Originally Posted by
smontanaro
So, what makes a suitable hybrid? (Note that I have not defined "suitable.") Here's my interest...
Ellen and I are in the midst of rehabbing a three-flat. We occupy the renovated top floor and are starting to rent the first floor using AirBnB. We will eventually get around to the garden unit as well. We figure having a couple bikes around for renters to use would be a nice way to stand out from "the competition." I had a Specialized Cross Roads Sport way back in the late 80s. Is there really any geometry difference between a something like @
thumpism's Trek 510 and what would have traditionally been called a "hybrid"? I've got a 510 and could swap out the cockpit and put on some wider tires easily enough. I suppose a quick-release seatpost bolt would help for easier adjustment.
I have rented the 2 br upper level of my duplex since June, on AirBnB since July. It has stayed full since then, February being the first vacant month. Only the June renter used the free Bianchi hybrid because the family came in one SUV and trailer from Austin, with only room for kiddie bikes. One AirBnB renter brought his own bike up from Baltimore. The balance walk or drive, even though biking here is breeze, so I don't think it is a huge selling point.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7147988
Originally Posted by
thumpism
How about a hybrid built from a road frame? I found this Trek 510 frameset in a North Carolina shop for $40 years ago and built it as my back-to-school commuter when I quit repping. Lotsa braze-ons by an area framebuilder and spraycanned into beauty.
I just converted a Fuji Royale to Northroads handlebars and a Brooks B-72. Comfortable rider, but the bike seems skittish compared to my hybrids. It may be the cheap 27" Kenda knobbies though. I plan to replace them by spring, but for winter, the rough tread is handy. Fenders pending too.
