Hybrid for Touring ?
#2
#4
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: N. Indiana
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Workcycles Kruisframe
I've got a hybrid (Specialized Sirrus) and while I've never tried touring with it, I doubt I would try. I wear a size 13 shoe and its exceptionally difficult to find bags that I can mount on the rear rack without experiencing heel strike issues. I've got a more or less working setup now, but it is using smaller side baskets that sit higher, not what I'd want if I were going to try my hand at touring. Maybe if your feet are smaller or find one with longer chainstays but on mine, for me, it wouldn't be an ideal setup.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 163
Likes: 2
Bikes: Two. One daily rider. One with detachment issues.
Is a flat pedal, flat bar, IGH, disc brake, rigid fork, tubeless tire contraption a hybrid? If so, yup. That's what I tour on ... that's what I commute on ... that's what I road ride on ... that's what I casual ride on ... that's what I trail ride on.
#9
Happy banana slug

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,552
Likes: 2,500
From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Yes, I ride a hybrid, and I love it. My Giant Liv Rove Lite is sturdy enough to handle everything Humboldt's roads can throw at it, and carry all my stuff.
Hybrids are popular for commuting. If you like it, buy it.
Hybrids are popular for commuting. If you like it, buy it.
Last edited by Korina; 04-06-18 at 12:32 PM.
#12
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby, BC
Bikes: 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2010 SC Superlight, 2008 Giant TCR
Have been using a european hybrid for commuting, fully loaded bik camping etc.
Coming from Europe (years ago...), still don't understand complete lack of choice of good hybrid bikes (not road-bikes-with-a-flat-bar, but the real thing with MTB gearing) in North America.
Coming from Europe (years ago...), still don't understand complete lack of choice of good hybrid bikes (not road-bikes-with-a-flat-bar, but the real thing with MTB gearing) in North America.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 7
From: Europe
Remember the General Motors streetcar conspiracy? This speeded up the transformation from electric transportation towards internal combustion engines.
In germany trekking bikes have been the most popular ones and still are. In english they're called hybrid.
ziv-zweirad.de/fileadmin/redakteure/Downloads/Marktdaten/PK-2018_13-03-2018_Praesentation.pdf
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 773
Likes: 34
From: Merry Old England
Bikes: Muddyfox Evolve 200, Bicycles4u Paris Explorer, Raleigh Twenty Stowaway, Bickerton California, Saracen Xile, Kona Hoss Deluxe, Vertigo Carnaby, Exodus Havoc, Kona Lanai, Revolution Cuillin Sport, Dawes Kingpin, Bickerton, NSU & Elswick Cosmopolitan
Touring means your arse is in the saddle for a very long time and roads can throw up surprises so think comfort at all times. What might be a good commuter bike for those short trips may not be ideal when you are in the saddle many hours. You don't want to be constantly reminded your arse is hurting when you are trying to enjoy the scenery as you cycle. Think about where your touring and also what reliability issues the bike might throw up, i.e. low end drivetrain, thin 700c wheels, brakes and suspension etc. Keep it strong and simple with comfort as the no.1 priority.
Here is a touring bike meant for long tours in poor conditions.

High quality steel frame, super strong 26" wheels, decent freehub based drivetrain, large profile tyres etc.
Here is a touring bike meant for long tours in poor conditions.
High quality steel frame, super strong 26" wheels, decent freehub based drivetrain, large profile tyres etc.
#16
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 531
Likes: 33
North america is an automobile dominated area, in europe the bicycle industry is much older and more people uses other transportation options than owning a car.
Remember the General Motors streetcar conspiracy? This speeded up the transformation from electric transportation towards internal combustion engines.
In germany trekking bikes have been the most popular ones and still are. In english they're called hybrid.
ziv-zweirad.de/fileadmin/redakteure/Downloads/Marktdaten/PK-2018_13-03-2018_Praesentation.pdf
Remember the General Motors streetcar conspiracy? This speeded up the transformation from electric transportation towards internal combustion engines.
In germany trekking bikes have been the most popular ones and still are. In english they're called hybrid.
ziv-zweirad.de/fileadmin/redakteure/Downloads/Marktdaten/PK-2018_13-03-2018_Praesentation.pdf
Some of their eBikes are sold here , but I don't see their peddle bikes .
#17
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 531
Likes: 33
This hybrid looks perfect for light touring :
https://www.pelagobicycles.com/bicyc...o-outback.html
Unfortunately , it's not available in USA .

https://www.pelagobicycles.com/bicyc...o-outback.html
Unfortunately , it's not available in USA .

Last edited by pakeboi; 04-09-18 at 05:51 AM.
#18
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,230
Likes: 363
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
When the hybrid bike was 'invented' in the '80s, they were sometimes described as either skinny-tired mountain bikes or flat bar road bikes.
Of course, a hybrid can be influenced by a variety of bike styles/features.
Of course, a hybrid can be influenced by a variety of bike styles/features.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 111
From: North of Boston
Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,
So many good choices these days, lots.
#20
I put drop bars, and a few other mods on my Hybrid, and have done two century rides on it, and perhaps about 1000 miles so far this year on it. 
Coda_Salem_2.jpg

Coda_Salem_2.jpg
Last edited by CliffordK; 04-09-18 at 12:37 PM.
#21
☢
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 3,621
Likes: 240
From: La-la Land, CA
Bikes: Cannondale Quick SL1 Bike - 2014
I ride a hybrid wise guy.
Very clean and neat look.
This hybrid looks perfect for light touring :
https://www.pelagobicycles.com/bicyc...o-outback.html
Unfortunately , it's not available in USA .

https://www.pelagobicycles.com/bicyc...o-outback.html
Unfortunately , it's not available in USA .

Last edited by KraneXL; 04-10-18 at 01:38 AM. Reason: sp
#22
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby, BC
Bikes: 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2010 SC Superlight, 2008 Giant TCR
Don't disagree manufacturers start having more hybrids in their northamerican catalogues , but still don't understand why big brands like Trek, Cannondale or Giant don't offer well equiped models like X700, Tesoro or FastCity they sell in Europe over here.










