Hybrid Bicycles - Moving from a folding bike to a hybrid question

Hi everyone;

Just wanted to ask the people who've rode on folding bikes if they feel hybrids are worth the price for the extra comfort/ride (I assume there's a big difference, but I may be wrong).

Thanks

In our household, both my wife and I have a hybrid and a folder. I guess I've never thought about moving from one to the other. The folders we have are not so good as trail bikes if the surface is loose due to the smaller and narrower tires. The hybids definitely excel when the going gets rough. It seems we ride a little faster with the hybrids but comfort is good on both. The folders are lighter and easier to handle when we travel with our Class B Van. Its a classic argument to have both!

What are you looking to do? If you're going to do any off-road riding(gravel paths,trails),then yes,the larger wheels and fixed frames will make a difference. If you're looking at riding distances,yes,larger wheels hold momentum better and will require less effort. If you're looking to tour or carry groceries,yes,full size bikes have more room for racks and bags. If you're looking to commute in bad weather(ie,snow),yes,many hybrids have disc brakes and most will take wider tires(with a better tire selection) than folders.

If you're just commuting in reasonable weather or riding for fitness or to get around town,then not really,a folder will do just as well.

Really it depends on what you're looking to do and what bikes you're talking about. What are your plans? What folder do you have now? What hybrid(s) are you looking at getting?

I don't have a particular one in mind yet; in fact after your post I may just look for a more comfortable folder, since I only cycle in good weather and for exercise, thanks!

about the only thing Folders do that a hybrid can't is fold up so you can put them in a trunk or whatever. i use a roof rack to transport my hybrid.

small wheels are slower, rougher riding, and much more treacherous on uneven surfaces than larger wheels.

I generally use my folder for commuting and my hybrid for long rides with my son or grocery getting.

the bigger wheels take up more space in the room you park your bike in.

IDK about your expectations of Comfort, you could get a Moulton, they put suspension on both wheels.
but still kept the smaller wheels.


I'm OK on my new to me BikeFriday.. travel bike, not a quick fold..