Originally Posted by
Oso Polar
Just a heads up - distance capabilities and comfort are extremely related as it is extremely difficult to go long distance if your bike is uncomfortable. Upright riding position is uncomfortable unless your rides are very slow and very short and on flat roads. Good for enjoying the ride - very easy to look around with head high. Very bad for burning calories though, practically useless.
I'm not going to argue to comfort vs distance as I agree they are directly related as you have stated. However, your claim of practically useless for burning calories leaves me scratching my head. The industry has classified some of these hybrid bikes as "fitness bikes". Maybe it goes back to the comfort issue (a bike that is uncomfortable doesn't get ridden) or maybe it is pure marketing. Either way, any bike that gets ridden is far from useless when it comes to turning calories into energy.