What are the differences between hybrid bikes and road bikes? This is one of the most commonly asked questions by many bikers.

Finding the right bike which suits your needs is often a difficult task. Regardless of whether you would like to get to work, get in shape or simply venture into the mountains, you will find the hybrid bike to be the best tool for that.

Road biking, on the other hand, can be an enjoyable way to boost your fitness level. In addition, it offers speed and efficiency.

If you are wondering whether to pick a hybrid bike or a road bike, just continue reading this guide to find out the differences between each type so you find the best one for your needs.
<h2>What is a Hybrid Bike?</h2>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">A hybrid bike, as the name suggests, is a combination of a road bicycle and a mountain bicycle.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">It can be described as a multi-purpose bike that is well suited for riding on different types of terrains. These bikes are most commonly used for commuting, leisure rides or going to the light bike trails.</p>

<h2>What is a Road Bike?</h2>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Just as the name implies, these types of bikes are made for riding on roads which are surfaced with tarmac, concrete, etc.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">They are lightweight and have thin tires which are designed to achieve maximum possible speed with minimum effort.</p>
After this brief introduction to each type of bike, we will now dig deeper into the features of both of these types of bikes to fully understand their difference.
<h2>The frame and Geometry</h2>
The frame material used in both, hybrid as well as road bikes, is almost the same.

Aluminum or carbon is the most common materials but you will find that hybrid bikes are mainly made of aluminum.

Aluminum is much lower in price compared to carbon so in order to keep the prices low for hybrids, the manufacturers normally use aluminum.

Road bikes come in an extra lightweight frame and have dropped handlebars. This makes them ideal to ride on paved roads.

The overall geometry of road bike puts the rider in a more aggressive leaning forward stance. Also, the frame of a road bike is much lighter than any other type of bike.

<a href="http://besthybridbike-reviews.com/top-10-hybrid-bikes/">Good quality hybrid bicycles</a> differ in their overall design and the size of the frame. They tend to be much smaller, making them ideal to take them over rough terrains.
<h2>Tires</h2>
Almost all hybrid bikes come with 700c rim size which is considered to be the standard size.

The width of tires is much thicker than the road bike but not as wide as the mountain bike. The width of hybrid tires is designed for paved roads as well as for light mountain bike paths.

The road bike tires are quite thin with a smooth tread. They are designed to give you speed and traction.

In addition, the rims are extremely lightweight to give you those extra seconds in a race and make your bike responsive.
<h2>Body Weight</h2>
Road bikes are generally designed for long-distance rides whereas the hybrid bikes are suitable for commuting and leisure rides.

When riding a hybrid bike, the weight of the body is mainly on the seat and you sit upright in a comfortable position.

However, in the case of a road bike, the body weight gets distributed in such a way that it provides balance to the entire body bending forward.

This is designed such for the racers so their body can achieve a lot more pressure for speed and efficiency.
<h2>Performance</h2>
Road bicycles are ideal for racing or simply having a good time on the road.

These bikes are designed to get maximum efficiency as well as speed. Due to their geometry, the body weight of the rider is distributed evenly, which provides a perfect riding position.

Road bikes perform very well as long as you stay on the paved roads. Hybrid bicycles, on the other hand, offer you the best of the mountain as well as road bikes. They allow for both on and off the road bike riding experience.
<h2>Handlebar</h2>
The flat handlebars in a hybrid bike put the rider in a comfortable upright position. This prevents you from any stress on the back, shoulders and arms.

Moreover, a lot of hybrid bikes come with an adjustable stem to further adjust the position of the handlebar.

The road bikes are fitted with drop-down handlebars. This puts the rider in a very sporty stance and you can hold the handlebar in any of the 3 different positions to suit your comfort level.
<h2>Gears</h2>
Typically, a hybrid bike will come with a lot more gear options as compared to a road bike.

Hybrids are usually fitted with triple chainrings, similar to what you may find in a mountain bike. This means you will have the freedom to ride up any steep hill.

The road bikes do come with gears as well, but not as many options as in the hybrid bike. It is so because of the fact that the road bike is normally ridden on paved and straight roads where the gearing is not needed so much.
<h2>Weight of the Bike</h2>
Hybrid bikes are a little heavier than the drop bar road bikes. For that reason, the road bikes are usually more responsive, specifically on curves and tighter turns.

Also, the road bikes have to be lightweight because it affects their performance during the racing on tours.
<h2>Hand Position</h2>
During those long distance rides, it is good to have the option of a range of positions for the hands. This is one of the reasons why some people prefer the drop handlebars of a road bike. However, the hybrid bikes don't offer this choice of positions.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
In conclusion, the road bikes are appealing for those users that look for speed and stamina during long-distance rides.

The geometry of the road bike coupled with its lightweight design permits efficiency and higher speed. In addition, the forward leaning riding position due to its dropped handlebars helps to gain speed as well as efficiency on the road.

Hybrid bikes, on the other hand, offer you the best of both worlds, a perfect combination of features from a road bike and mountain bike.

Additionally, hybrids are available in designs that especially attract people who like to use a bike for commuting, going for casual rides in the town or for fitness.