's (OTW) bedroom this morning, so I ended up staying up most the night to get all the cables cut/routed/adjusted, then ran to the store to pick up a new bar-clamp bolt (that I broke last night) and tightened everything down. I think it was time well spent... here are a couple pics from my ride today.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6778631213_aa711fa1fc_o.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6778631763_6ea6b4533f_o.jpg
WOW ! That was a quick change, I do not know much about drop bars. But it does look nice, and those Youtube videos must have been pretty good ! : )

Another quick, crappy cell-phone shot... but something looks a little different...? Haha

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6776147037_9072e4764e_o.jpg

BTW: I can't believe how much difference new shifter cables made, shifts sooo smoothly now! :)

Nice job.

Levers look like they could be moved up a little... ends should typically be in a line with the bottom of the hooks but if you are comfy and they are not bottoming out, no worries.

If you find that you are getting sore or fatigued wrists it may be an issue with how your brake levers are set up... the flat part of the lever hood should line up pretty closely with the flat on the top of the bar and will keep your hands from sliding... different bars have different bends and depths so it can be a matter of getting the optimal positioning.

Drop bar mountain bikes are awesome... I can dress mine with slicks and ride centuries or throw on the 2 inch knobbies and hit the trails.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2011mouldenglenora1.JPG

Very cool!

FYI, the standard way to set drop bars and brake levers is so the tips of the brake levers are even with the bottom of the flats. And the bar is usually set so the flats are level or slightly above (like 10 degrees or so). This allows comfortable use of the flats and drops, and the bar top and brake hoods remain at approximately the same place. See the pic to better understand what I am talking about. Of course these are just guidelines and you can vary your setup however you like, but your setup is so far from the typical I can't help but think you might find a slightly better setup if you fiddle with it a bit. Also you get to wrap and unwrap your bar for practice!!!!11


Nice job.

Levers look like they could be moved up a little... ends should typically be in a line with the bottom of the hooks but if you are comfy and they are not bottoming out, no worries.

If you find that you are getting sore or fatigued wrists it may be an issue with how your brake levers are set up... the flat part of the lever hood should line up pretty closely with the flat on the top of the bar and will keep your hands from sliding... different bars have different bends and depths so it can be a matter of getting the optimal positioning.

Drop bar mountain bikes are awesome... I can dress mine with slicks and ride centuries or throw on the 2 inch knobbies and hit the trails.

Thanks guys... This may answer my question as to why I couldn't get much stopping power before my levers reached the bar. I will definitely try re-positioning the bars and levers and see how things go. :thumb:

Thanks guys... This may answer my question as to why I couldn't get much stopping power before my levers reached the bar. I will definitely try re-positioning the bars and levers and see how things go. :thumb:

Missed Lardasse's post about lever set up... if you still have braking issues after a little adjustment it might have more to do with the set up at the brake.

When I set up drop bars for myself I ride them naked and by that I mean, with the bars unwrapped, to see how the set up works and to make it easier to tweak things.

Not my hybrid, rather one I saw at the library. And it's not a hybrid, it's a Hybrid! GT Hybrid that is. It's a BMX/MTB hybrid instead of road/MTB hybrid (which were often called cross bikes back in the day when this was made.)...
Good find out in the streets. It sure is a HYBRID, that we can't miss.

Missed Lardasse's post about lever set up... if you still have braking issues after a little adjustment it might have more to do with the set up at the brake.

When I set up drop bars for myself I ride them naked and by that I mean, with the bars unwrapped, to see how the set up works and to make it easier to tweak things.
I think the bar adjustment will go a long way to fixing it - the lever is very close to the straight portion of the drops and sliding the lever up will position it with the tip pointing more out and away from the bar, which will allow much more lever movement before it hits the bar.

THere are, however, still improvements to be made with the setup. To nrowensby: Read this article on brake setup: SHELDON BROWN'S CANTILEVER BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ARTICLE.
(http://sheldonbrown.com/canti-trad.html)

Not my hybrid, rather one I saw at the library. And it's not a hybrid, it's a Hybrid! GT Hybrid that is. It's a BMX/MTB hybrid instead of road/MTB hybrid (which were often called cross bikes back in the day when this was made.)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6777480169_4a0f1ef68b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/6777480169/)
GT Hybrid (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/6777480169/) by Lester Of Puppets (http://www.flickr.com/people/lesterofpuppets/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6777512245_5cf946dc66_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/6777512245/)
GT Hybrid (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/6777512245/) by Lester Of Puppets (http://www.flickr.com/people/lesterofpuppets/), on Flickr

Nice! For those who want to ride to work AND practice on the rhythm jumps of the BMX track on the way!
I wonder how it behaves catching air with rack and fully loaded panniers!?

New seatpost came today. White bits include barend tape, cables, bottle cage, seattube clamp, seatpost, and tires.

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx1/igesundheit/photo-64.jpg


Not trying to be a weight weenie, but this new seatpost took off nearly a pound from my bike.

This is my 2011 KHS Urban Xtreme.

I added Bontrager Racelight Hardcase Slicks, a Cateye Strada computer, Forte seat, flat bar (narrowed), and clamp-on grips, toe clip/straps, bottle cages, head/tail LEDs, and some stubby bar ends I've been going back and forth on.

Work is 9 miles each way, and a typical Sunday ride is about 40 miles, give or take.


http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/JuanEleven/b1ea8f51.jpg


Future plans include shortening the cables.

New seatpost came today. White bits include barend tape, cables, bottle cage, seattube clamp, seatpost, and tires.
...

I love seeing bikes that the owner has put their own individual touches to. Good one AlphaD

This is my 2011 KHS Urban Xtreme....

Beautiful bike you have there.

New seatpost came today. White bits include barend tape, cables, bottle cage, seattube clamp, seatpost, and tires.

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx1/igesundheit/photo-64.jpg

Not trying to be a weight weenie, but this new seatpost took off nearly a pound from my bike.

Great job! Love the theme! Bike looks awesome! :)

Adjusted the bars based on the suggestions here and made a huge difference... not only in braking, but also in comfort from the hoods. :D I'm going to ride a little while and make sure everything is where I want it before re-wrapping the bars. Might order some red/black tape while I'm waiting.

235789 235790 235791 235792

I picked up this bike the other day, trying to improve my average speed on those long rural road rides. Had to install a new chain, new Kendra 700 x 28c tires, CATEYE 800 Headlamp, install the cell phone holder, (using the GPS) or listen to music etc, adjust ever thing. I really am loving it from the very first ride !! It seems so much faster, comfortable, just can't believe it. Looking forward to taking it on a nice long road ride ASAP. I have never really used bar ends much before, and that was how they were when I got the bike. Are they adjusted like they should be ? Richard : )

(bike had fell over before pictures, front reflector had to be straightened)

This is my 2011 KHS Urban Xtreme.

I added Bontrager Racelight Hardcase Slicks, a Cateye Strada computer, Forte seat, flat bar (narrowed), and clamp-on grips, toe clip/straps, bottle cages, head/tail LEDs, and some stubby bar ends I've been going back and forth on.

Work is 9 miles each way, and a typical Sunday ride is about 40 miles, give or take.


http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/JuanEleven/b1ea8f51.jpg


Future plans include shortening the cables.

Nice looking bike . : )

Thanks! I've put almost 900 miles on it (Cateye Strada) in a little over 3 months. I wanted to get something nicer than my old Schwinn townie, but didn't want a full on road bike as my only ride. This is perfect, and I've kinda slowed down my road bike search for now.

I think I've got about $600 into it, lights and all, everything bought new. The tires & tubes were a big chunk, heh.


*edit*. Ironically, I ended up with a (28c) flat bar "road" bike, lol. It's even got a TruVativ 172.5 "road" crank (52/42/30). It's pretty multi-purpose though. I can ride it to a bar as easy as taking it on a charity ride, which is cool, because now I can go full bore on a less practical 23c purpose build.

I think this'll get more use overall though.

Thanks! I've put almost 900 miles on it (Cateye Strada) in a little over 3 months. I wanted to get something nicer than my old Schwinn townie, but didn't want a full on road bike as my only ride. This is perfect, and I've kinda slowed down my road bike search for now.

I think I've got about $600 into it, lights and all, everything bought new. The tires & tubes were a big chunk, heh.


*edit*. Ironically, I ended up with a (28c) flat bar "road" bike, lol. It's even got a TruVativ 172.5 "road" crank (52/42/30). It's pretty multi-purpose though. I can ride it to a bar as easy as taking it on a charity ride, which is cool, because now I can go full bore on a less practical 23c purpose build.

I think this'll get more use overall though.


(Laughing) called a Hybrid I think... Richard : )

...
I picked up this bike the other day, trying to improve my average speed on those long rural road rides. Had to install a new chain, new Kendra 700 x 28c tires, CATEYE 800 Headlamp, install the cell phone holder, (using the GPS) or listen to music etc, adjust ever thing. I really am loving it from the very first ride !! It seems so much faster, comfortable, just can't believe it. Looking forward to taking it on a nice long road ride ASAP. I have never really used bar ends much before, and that was how they were when I got the bike. Are they adjusted like they should be ? Richard : )

(bike had fell over before pictures, front reflector had to be straightened)

It's scrubbed up well. The bar-ends look fine. As you probably know, the position is whatever is best for you. I personally like them about how you have them.

edit, I have to say I like the back ground. For some reason I love sticky-beaking at rural US towns.

Thanks guys... This may answer my question as to why I couldn't get much stopping power before my levers reached the bar. I will definitely try re-positioning the bars and levers and see how things go. :thumb:
What levers are those. you need long pull lever, not short pull.

This is my 2011 KHS Urban Xtreme.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/JuanEleven/b1ea8f51.jpg

The bike is very nice, but the Photography is really outstanding. That is nuts.

I love seeing bikes that the owner has put their own individual touches to. Good one AlphaD

+1

Adjusted the bars based on the suggestions here and made a huge difference... not only in braking, but also in comfort from the hoods. :D I'm going to ride a little while and make sure everything is where I want it before re-wrapping the bars. Might order some red/black tape while I'm waiting.

Nice job, and you seem like it was fun. (Laugh)

What levers are those. you need long pull lever, not short pull.

They're Shimano RX100 levers


Nice job, and you seem like it was fun. (Laugh)

It wasn't too bad... Well worth it though! ;)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6811845473_4f506d42c3_b.jpg

Although, the picture angle makes it look a little off, the flats are now in line with the top bar of the frame.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/Sabor600rr/DS83.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/Sabor600rr/Trek6700.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6814246611_234e0fbebd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nowensby/6814246611/)
1994 Specialized HardRock Sport (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nowensby/6814246611/) by owensbyphoto (http://www.flickr.com/people/nowensby/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6811845473_4f506d42c3_b.jpg

Although, the picture angle makes it look a little off, the flats are now in line with the top bar of the frame.


WOW ! That really turned out GREAT..

^ +1 I like your style.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/Sabor600rr/DS83.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/Sabor600rr/Trek6700.jpg

Nice Bike Love the Syle.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6814246611_234e0fbebd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nowensby/6814246611/)
1994 Specialized HardRock Sport (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nowensby/6814246611/) by owensbyphoto (http://www.flickr.com/people/nowensby/), on Flickr

Great transformation! Where did you get the parts (shifters, bars, and levers) and how much did it cost? I also have a 7spd drivetrain, so the same shifters would work for me, but the levers would not because I have v brakes. I might look into doing this upgrade during the 2012 season.

...but the levers would not because I have v brakes. I might look into doing this upgrade during the 2012 season.
I`m sure you can get a `thingy` that goes between your brake cable and V brake. They are cheap and effective. I can`t google it right now but someone else might chime in with the name.

New parts!

New Forté Pro SX saddle on sale for $30 (was $70):
http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx1/igesundheit/photo-66.jpg

New Forté Kōr bar ends:
http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx1/igesundheit/photo-65.jpg

I'll post a picture of my complete bike as soon as the weather clears. My usual bike photo-taking spot is covered with about 3ft of snow.

Great transformation! Where did you get the parts (shifters, bars, and levers) and how much did it cost? I also have a 7spd drivetrain, so the same shifters would work for me, but the levers would not because I have v brakes. I might look into doing this upgrade during the 2012 season.

I have less than $75 in the conversion... (Which is more than I paid for the bike :lol:)

Parts List:
Levers, $25 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/290658086139#ht_2930wt_1185
Shifters, $20 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L5Y1GC/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details
Bars, $16 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/380399499072#ht_5278wt_1185
Brake/Shifter Cables/Housings, $5 - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Deluxe-Bicycle-Tune-Up-Kit/17619556
Bar Tape, $6 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/400226275403



Now... onto a new saddle and some brake pads. :D

Here is my hybrid commuter:

It started as a '97 rockhopper. I've changed out the original wheels and tires as well as added the bullhorns with drop-v levers and rapidfire shifters.

I am currently working on a drop bar conversion, Ive switched it over to center-pull cantilever brakes in anticipation of setting up 3x7 shimano sora brifters on drop bars. Ill post more pics when I get the conversion done.

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/my-commuter-4149_2.jpg

Now that I have a road bike, I can turn my 7.2fx into a commuter...

236141

Here is my hybrid commuter:

It started as a '97 rockhopper. I've changed out the original wheels and tires as well as added the bullhorns with drop-v levers and rapidfire shifters.

I am currently working on a drop bar conversion, Ive switched it over to center-pull cantilever brakes in anticipation of setting up 3x7 shimano sora brifters on drop bars. Ill post more pics when I get the conversion done.

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/my-commuter-4149_2.jpg

G'day, I like what you've done here but how is the reach to the levers, I would need a very short stem to reach them. I think you would need it for the drop bar conversion anyway. Very nice bike.

G'day, I like what you've done here but how is the reach to the levers, I would need a very short stem to reach them. I think you would need it for the drop bar conversion anyway. Very nice bike.

Thanks!

As you can probably tell from the seat height, the frame is a little small for me, so the reach is not much of an issue as it's currently set up. Having mocked up the drop bars, I am planning on getting a shorter higher rise stem, something like a 60-70mm with a 30 degree rise, to bring the bars up and closer. But also as Im using sora shifters, Im going to be doing my shifting from the hoods and probably not be in the drops as much as I would be on my road bike.

Great transformation! Where did you get the parts (shifters, bars, and levers) and how much did it cost? I also have a 7spd drivetrain, so the same shifters would work for me, but the levers would not because I have v brakes. I might look into doing this upgrade during the 2012 season.

AlphaDogg, check the other bike on this page by Dstreelm. Looks like he has done what you're wishing to do.

And my mate did it too.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f266/orbeamitis2/Auction%20Night/CA331181.jpg

236173236170 236171 236172

Components are not the best, but fits me perfect. And once adjusted correctly this thing is super fun to ride. : )

236173236170 236171 236172

Components are not the best, but fits me perfect. And once adjusted correctly this thing is super fun to ride. : )

Crikey, another bike.The man's unstoppable. You say the components aren't the best, but that bike's got potential.

Crikey, another bike.The man's unstoppable. You say the components aren't the best, but that bike's got potential.

That was kind of what I was thinking, not really enjoying those rough off road rides as much anymore. I live in a very rural area and like commuting to town, been trying to find a bike that was not to aggressive in riding position, but much much faster riding on long rides. This one seems to be the perfect fit that I have been looking for, and was thinking as the components start wearing out just to upgrade with some good stuff. Do have to admit that finding just the right one can be difficult, but once you do it is hard to stay off it. Richard : )

I`m sure you can get a `thingy` that goes between your brake cable and V brake. They are cheap and effective. I can`t google it right now but someone else might chime in with the name.

I think the thing you're thinking of is called a "travel agent" from problem solvers...

I've heard they work well but only if properly set up. I thought about going that route but it seemed like a bit too much of a kludge for my tastes. My tektro rl520 levers were only a little bit more expensive and performed well (until my old v-brakes failed and I replaced them with cantis)

I think the thing you're thinking of is called a "travel agent" from problem solvers...

I've heard they work well but only if properly set up. I thought about going that route but it seemed like a bit too much of a kludge for my tastes. My tektro rl520 levers were only a little bit more expensive and performed well (until my old v-brakes failed and I replaced them with cantis)
The RL520 levers are some of the nicest for this application. Long pull road lever conversion for V-brakes. I will be switching up to TRP Canti Brakes this week which means my levers need to be switched. I will be putting on Sora brifters til I have all the parts I need to turn it completed into 105 setup. I currently use crappy stock tektro v-brakes with RL520 levers and Barcons. Lots of changing going on ;)

The RL520 levers are some of the nicest for this application. Long pull road lever conversion for V-brakes. I will be switching up to TRP Canti Brakes this week which means my levers need to be switched. I will be putting on Sora brifters til I have all the parts I need to turn it completed into 105 setup. I currently use crappy stock tektro v-brakes with RL520 levers and Barcons. Lots of changing going on ;)

Sounds like you're doing the same things as me...I switched from my v-brakes to cantis because i was frustrated with the braking performance of my v-brakes. So I threw on some old crappy brake levers to match the cantis, and I came to a point where I could either spend $40 bucks or so on a pair of decent levers, or just go a little bit more and get some sora brifters.

My main problem is I have a 7 speed drivetrain, but I was able to find a NOS sora 7 speed rear lever for only 30 bucks which is pretty awesome

Ill be interested to see what your setup looks like when you get the brifters on

Crikey.

what are you, australian? Oh... ;):rolleyes:

AlphaDogg, check the other bike on this page by Dstreelm. Looks like he has done what you're wishing to do.

And my mate did it too.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f266/orbeamitis2/Auction%20Night/CA331181.jpg

What I'm really looking to do is a drop conversion.

Here is my first new bike since I did bmx in highschool. Looking to have some fun with this!!
2012 Trek 8.3DS
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b385/Kappasoccer96/photo-3.jpg

New tires... New saddle...

10.2 miles today.... My longest ride yet... (actually over double my previous longest ride) :lol:

[/URL]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/nowensby/6825875085/]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6825875085_21a51142dd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nowensby/6825875085/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6830317321_0cef487671_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nowensby/6830317321/)