trek fx2 vs boardman hyb 8.6

Compare Trek FX 2 DISC 2022 vs Boardman HYB 8.6 Silver 2021

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Boardman HYB 8.6 Silver

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / SM, MD, LG

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame 7005 Alloy, smooth welded
• Fork Alloy Bladed fork, 1 1/8” Cromo Steerer
• Hubs Formula QR
• Wheels Boardman Alloy Rims 32 Hole
• Tires Schwalbe Citizen 700 x 37c, kevlar guard. Kenda presta tube
• Chain KMC 9-Speed
• Crank Prowheel , square taper 46/30 ToothT
• Bottom Bracket FSA BB7420, Square taper
• Front Derailleur Shimano Acera T3000, 31.8mm clamp
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio M3100, 9-speed
• Shifters Shimano Alivio, 2x9
• Brakeset Tektro M285 hydraulic disc, Tektro 160mm rotor
• Handlebar Boardman Alloy
• Saddle Boardman Hybrid by Velo, steel rails
• Seatpost Boardman Alloy 27.2 x 350mm
• Stem Boardman Alloy
• Headset FSA no.10, 1 1/8”, Semi Integrated

Q: How much is a 2021 Boardman HYB 8.6 Silver?

A 2021 Boardman HYB 8.6 Silver is typically priced around £600 GBP when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Boardman HYB 8.6 Silver?

The 2021 Boardman HYB 8.6 Silver may be purchased directly from Boardman .

Q: What size 2021 Boardman HYB 8.6 Silver should I get?

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Boardman HYB 8.6 – a do-it-all hybrid bike

From savvy commuters wanting an alternative to public transport to those heading out for exercise, hybrid bikes are the perfect option.

And with warmer weather fast approaching, now’s the best time to consider investing in a hybrid bike and to start clocking those cycling miles. To help, we checked out Boardman’s entry-level hybrid, the Boardman HYB 8.6 Hybrid Bike. Refreshed for 2021, here’s the low-down on Boardman’s versatile offering.

Refreshed for 2021

When the Boardman brand launched in 2007, it did so with the aim of inspiring a wide range of riders.

The Boardman HYB 8.6 fits into this philosophy, with its versatility making it a great option for everyone from commuters and fitness-orientated cyclists, to those wanting a convenient day-to-day option for getting around.

The 2021 model comes in two versions, a women’s bike with slick purple paintwork, and a men’s version available in either silver or green .

Updated for 2021 and packed with great features, there’s a lot to like about the HYB 8.6.

Explore the Boardman HYB 8.6

Sleek, considered design

Central to the HYB 8.6’s versatility is its triple-butted aluminium frame. Incredibly lightweight, both the women’s and men’s bikes weigh in at approximately 11.2kg – slightly more than a lot of entry-level road bikes! This low weight makes a big difference when riding up hills. The frame also benefits from hidden welds that add to the sleek appearance, similar to what you’d expect from a carbon frame.

This isn’t the only thing in common with road bikes, and the HYB also incorporates dropped seat stays. Doing so increases comfort – something any rider can appreciate!

Completing the sleek look, the HYB 8.6 has a 1-piece bar and stem which includes matching headset spacers.

Year-round practicality

The HYB 8.6 may be sporting a sleek new look but this hasn’t come at the cost of its versatility – far from it!

Ensuring it’s the perfect hybrid bike whatever your needs, the bike features mounting points that allow you to attach a range of pannier racks and mudguards. For those wanting a day-to-day option or for commuters, having these makes the HYB a practical option.

Stopping power is provided by Tektro hydraulic disc brakes – whether powering along on a commute or riding with your panniers fully loaded, they’ll always bring you to a safe stop.

And continuing the theme of being incredibly versatile, the Shimano Alivio drivetrain has 18 gears, so you’ll always have an extra gear to fall back on during leg-sapping climbs.

Don’t forget the finer details

Every Boardman bike is developed using lots of data and customer insight – so they can create bikes that match a rider’s needs.

Doing so has helped Boardman equip the women’s and men’s HYB 8.6 with saddles that are specially designed using advanced pressure mapping and real-world testing. As a result, the saddles are comfier than ever – great news for those completing longer rides.

Dependable commuter

For those looking to commute by bike, reliability is important.

That’s why the HYB 8.6 arrives with dependable Boardman wheels and 35mm Schwalbe puncture-resistant tyres. Not only will they provide better protection again punctures, but they also have low rolling resistance and help contribute towards a smooth ride.

Accessories

The HYB 8.6 packs a lot into an affordable package. However, to take full advantage of its amazing ride, don’t forget the must-have cycling accessories.

Whether commuting or riding for fitness, here’s our pick of the best:

• Boardman Men’s Waterproof Jacket – perfect for on and off the bike
• Altura Progel Waist Shorts – provide hours of comfort in the saddle
• High5 Cycle Pack – great tasting energy bars with real fruits and grains
• Bike lubes – explore our range of bike lubes, essential for a smooth running chain
• Garmin Edge 520 Plus GPS Cycle Computer – train smarter, discover new routes, and navigate with the Edge 520 Plus
• Explore our full range of Garmin cycling technology

Shop cycling accessories

There’s a lot to like about the updated Boardman HYB 8.6 and you can explore all of the options here . Don’t forget to also add those must-have cycling accessories by visiting Halfords.com.

Or, why not explore our cycling help and advice guides where you’ll find information and help on everything cycling!

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The HYB 8.6 is a fast and comfortable all-rounder which takes the speed of a road bike and adds in comfort and stability with a more upright position. A lightweight triple butted aluminium frame transfers power efficiently and won’t hold you back when climbing.

2x9 speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain combines a 48/32t chainset with an 11-36t 9 speed cassette to give a wide range and low climbing gears, and Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes provide easily controlled stopping power. 35mm Schwlabe Citizen tyres grip well and roll fast, while offering good puncture resistance through their K-Guard Kevlar protection.

Soft touch, ergonomically shaped grips, ensure a comfortable hand position. With fixtures for mudguards and a pannier rack too, the HYB 8.6 is a very versatile package.

Triple butted 6061 X7 Aluminium frame and Alloy fork blades

Mudguard and pannier rack mounts make year round riding and commuting practical

Wide range Shimano Alivio gears give a ratio for any gradient

N.B. Due to supply chain disruption the HYB range will ship with conventional separate handlebars and stems going forwards.

Order online for home delivery or click and collect with stores nationwide, 0% finance available online and instore and Cycle2Work scheme.

Free UK delivery, 0% finance available, all major Cycle to Work schemes accepted, all bikes are fully built by qualified mechanics and despatched within 1-2 days, bike specialist support 7 days a week until 10pm.

• Frame: Triple butted 6061 Aluminium, smooth welded
• Fork: Alloy Bladed fork, 1 1/8” Cromo Steerer
• Headset: FSA no.10, 1 1/8”, Semi Integrated
• Bottom Bracket: FSA BB7420, Square taper
• Cranks: Prowheel, square taper
• Chainrings: 46/30 Tooth
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera T3000, 31.8mm clamp
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio M3100, 9-speed
• Shifter: Shimano Alivio, 2x9
• Front Brake: Tektro M285 hydraulic disc, Tektro 160mm rotor
• Rear Brake: Tektro M275 hydraulic disc, Tektro 160mm rotor
• Cassette: Shimano HG201, 9-speed, 11-36 Tooth
• Chain: KMC 9-Speed
• Saddle: Boardman Hybrid by Velo, steel rails
• Seat Post: Boardman Alloy 27.2 x 350mm
• Stem: Boardman Alloy
• Handlebar: Boardman Alloy
• Handlebar Tape: Ergonomic Dual-Density lock on
• Pedals: Wellgo flats, 9/16”
• Weight: Approx. 11.2kg
• Wheelset: Boardman Alloy 700C Tubeless Ready
• Hubs: Formula QR
• Rims: Boardman Alloy Rims 32 Hole
• Tyre: Schwalbe Citizen 700 x 37c, kevlar guard. Kenda presta tube

• SM 170-179 cm 74 - 82 cm 554 396 450 565 120 73 73 425 435 43 65 170 90 600
• MD 177 - 183 cm 78 - 85 cm 577 413 490 590 145 73 73 425 435 43 65 175 100 620
• LG 181 - 189 cm 82 - 89 cm 601 431 540 615 170 73 73 425 435 43 65 175 100 620

Boardman bikes range 2024: which model is right for you?

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Encompassing hybrid , road , time trial, cyclocross and mountain bike disciplines, the Boardman bikes range is vast and suits a variety of budgets from £500 to over £3,000

The bikes are the product of ‘the professor’ - former Hour Record Holder, Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France yellow jersey wearer Chris Boardman.

The brand was launched in 2007 and its bikes were used by athletes whilst Boardman headed up R&D at British Cycling in his role as Director. On the Olympic stage, both Nicole Cooke and Sarah Storey have raced them to victory in 2008 and 2016 respectively.

In 2018, the brand opened its Eversham based Boardman Performance Centre which includes a wind tunnel available for public use, demonstrating its genuine grounding in research and aims to bring its application to the people.

Boardman's road bike range

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The labelling system of the range has been simplified: bikes are now split into '8 series' and '9 series' models, with the higher number being the more performance orientated creations and the lower more value focused. But it can still be confusing to work out which bike in the range is best for you.

Here’s a description of each of the key models to help you decide. The full range of bikes detailed below are available directly from Boardman and Halfords .

>>> These are the top five bikes we recommend from Halfords

With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay

Boardman SLR 9.6

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

The SLR 9.6 is Boardman's carbon frame race bike that delivers as a perfect all-round bike with its aero-optimised and lightweight frame design, paired with dependable, high-performing components.

The frameset uses Boardman's C10 carbon fibre blend in key areas to increase the strength to weight ratio, and its geometry strikes a balance between a low race position and an upright endurance set up for comfort over longer miles.

Shimano's Ultegra Di2 groupset ensure shifting on the SLR 9.6 is a dream and the 50/34t compact chainset with a 11-30t cassette provides a good range.

Boardman have upgraded this SLR 9.6 machine from the SLR 9.2, with one of the main differences being a greater aerodynamic focus. This can be found on the newly included Alexrims ALX845D wheelset that feature a 45mm deep carbon fibre rim with a blunt, U-shaped profile.

Boardman SLR 8.9

The SLR 8.9 is Boardman's aero bike that maintains an endurance friendly geometry with slightly lower specs.Using the same aerodynamic design and geometry in the frame and fork as the top of the range SLR 9.6, the 8.9 is able to offer an outstanding performance, but at a lower price point and with disc brakes swapped for rim stoppers.

With clearance for up to 28mm tyres and mudguard mounts, the SLR 8.9 is adaptable for grittier miles on the road, whatever the weather.

It gains an upgraded drive train from 10speed Shimano Tiagra to 11 speed Shimano 105, with a FSA Gossamer chainset for smoother gear changes and reduced weight.The SLR 8.9 has 25mm Vittoria Zaffro Pro Graphene 2.0 tyres fitted on a Boardman SLR tubeless ready wheelset and Boardman finishing kit, which it says matches real world data sets for the male and female fits.

Boardman SLR 8.8

Hidden welds mean this frame could be easily mistaken for carbon but the SLR 8.8 is Boardman's highest spec aluminium bike, with a carbon fork that suits riders who desire speed without compromising on practical qualities. It's ideal for daily commutes and sportives.

Equipped with Tektro mechanical disc brakes there's plenty of stopping power for tougher conditions and with clearance for mudguards and a pannier rack, this bike has everyday, year-round versatility.

The matt silver bike is finished with 28mm Victoria Rubino tyres on Boardman SLR tubeless ready wheels, and 10 speed Shimano Tiagra.

Boardman SLR 8.6

The range entry level Boardman SLR 8.6 is an affordable ride that is by no means a basic machine.Its triple-butted aluminium frame and carbon fork has been recently redesigned, for what Boardman say now delivers more rear end compliance, while the rest of the frame retains its aero-inspired tubing profiles.

>>> Best cheap road bikes

Equipped with 8 speed Shimano Claris and FSA Tempo chainset, the bike also gains Vittoria Zaffro tyres on Boardman SLR tubeless ready wheels. Mudguard and rack mounts add practicality, and the bike is finished with Boardman's own male/ female finishing kits.

Boardman's cyclocross and gravel bike range

For exploring the off-beaten track and onto exciting ventures along bridleways and dirt paths, Boardman's drop bar off-road collection hasbeen split into CXR and ADV. The former is more aggressive and designed for those planning on pinning a number on, while the latter offers an adventure geometry, signifying that is more relaxed and more upright.

Boardman CXR 8.9

The CXR 8.9 is Boardman's cyclocross aluminium bike for powering along the rougher terrain at a rapid pace with its race-derived geometry.

It has SRAM Apex 1x11 gearing for low maintenance and easy gear changes while tackling trickier sections, as well as SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes for predictable and consistent braking that you can rely on.

Finished off with the industry favourite Donnelly Crusade PDX tyres on Boardman wheels, these will provide sufficient grip while pedalling about in the slippy mud.

Boardman ADV 8.9

The ADV 8.9 is Boardman's answer for a bike that can cope marvellously on rougher off-road terrain as well as for clocking up miles on potholed commutes or sportives.It has an alloy frame and carbon fork that has been upgraded to a thru-axle design, which Boardman say should offer more precise handling and disc alignment.

The front end has been slackened and bottom bracket dropped, when compared to Boardman road bikes, to deliver a more confidence inspiring stability off road. The ADV 8.9 also now has a longer wheelbase and shorter stems, all of which should also produce a comfortable and stable rough terrain riding experience.

The ADV 8.9 range also now feature Shimano's gravel specific GRX drive train and hydraulic disc brakes. The 2x10 offering has been teamed with an 11-36 cassette and a 48-32 FSA Omega chainring for a range of gears that Boardman say should be big enough for hitting the tarmac fast, yet small enough to tackle slippery steep off-road gradients. .

Tubeless-ready 38mm Schwalbe G-One All Round TLE tubeless ready tyres and Boardman SLR wheels finishes off this bike that won't break the bank.

Boardman ADV 8.6

The ADV 8.6 is the entry level adventure bike that takes design and specification cues from the previous ADV 8.8 - but delivered at an affordable price point.

Boardman state that the alloy frame and carbon fork maintain the same geometry as the ADV 8.9 for stable and predictable handling off-road, but with quick release wheels. All but mirroring the gearing ratios of the ADV 8.9, the team behind the ADV 8.6 have opted for Shimano Sora drive train and FSA Velo Pro chainset, as well as mechanical Tektro disc brake to help keep the price point down.

With Boardman himself believing that tyres are one of the most important components on a bike, the ADV 8.6 sticks with the tubeless-ready 38mm Schwalbe G-One ALLround TLE tubeless ready tyres and Boardman SLR wheels.

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Boardman hybrid and urban bike range

Hybrid bikes are rough and ready road style bikes that share some characteristics with mountain bikes, meaning that some are capable of rutted country paths, whilst those closer to the 'road' end of the scale are just very resilient and comfortable. Flat bars offer a more upright position that will suit commuters for whom speed is not the number one concern.

>>> The best hybrid bikes reviewed: a buyer's guide

Urban bikes are similar to hybrid bikes but with a greater focus on visibility and low maintenance for practicality and everyday riding.

Boardman HYB 8.6 and 8.8, 8.9

The HYB range share the same triple butted 6061 X7 aluminium frame, as well as a one piece bar and stem with adjustable ergonomic grips. But the lower end HYB 8.6 is paired with alloy fork blades, while the HYB 8.8 and HYB 8.9 have full carbon tapered forks.

For optimal braking power the HYB bikes are all equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, albeit at different spec levels: the HYB 8.6 with Tektro HD-M275, the 8.8 with Shimano MT200, and the 8.9 with the better performing Shimano MT400 option.The top two models, the HYB 8.8 and 8.9, have a single chainring set up for simpler shifting, while the HYB 8.6 has a double ring chainset.

All the range have mudguard and pannier rack mounts for making riding in wetter weather more pleasant and making commuting and longer trips easier.

Boardman URB 8.6 and 8.9

The URB 8.6 and URB 8.9 form Boardman's fleet of urban bikes that are ideal for those who want to be quick footed around town. Boardman has focused on everyday practicality with the design of the URB range.

Both models have an aluminium frame with geometry that gives an upright, relaxed riding position for head-up visibility. The URB 8.6 has an alloy front fork, but this is upgraded to carbon in the URB 8.9 to help absorb the bumps of England's imperfect roads.

Fitted with the grippy, durable 32mm Vittoria Randonneur Tech tyres with puncture protection these will minimise maintenance issues and hydraulic disc brakes ensure excellent stopping power.

There are mounts for mudguards and a pannier racks which makes the URB range easily adaptable for worse conditions and when you have more to carry.

Boardman's top of the range URB 8.9 also has a Gates Carbon Belt Drive with its Shimano Nexus 8 speed gear hub - this means no chain cleaning, low maintenance and no grease marks on your nice clothes when city riding.

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Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.

Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.

For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas. 

She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection. 

Vollering wins the stage, but comes up just short to win the race overall. Rooijakkers second, Muzic third.

By Dan Challis Published 18 August 24

Australian fastest of all in uphill sprint in Ourém. Van Aert finishes second, Strong third.

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8 of the best 2021 new-generation hybrids — and why your next bike should be one of them

First Published Jan 1, 2021

Check out the heated grips on the latest addition to our guide to new-generation hybrid bikes

Hybrids have been around since the 1980s, but in the last few years a distinctly modern version has emerged. Here’s why your next bike should be a hybrid 2.0.

Hybrid bikes combine some of the features of road bikes and mountain bikes, hence the name

The bikes we call hybrid 2.0 take disc brakes from mountain bikes and compact double-chainring gear systems from sporty road bikes

The result is bikes that are quick and fun, but still comfortable; ideal for the streets or the lanes

For round-town use, budget for a rack and mudguards too; these bikes almost always come 'stripped down'

Prices start around £400

Updated December 2, 2021

Welcome to the latest edition of road.cc’s buyer's guide to the new-generation flat-bar bikes we call hybrid 2.0, in which you’ll find everything you need to know to find the right hybrid 2.0 for you, plus our pick of seven of the best hybrid 2.0 bikes.

More about road.cc buyer's guides .

8 of the best hybrid 2.0 bikes

Carrera subway all weather — £430, triban rc500 flat bar road bike — £649.99, boardman hyb 8.6 2021 — £550, cube sl road race 2022 — £1,350, genesis croix de fer 10 flat bar 2021 — £1,249.99, cannondale women's quick disc 1 2021 — £1,200, merida speeder 900 2022 — £1,450, specialized sirrus 4.0 disc — £1,499.

The bikes known as hybrids combine road bike size 700C wheels with mountain bike brakes and gears. They appeared not long after mountain bikes became popular in the 1980s, providing riders who didn’t want to ride off-road with the other advantages of mountain bikes: upright position, powerful brakes, and wide gear range.

Hybrids have long been the best-selling bike type in the UK, and they’ve developed along with changes in the bikes that supply their components. In the last few years, with compact chainsets dominating on road bikes, and disk brakes providing reliable, powerful and weatherproof stopping for mountain bikes, we’ve seen a new generation of hybrids develop: hybrid 2.0, if you like.

Compact chainsets are good for hybrids because they can provide a wide gear range without the complication of an extra chainring, especially when combined with the rear sprocket sets intended for mountain bikes. There are still plenty of hybrids on offer with triple chainsets, but they’re now an unnecessary complication, even more so than for most road bikes.

Disc brakes are the development that really ushered in hybrid 2.0. Since hybrids get used around town a lot, they need brakes that are affected as little as possible by the weather, and immune to the effects of a wheel getting dented or knocked out of true.

Those are the big advantages of disc brakes, and there’s another bonus too. I see an awful lot of bikes with very badly set-up rim brakes, and in particular V-brakes that are flapping around with the cable unconnected; closing them is awkward and people just give up. Discs have their issues too, but at least if you get the wheel into place, they work.

What are hybrids good for?

Their upright riding position and good brakes makes hybrids ideal for short trips round town. That doesn’t just mean commuting, which actually accounts for a minority of short trips, but also general getting around, visiting friends, going to the pub or the shops and like that.

With a rack and especially with mudguards a hybrid is practical, sensibly-priced general transportation. A few hundred quid for a decent hybrid — less with a Cycle To Work scheme deal — pays for itself in a just a few months of not driving or using public transport.

But hybrids aren’t just about practical cycling. They’re great for unhurried country lane pootling. The upright riding position lets you sit up and enjoy the view and the medium-width tyres let you explore dirt roads and tracks as well a poorly-maintained back lanes.

If you’re accustomed to speeding through the countryside with your head down and bum up, a hybrid is an altogether more relaxing ride, but still capable of covering distance. And yes, you can ride poor roads and a bit of dirt on your regular road bike, but a hybrid frees you from constantly scanning for every rock and pothole.

Eight great hybrid 2.0 bikes

Even within the hybrid 2.0 spec of double chainset and disc brakes there’s a lot of variation, along a spectrum from upright and cruisy to low-slung and speedy. Here are a few we like.

Here's an eminently practical example of hybrid 2.0, especially if you plan to ride through the winter. The all-weather edition of Halfords' popular Carrera Subway comes with mudguards, lights, reflective decals and heated grips, a feature we're not aware of being offered by any other bike maker. Now, that may be because it's a gimmick, but considering the rest of the spec here is very decent for the money, it's a gimmick we'd be willing to take a chance on. Oh, and the brakes are Clarks Clout hydraulic discs, considered in the mountain bike world to be the best budget stoppers you can buy.

The flat bar bike in Decathlon's Triban RC range is a great example of hybrid 2.0. The riding position is fairly upright for a cruisy ride even with drop bars; with flats it's perfect for unhurried country lane exploring or the office run. There's plenty of space for mudguards, and you could easily go up a tyre size or two as well.

Flat-bar bikes have always been a mainstay of the Boardman range, and the latest selection includes this great-value runabout. Shimano Acera mountain bike gears provide a wide range with a bottom ratio that should get you up the steepest urban hills even if you're laden with shopping. Tektro hydraulic brakes bring it to a halt.

Here's a go-faster hybrid that will still take bad roads and trails in its stride thanks to its 40mm Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres. Hung on the lightweight aluminium frame are a set of Tektro hydraulic discs and Shimano GRX 22-speed gears with an 11-34 cassette for a wide gear range. It's a bit short of features and extras, but there are mounts for rack and eyelets, so you can fit them without too much faff.

The Ridgeback/Genesis bike family has always excelled at practical bikes and the Croix De Fer 10 Flat Bar carries that tradition into hybrid 2.0 territory with an 11-34 cassette for a very wide gear range that'll get you up just about anything in the UK. There are mounts for a rack and mudguards (and just about anything else you can imagine), so you can set it up for touring as well as round town use.

A bike with an upright riding position doesn't need a women's version as much as a drop-bar bike, but it's nice to get components like an appropriate saddle as part of the package, without having to get the shop to swap them over.

There's a men's version too, for the same price.

A flat bar bike called Speeder — well, it's almost mandatory that it'l be hybrid 2.0. And this is what we find. The Speeder 900 has Shimano's excellent second-tier Ultegra gears and hydraulic disc brakes. It rolls on quick but comfortable Maxxis Detonator 32mm tyres and it's very much a fast flat-bar bike. In his review of the Speeder 900 , Matt Lamy said: "The sheer speed and efficiency lurking within the Speeder 900 is hard to ignore. This is a very fast bike."

Quite possibly the ultimate example of hybrid 2.0, the Sirrus 4.0 has a carbon fibre frame, making for a light and lively ride, and Trek's IsoSpeed decoupler, which isolates the saddle from bumps by detaching the top of the seat tube from the seatstays and top tube.

Explore the complete archive of reviews of urban and hybrid bikes on road.cc

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John has been writing about bikes and cycling for over 30 years since discovering that people were mug enough to pay him for it rather than expecting him to do an honest day's work.

He was heavily involved in the mountain bike boom of the late 1980s as a racer, team manager and race promoter, and that led to writing for Mountain Biking UK magazine shortly after its inception. He got the gig by phoning up the editor and telling him the magazine was rubbish and he could do better. Rather than telling him to get lost, MBUK editor Tym Manley called John’s bluff and the rest is history.

Since then he has worked on MTB Pro magazine and was editor of Maximum Mountain Bike and Australian Mountain Bike magazines, before switching to the web in 2000 to work for CyclingNews.com. Along with road.cc founder Tony Farrelly, John was on the launch team for BikeRadar.com and subsequently became editor in chief of Future Publishing’s group of cycling magazines and websites, including Cycling Plus, MBUK, What Mountain Bike and Procycling.

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He joined road.cc in 2013. He lives in Cambridge where the lack of hills is more than made up for by the headwinds.

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42 comments.

Orbea Car-Pe bought a few weeks ago.    Gave away my metal bikes in second lockdown after I'd had massive heart attack with 3 resusitations on front garden paving in April-2020. Neither the first-generation with V-brakes Specialized Tricross nor my beloved red steel Langster were suitable for hilly south east London post heart attack.    Kept looking for used bikes I could work on but nothing available that wouldn't cost over £200 on cables, housings, tyres, tubes, rimtape, cassette, bottom bracket, saddle, etc. No new bikes at bomb up and down Shooters Hill and lock to metal posts prices felt right for me.    Popped into a new shop on industrial estate behind laminate flooring supplier that was why I was on the spot in North Wales when visiting family and just because can't pass a bike shop. Mumbled something about what I'd been looking for without expecting anything in a mountain bike region. Assistant suggested the above mentioned Orbea. Rode 5 metres on it and bang! Perfect!. £579.    700C * 38mm wheels and tyres. 7-speed Tourney (single chainring, disk brakes) except for cranks. Later added Bontrager mudguards and Boardman flat pedals. Gearing perfect for around here (OK, my base strength and fitness is much higher than most people). Wheels with fat tyres ideal for our potholed roads and bridlepaths.    Frame is stunning - taut, lively, probably not for a cycling newbie - wheel & tyre mix puts the saddle at tiptoe height off the ground. Could happily buy another with Shimano 105 hydraulic as gravel and fast tourer. Cheapest bike I've ridden in nearly 50 years and I love it! Brakes were too soft and Shimano manual says this is deliberate to prevent rub. Tightened them up, no rub, excellent responsive brakes. Whole package is best of everything I've tried including Boardman. Glad I waited instead of getting something that 'would do' 

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Would make more sense to start afresh and leave all these old comments on the old article about old hybrids, and have this article as a new 2021 article about 2021 hybrid model bikes. After all that's what its about. Might also not appear to be a recyled piece.

Although I can see this was recently updated, it seems to follow a very narrow understanding of 'hybrid'. Not one of these bikes has a suspension fork. And why limit them all to a double-chainring when there are some exciting single setups?

Regularly travelling miles on towpaths -- think roots, compacted earth embedded with flint, grassy stretches, patches of gravel -- I consider good suspension a necessity, but a mountain bike simply over the top.

So, nothing here for me!

"Hybrids have been around since the 1980s...."

This article has been around since the 1980s (nearly), and most of the bikes referenced in the comments section are long gone from the original  (and updated) article. 

Are hybrid bikes not worthy of a  'fresh' acrticle at some point?

I've got a Pinncacle Lithium which is awesome.  I was thinking seriously about a gravel bike but, with some WTB Riddlers, the Lithium does the job just as well and for a fraction of the price.  The only other modification I've made is to add "inner" bar ends which are more comfortable for road riding.

I still have several other bikes, but the Lithium is a great all rounder and very easy to live with for day to day riding.

I am half thinking about swapping to a 1x set up but I suspect I'm overthinking it and I should just stick with the bog standard triple which gives me a huge range, albeit not quite enough at the top end.

I found V brakes to be incredibly easy to work on.   Cantilevers can be a proper nightmare, and require a lot more finesing and adjustment.  Some people are not that mechanically competent, and if they cannot even hook up their V brakes, think what happens when their disks go iffy.

And cheap disks will go wrong wrong very quickly.

Agreed. V brakes easy but need checking every month. Serviced many friends' and neighbours' V brakes - new cables, housings, pads, and, most of all, simply spinning the adjustment nuts at the brake lever and pulling cable about 1cm through the fixing at the brake. Cable stretch and pad wear leads to loosening in the hooks then to popping out. Maybe 3 minutes to turn death trap into safe bike. 

Yes, discs especially hydro are good for hybrids. Whereas v-brakes are the absolute worst, as mentioned in the article. My kids were messing around with two neighbouring kids the other day, and those kids asked me to look at their bikes. Both bikes had one completely unhooked v-brake.

V-brakes only work well with frequent maintenance with the end result that on unloved bikes they very soon competely cease to work.

Implies parents couldn't care less about their children. Bought bikes, forgot about them. Harsh reality of family life nowadays. And they will squawk "I love my kids" and smash into anyone who hints at criticism no matter how politely suggested

Good God y'all!

What are they good for?

Well, urban riding, mostly. Short commutes and carrying a bit of shopping, if you fit a rack.

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Hello. I like my moto!

All these hybrids still with double chainsets, what's that about. I'm not massively into the 1-x thing but a commuting hybrid is really the ideal vehicle for the simplicity of a single chainring drivetrain. As obliquely alluded to in the article, no-one can be bothered doing much maintenance on a bike for office/shops/pub so anything that keeps it simple is to be welcomed.

And still worse than 10 years ago for same money, latest crop are low specced fat bloaters, specialized have done the full carbon hybrid long before.

A Globe Pro 2007, rrp £799, 2kg lighter than the Cube SL and the Cannondale 'quick' which was given only 3.5 stars and weighed a ridiculous 23lb according to Steve Worland

The 2007 spec shames that of the so called hybrid 2.0 

Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium trekking design frame, fully manipulated tubing, FACT carbon seat stays w/ Zertz inserts, fender and rack braze-ons Specialized FACT carbon fork, Zertz inserts Specialized OS carbon XC rise bar Shimano M-761 Deore XT rear derailleur

Shimano SL-780 XT Specialized Globe rims, double wall w/ machine sidewalls and eyelets Specialized Pavé seatpost, FACT carbon w/ Zertz inserts

Brakes Avid SD-7R

BehindTheBikesheds wrote: And still worse than 10 years ago for same money, latest crop are low specced fat bloaters, specialized have done the full carbon hybrid long before. A Globe Pro 2007, rrp £799, 2kg lighter than the Cube SL and the Cannondale 'quick' which was given only 3.5 stars and weighed a ridiculous 23lb according to Steve Worland

The Globe Pro looks like a good bike - very nice do-it-all at 9kg if it was - but if I was planning more road based and not going more off-road/camping/bike-packing i'd probably go for the Cube SL myself.. looks cracking, decent spec, M315s and the Globe is (was)  >25% more expensive. Each to their own

fukawitribe wrote: BehindTheBikesheds wrote: And still worse than 10 years ago for same money, latest crop are low specced fat bloaters, specialized have done the full carbon hybrid long before. A Globe Pro 2007, rrp £799, 2kg lighter than the Cube SL and the Cannondale 'quick' which was given only 3.5 stars and weighed a ridiculous 23lb according to Steve Worland

The top spec Globe RRP was the same as the Cube SL, Evans ended up flogging them for around £550, for XT level plus carbon post, S-Works OS bars, carbon forks and stays, basically massively greater value even taking inflation into account. I bought a 50 mile used minter for £240 in 2008.

More road based, well the 'pro' is a 130mm OLN frame, I've gone climbing in the Alps, commuted, toured, audax and done fast rides at the weekend in all sorts of conditions, the limiting factor is the rider plus tyre/wheel choice, certainly not the frameset.

The versatility of the frame pursuaded me to find another (Although it's just the expert) and I converted it to drops. If I could only have one bike this would be it. It isn't much to look at but it handles great and has more flexibility in use than all the hybrids here and pretty much all the gravel bikes you'll find in the shops.

I just see what's on show with the hybrid 2.0 tag as retrograde to what we've had before, even the Cannondale carbon is a porker, Spesh did their Sirrus Carbon Pro Ltd back in 2008, I bought a NOS 2009 version with V pegs last year (the earlier models had caliper mounts IIRC),  these were made of FACT 9M, a 2-300g sacrifice in weight over the road going carbon layup but a far more robust frameset. I've just built it up and for £800 I've got a sub 8kg hybrid that makes the Cannondale look like a rip off

dscf7061.jpg

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:   The top spec Globe RRP was the same as the Cube SL, Evans ended up flogging them for around £550, for XT level plus carbon post, S-Works OS bars, carbon forks and stays means massively greater value even taking inflation nto account.

If it was £ 799 in 2007 then that's about £ 1,100 now. It has some great parts on there for sure, in particular the mechs, and if they're worth the extra for you then great - and some aren't so brilliant (Speed Dials vs M315s - nice but nowhere near as good IMO) but "massively greater" ?... sounds rather Trump-esque ...

I had a Boardman Hybrid Comp for several years but had to replace the drivetrain twice because of wear. This wasn't the fault of the bike or the components, but a combination of a rather crappy commute and myself perhaps not being as attentive as I could be .

However, when I replaced the Boardman a couple of years back I got a Genesis Day One with an 8 speed Alfine hub which has proven far more suited to the rigours of my back-roads commute. Granted, getting the rear wheel out to fix a flat isn't straightforward, so I converted to tubeless last Autumn and now run Clement Strada USH's. So far so good.

When the time comes I would definitely look for another hub-geared commuter. Yes there's a weight penaly compared to rigs with derailleur gears, but in my experience the pro's (ease of use, less maintenance, lower running costs) far outweigh the cons.

I have a Specialized Crosstrail Elite for my short daily commute and it has been perfect for urban cycling.  As the article says, upright riding position gives superb visibility, flat bars give great comtrol, especially at low speed, good gear range to get moving quickly and keep up with the traffic, disc brakes stop me on a sixpence etc.

I'm fairly new to cycling (as an adult, anyway) and although I now have two other bikes (a Vitus Zenium and a Dawes Galaxy) there's something about the Spesh that just feels 'ride-able'.  It may be because I simply use it more often than the other two and am more familiar with it but a hybrid is a great 'go to' bike and I love its versatility.

Ha! I have a Specialise Globe with Nexus gears for communting and hauling around the kids (used to have one seat in front and another in the back). These days I just have a dutch seat for kids up to 32kg in the back. The bike weighs now 20 kgs. That is a real training bike at my commute every day!

With mudguards, full chain guard, big bag in front, 42 mm tyres and this 5kg seat in the back feels like a truck. On weekends I then feel like flying on my 10 kg Gravel bike...

Few months past I was confused when I started for my office. I saw some of my colleagues came to office riding bicycle. It looked like fashion. When I got a motivational mail from one of our colleagues, it became clear to me. It was a part of an exercise and a comfort journey to the nearby places.

I decided to buy a bicycle, but a question arose where could I buy my bike and what type it would be.

One of my colleagues suggested for hybrid bikes. I didn't have direct knowledge about bikes. Finally, I got a hybrid bike "Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike" for me. At first, I was amused that I have a bike at all. But afterward, I was very much pleased riding the bike. It has SR Suntour suspension fork with spring system which always supports me from heavy stress.

Not only that it has Promax alloy linear pull brakes, a strong braking system that enables to stop the bike instantly.

So I'm so happy for the hybrid bikes.

I managed to kill my first set of brake pads (in 15 years of using disc brakes) just a couple of weekends back. It was sunny so I decided to do my post winter strip down on my mtb / commuter. I have always taken a somewhat cavalier attitude to the brake pads themselves, just throw them in the degreaser with everything else, wash them off in soapy water and refit. Occasionaly I have had to work them over with a scouring pad or a bit of rough wet and dry, same for the discs to remove any glazing.

This time however they refused to work properly and started to howl like Justin Bieber with his testicles in a vice and when I took them out the surface had glazed after only a few rides. I guess I must have really contaminated them in the dirty degreaser. But as they were pretty much worn out I replaced them with these cheapo Clarks pads from Amazon.

Clarks Organic Disc Brake Pads for Shimano Deore Br-M515/M475/M525/M465/M495, Tektro Auriga Comp./Dracom Moto Aquila/HDC-300/Mota 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005PVLIJQ/ref=pe_1909131_77697001_tnp_email...

I figured at this price I could afford to give them a go and chuck them if they were no good.

Have to say that so far they bedded in very quickly, are utterly silent and they even came with their own retainer / spring which appears to be a little bit more powerful than the original at pushing them back from the disc.

I'm no expert, but my understanding was that brakes only howl when something in the system is able to resonate. Assuming that the problem is not a contaminated disc / pad interface, a bit of copper slip grease between the piston and the back of the disc pad is supposed to be very effective, though obviously use sparingly to prevent contamination of the braking surface.

Discs are perfect for urban commuting, I like to think that I can pretty much keep up with the flow of traffic, and as a result if all the other vehicles are able to stop on a dime, then I need to be able to do so as well, in all weathers.

Quote: Disc brakes are the development that really ushered in hybrid 2.0. Since hybrids get used around town a lot, they need brakes that are affected as little as possible by the weather, and immune to the effects of a wheel getting dented or knocked out of true.

I'm beginning to suspect that for a lot of people, disc brakes are fundamentally UN-suited to town and commute use, especially when it's wet.

I've just spent £20 on one set of SRAM sintered pads to see if they offer any improvement on the stock pads that came with my mountainbike (a Trek Superfly, which converted into a fantastic long low and fast commuter incidentally). Currently the braking in the wet is screechy, howly and juddery. The mechanics in the local shop tried all the usual excuses (contaminated? nope. Glazed? nope. out of adjustment? nope) before shrugging their shoulders and admitting that 50% of their working day now seems to be devoted to trying to de-squeek disc brakes.

I think someone needs to develop a system that still works in cold, wet conditions with infrequent stops from slow speed, as I think most disc brakes still hark back to the downhill mountainbike days and are developed for scrubbing off lots of speed in short bursts.

Perhaps these new pads will prove me wrong, fingers crossed!

IanEdward wrote: Quote: Disc brakes are the development that really ushered in hybrid 2.0. Since hybrids get used around town a lot, they need brakes that are affected as little as possible by the weather, and immune to the effects of a wheel getting dented or knocked out of true.

Funny how my disc brakes work effectively and silently in all conditions. The only sound I get is the 'tinkling' from the drilled front disc when the brake is applied (motorcycle disc brakes do this too). I like a lot of front brake, probably because of my motorcycling background, which is why my Cube commuter runs a 203mm disc.  Stops on a sixpence.   

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• Sports & leisure

Best hybrid bikes 2023: Take on tarmac, trails and beyond

• Nick Harris-Fry
• Joseph Delves

Need to commute to the office or want to explore at the weekend? We round up the best hybrid bikes for commuting and leisure use

If you’re looking to swap the car or public transport for something healthier, a hybrid is almost certainly the style of bike you’re after. Comfortable and versatile, the best hybrid bikes are able to take on terrain from tarmac and canal paths to light off-road sections. Generally upright and comfortable, they will have a broad enough spread of gears to carry you and your kit up steep hills. Fittings for racks and mudguards also mean they’re both practical and adaptable.

However, while all hybrids have certain features in common, there are many different styles to pick from – along with an equally wide variety of different price points. With that in mind, here’s our guide to choosing the best hybrid bike.

Best hybrid bikes: At a glance

• Best all-round hybrid: Trek FX 2 Disc | £549
• Best value: Decathlon Riverside 500 | £300
• Best all-rounder: Giant Escape 2 Disk | £599  

How to choose the best hybrid bike for you

As they’re so versatile, it’s hard to go wrong when picking a hybrid. Still, it helps to ask a few critical questions about how you’ll use it. Will most rides be long or short? Are you quite sporty, or do you enjoy taking in the scenery at a sedate pace? Where will you ride, on-road, off-road, or a mix of both?

Match your answers to the bike’s features. Longer and faster rides will benefit from a light bike with slick tyres. Alternatively, off-road expeditions require chunkier and heavier tyres for better grip. Upright bikes are easy on your back and great for safely navigating traffic, but can be slower compared to those with lower handlebars. If you can, try a few different styles and see what feels best.

Which features should I look out for?

Frame material: Aluminium is ubiquitous as it’s affordable and lightweight. Carbon fibre is lighter and can be engineered into complex shapes to fine-tune the ride of the bicycle. However, it’s very expensive. Traditional steel frames are heaviest, but tend to be comfortable and will last decades.

Tyres: Thin tyres with minimal tread are speedy on smooth tarmac but slippery and bumpy on gravel or cobbles. The rougher the terrain, the wider and grippier you need your tyres to be. Look out for models with extra puncture protection too.

Brakes: Disc brakes are best as they’re more powerful and reliable than other styles, especially in the rain. They’ll also help your rims last longer. However, they’re heavier and more expensive.

Extras: After a week or two of riding in the rain or carrying a backpack, you’ll wish your bike had mudguards and a rack. If these aren’t included on your bike, you may want to factor in their cost too.

How much do I need to spend?

Hybrid bikes are intended as practical daily rides, so you don’t need to spend crazy money. £400-500 will get you a high-quality machine that will withstand everyday use and, with conscientious servicing, should last indefinitely. As you spend more, you’ll find increasingly robust parts, more features, exotic frame materials, and lower overall weights.

Once you hit around £1,000, you can expect to see technology borrowed from specialist racing bikes. These bikes can be exceptionally fast. Alternatively, you may find more practical touches like in-built lighting and ultra-durable hub gears. If you have an even bigger budget, then consider whether specialist touring or road bikes might fit the bill.

READ NEXT: Best road bike

The best hybrid bikes you can buy in 2023

1. trek fx 2 disc: best all-round hybrid.

That said, its moderately slick 35c tyres and low weight means it’s perfectly balanced for medium distance commutes. A notch or two above the entry-level, its big selling point is its superbly reliable and powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Adding confidence when stopping, they will also cut down overall maintenance.

Other mechanical parts on the bike are pretty traditional. Its 3×9-speed gearing means you have an enormous range of gears to pick from but it is slightly more fiddly than the single-chainring drivetrains, which are increasingly popular.

Still, with very comfortable grips and saddle, this latest version of the long-running FX range is likely to be a hit with the vast majority of riders.

Key features – Wheel size: 700 x 35c; Weight: 11.7kg; Frame material: Aluminium; Gears: 3 x 9; Extras: N/A

Check price at Evans Cycles

2. Decathlon Riverside 500: Best entry-level hybrid

But it’s not just low cost that sets it apart. The bike’s design is great too. This is manifest in features like the kinked top tube on its lightweight aluminium frame. Putting more space between it and your delicate bits, this makes hopping on and off easy and increases rider confidence.

The Riverside’s parts list also scores a series of hits. These include powerful and low maintenance disc brakes, simple and sequential 9-speed gearing, plus a suspension fork and wide semi-slick tyres for multi-surface escapades.

The ride position is upright and comfortable, while its ability to ride on most terrain doesn’t make it too slow when used on the road. Cheap and nicely balanced, it’s a great multi-purpose introduction to cycling.

Key features – Wheel size: 700 x 38c; Weight: 14.1kg; Frame material: Aluminium; Gears: 1 x 9; Extras: Suspension fork

Check price at Decathlon

3. Giant Escape 2 Disc: Best hybrid for all-round value

Upright to ride and with a broad range of gears, it’s eminently easy to get along with. Based around an aluminium frame and fork, both are lighter and better finished than you’d expect given the price, while the brand’s D-fuse seatpost further boosts the bike’s ability to smooth out bumps.

Equipped with all the standard mounting points for racks and mudguards, the Escape is a bike ready to be adapted as you see fit. This extends to the tyres – with 38c models fitted as standard, it will also take treads up to 45c if you fancy heading off-road.

Made by the appropriately huge Giant bicycle corporation, its buying power means the Escape benefits from competitive pricing relative to its rivals.

Key features – Wheel size: 700 x 38c; Weight: Unlisted; Frame material: Aluminium; Gears: 7 x 3; Extras: N/A

Check price at Tredz

4. Specialized Sirrus 1.0: Best hybrid for zippy handling

Like many bikes, it’s been subject to a degree of price inflation in recent years. At this entry-level price point, this has seen the latest Sirrus swap from Shimano to Microshift for its gearing.

It now also occupies a spot in the market where it’s competing with disc brake-equipped bikes. So how come it’s still on our list? For one thing, it’s still in stock.

Less facetiously, it has an excellent aluminium frame going for it. Plus, Specialized’s own Body Geometry grips and saddle are likely to prove comfortable. Its tyres are also relatively puncture-resistant, while its road-going manners are pleasing too. All in, it does just enough for it to warrant your consideration.

Key features – Wheel size: 700 x 32c; Weight: 12.3kg; Frame material: Aluminium; Gears: 2 x 7; Extras: N/A

5. Kona Dew: Best hybrid for radical riding

Low-slung, somewhat upright, and employing a short stem, the Dew’s design owes a substantial debt to modern mountain-bike geometry while also taking cues from the bikepacking genre. Comfy to sit on all day, this also means there are plenty of extra mounting points for luggage of all kinds.

Ride it into town, or escape into the hills. Its lightweight aluminium frame looks rad done up with matte paint, perfectly matching the equally cool tan-wall tyres. All in, it’s a bike that’s pretty, practical, and a ton of fun.

Key features – Wheel size: 650 x 47c; Weight: 14.8 kg; Frame material: Aluminium; Gears: 2 x 8; Extras:  N/A

Check price at Winstanleys Bikes

6. Boardman URB 8.6: Best value hub-gear hybrid

Equally low maintenance are the bike’s powerful Tektro HD-R310 disc brakes. Hydraulic rather than cable-operated, they’re great to see given the cost. Looking very mean in its all-black livery, the bike also rolls on fast 32c Vittoria Zaffiro tyres. Combined with low overall weight, this makes the URB 8.6 seriously rapid on smoother surfaces.

Key features – Wheel size: 700 x 32c; Weight: 11kg; Frame material: Aluminium; Gears: 3; Extras: Hub gearing

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

(descending)

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

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Carrera subway 2 vs Boardman HYB 8.6

• Thread starter Ralphy9207
• Start date 17 Apr 2020
• 17 Apr 2020

Hi guys, Looking to get a new bike to use as a form of exercise. It’s mainly just for leisure which I’ll be using a couple times a week max. A close relative of mine sells bikes and has offered me mates rates for the following two bikes (new) Carrera subway 2 - £250 Boardman HYB 8.6 - £370 Which one would you recommend? The bike won’t be used extensively hence do you think it’s better to settle for the Carrera? Will I notice a big difference in the ride between both of them? thanks in advance  

Legendary Member

The Subway is likely rather heavier But try them out for yourself  

Über Member

• 18 Apr 2020

Itching to get back on my bike's

@Ralphy9207 welcome aboard Go and try them both and see which one you prefer Is he offering the warranty as well ? Have a look at Decathlon as well  

The Carrera is 27.5" wheels, the Boardman 700c. Carrera will accommodate up to 2.25" (56mm) wide tyres, the Boardman only 28mm. Carrera is 3x9 (27 gears) drivetrain, Boardman is 2x9. You'll notice the difference in very hilly terrain. The Boardman is lighter* and has better quality components. Both bikes can be easily upgraded should you so choose. *For recreational/social riding, lighter isn't always better - the ride can feel harsher especially on the narrower tyres. Carrera has rack and mudguard bosses, Boardman doesn't. The Boardman will probably hold its value better for resale. The Carrera is tough as old boots. I have a Carrera.  

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