Originally Posted by
Sixty Fiver
A hybrid is a type of bicycle... commuting is something you do and a term you can apply to any bicycle that serves this purpose.
Originally Posted by
Juha
Personally, I favor the usage approach. So for me a commuter bike is any bike that is used for commuting, regardless of what marketing term was applied to it when it was sold.
This is my answer as well. And since they came from moderators, it must be correct!
My
Trek Portland is purpose-built and sold specifically as a high-speed commuter. Other than rack and fender mounts, it shares no other characteristics with hybrids of any ilk, including those sold as commuters.
It's a fairly ordinary midrange road bike--drop bars, STI, carbon fork, the works--with a ruggedized frame, room in the fork and frame for my studded snow tires with full fenders, and disc brakes.
It will never be confused with a hybrid.