[Article]: The German inventor Karl von Drais was the first to create a version of the modern bicycle. The invention became known as the swiftwalker and hit the road in 1817 with a wooden beam frame and no pedals. Let's all breathe a sigh of relief for how far bicycles have come in the 21st century.

For new bike buyers, the road vs hybrid bike discussion is alive and well. While each bike comes with great benefits, deciding which one is right for you is confusing. We'll break down what makes road and hybrid bikes unique and talk about their differences.

Road Bikes

The appeal of the road bike is in its aerodynamic ability. They are efficient because of their lighter-weight frames and thin tires. They are also meant to ride in an over the handlebar position to allow more air to pass over as you ride.

As you might have guessed, a road bike is also a great companion for the road. They are great for long-distance rides and will adapt to the terrain so your hands don't get sore or numb.

The Hybrid Bike

Hybrid bikes are ideal for both smooth and rough surfaces. Their versatility is what makes them a great option for many riders. They have an upright riding position and a comfortable saddle.

These comfort hybrid bikes will carry extra weight with ease. They generally come with mounts to carry additional luggage while riding.

The Main Differences Between the Two

The road vs hybrid bike debate wouldn't be complete with a clear explanation of how they differ. With all the different types of bikes on the market, it is easy to confuse them. Here are a few key differences to help you make your decision.

The Road Bike Difference

• Commonly have side-pull rim brakes and disc brakes attached to the wheel hubs
• Used for long rides and frequent workouts
• All about speed and performance
• Frames built with carbon
• Good for racing

The Hybrid Bike Difference

• Combines the speed of a road bike with the comfort of a mountain bike
• Commonly have rim brakes that grip on the wheel rims
• Frames built with steel or aluminum
• Mostly used by recreational riders
• Good for an occasional workout

The good news is that custom bikes are built to fit people's lifestyles every day. Regardless of the type of bike chosen, you will always enjoy your rides.

Road vs Hybrid Bike: Settling the Debate

While the debate for the road vs hybrid bike lives on, settling the debate comes down to personal choice. What type of riding will you settle on? Do you plan on long-distance or short commutes?

The choice of bike type you desire is your own. You'll know exactly what you need when the time comes to buy your bike.

To learn more about custom-built bicycles that will add joy to your life, read more of our posts. Regardless of if you are a professional cyclist or an enthusiast you'll love the topics we cover. Check them out today to learn more!

Image Attribution:

Pixabay.com royalty-free image #1833921, 'hybrid, hybrid bicycles, bike' uploaded by user taehwan_kim, retrieved from https://pixabay.com/photos/hybrid-hybrid-bicycles-bike-1833921/ on July 22nd, 2021. License details available at https://pixabay.com/en/service/terms/#usage - image is licensed under Creative Commons CC0 license