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Hybrid bikes are sometimes known as fitness bikes. They are ideal for commuting as they blend the benefits of road bikes with those of mountain bikes. This makes them comfortable and fast! If you’re looking for the best hybrid bikes in Australia, our buyers’ guide will help. Whether you’re seeking cheap hybrid bikes, the best hybrid bikes for women, or a men’s hybrid bike, read on.
Reading the best hybrid bikes under $500 can help you.
2022 Marin Larkspur CS1 Hybrid Bike
If you’re looking for great overall performance and value, the 2022 Marin Larkspur CS1 is a great choice. Perfectly suited for urban commuting and social riding, this bike is versatile and high-performing.
Read Our Best Hybrid Bike Reviews In Australia For 2022
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2022 Marin Larkspur CS1 Hybrid Bike |
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2022 Marin Kentfield CS1 – Hybrid Bike |
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2021 Polygon Heist X7 – Hybrid Bike |
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Are you ready to find the best hybrid bike in Australia? Then read our top 3 reviews.
1. 2022 Marin Larkspur CS1 Hybrid Bike – Best Overall
Specifications
27.4 x 2.35” tyres
- Plush saddle
- Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes
- MicroSHIFT Advent 10x speed wide-range drivetrain
If you’re looking for great overall performance and value, the 2022 Marin Larkspur CS1 is a great choice. Perfectly suited for urban commuting and social riding, this bike is versatile and high-performing.
The Larkspur has powerful disc brakes which ensure effective stopping in all weather. These hydraulic disc brakes are virtually maintenance-free as they have no cables. This makes them a long-lasting choice.
The steel fork and frame are highly durable and robust. It can cope easily with everyday use without excessive wear and tear. Equipped with full rack and fender mounts, this bike is compatible with baby seats and luggage racks.
If you’re looking for a great overall choice, the Marin Larkspur is ideal. Durable, powerful, and versatile, it offers outstanding value. It could well be the best hybrid bike under $1000 in Australia.
2. 2022 Marin Kentfield CS1 – Hybrid Bike – Best On A Budget
Specifications
Aluminium frame
- Shimano Altus/Tourney 1 x 7 speed drivetrain
- 700 x 40 flat protection tyres
- Power CX7 mechanical disc brakes
If you’re looking for an affordable hybrid bike, the Marin Kentfield CS1 is ideal. Featuring an aluminium frame, the Kentfield has many excellent details.
The 700c wheels are suited for use on all kinds of surfaces while the disc brakes ensure outstanding stopping power. This bike also comes with rack and fender eyelets for mounting luggage racks or baby seats. This allows for excellent versatility as to the use of the bike.
The hybrid upright seated geometry makes this bike very comfortable to use. It boasts all of a pavement bike’s efficiency with the comfort of a mountain bike’s seat position.
Inspired by mountain bike technology, this bike also has a wide range of 1x drivetrain. This ensures stability, comfort and performance all at an affordable price.
With its retro-modern style, this great value bike is ideal for anyone on a budget.
3. 2021 Polygon Heist X7 – Hybrid Bike – Best For Performance
Specifications
700 x 45c tyres
- 700c aluminium frame
- Shimano SLX M7000 1 x 11 speed drivetrain
- Shimano MT401 hydraulic disc brakes
If performance is your goal, the Polygon Heist X7 is an excellent option. One of the best trek hybrid bikes in Australia, it’s versatile enough for long-distance touring and weekend rides.
This bike features semi-knobby tyres for outstanding grip on surfaces. It also has a light front suspension fork which improves rider comfort thanks to its trek-specific design. Thanks to the added lockout lever, it’s possible to maintain efficiency whether riding a steep ascent or paved road.
The 700 x 45c WTB Riddler tyres are versatile enough for road riding as well as cycling on trails. Its drivetrain is also fully optimised giving ample range for all situations. Durable, high-performing and lightweight, this drivetrain is especially efficient on uphill climbs.
The hydraulic Shimano disc brakes deliver outstanding stopping power. Meanwhile, the alloy seat post, stem and bars are lightweight for easier handling. The double wall alloy rimmed wheels add durability and strength and with the internal gear cables, this bike is streamlined.
This is the perfect bike for anyone who wants outstanding versatility, performance and style at a surprisingly affordable price.
The Verdict – Which Hybrid Bikes Do We Recommend?
Although all three of these fantastic hybrid bikes are highly recommended, our top pick is the Polygon Heist X7. Its outstanding versatility takes riders effortlessly from commuting to leisure use. With its lightweight design and excellent performance, it won’t disappoint keen cyclists. It’s certainly a great option for commuting or trekking.
Best Hybrid Bikes In Australia FAQs
Usually, hybrid bikes have the following features:
Flat handlebars
Upright riding positions
700c wheels
Semi-slick or slick tyres
Hybrid bikes come in a range of frame materials (1). Most hybrid bikes have an aluminium frame which is ideal because it is affordable yet lightweight. Often, aluminium frames are paired with carbon forks. This improves the absorption of vibrations at the front of the bike.
More costly hybrids sometimes have carbon fibre frames. This adds up to a more refined ride with excellent comfort and an even lighter weight. Carbon fibre is costly, though, and must be treated carefully. These days, steel framed bikes aren’t common. Although steel is very durable and attractive, it’s fairly heavy. This makes it a less popular choice today than other lighter weight options.
Rim brakes offer a poorer level of performance than disc brakes. Disc brakes ensure better modulation and power. Also, performance will be less impacted by inclement weather.
Most hybrid bikes feature cable-actuated or hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes are lower maintenance and are more effective, but they cost more.
Gears are very important for hybrid bikes (2). Most hybrid bikes have derailleur gears. These shift the chain across cogs on the back wheel. Meanwhile, the front derailleur moves the chain over the crank chainrings. This gives a wider range of gears to pick from although the system can potentially be damaged by the elements.
An internal gear hub is an alternative. Rear hubs have internal gearboxes that provide between 3 and 14 gears. These offer advantages as the system is enclosed and protected from mud and dirt. This means it requires less maintenance.
Sometimes, belt drives are used rather than chains for gear hubs. These use toothed belts which require minimal maintenance when compared with chains.
Hybrid bikes come with three primary types of drivetrain:
Belt drive or internally geared
One by (1x)
Two by (2x)
A belt drive/internally geared drivetrain packages the gears in a rear hub. This reduces the maintenance required and they’re easy to use due to the single lever operation. They’re heavier though, and have a less broad gear range.
One by and two by systems are traditional derailleur and chain operated drivetrains. They differ in the amount of chainrings to the front.
1x drivetrains offer identical or even wider gear ranges as 2x systems. They have clutched rear derailleurs as well as narrow-wide chainrings to keep the chain from coming off. The operation is achieved with one lever. 1x drivetrains cost more and there can be big jumps between gears.
2x drivetrains are more affordable, offering a wider range of gears but requiring more maintenance. Shifting is also more difficult.
Some hybrid bikes feature suspension forks but they are more costly and heavy than rigid forks. They also offer little in terms of effective shock absorption and can seize up over time. Rigid forks are therefore a better choice.
References
- Jason Sumner & Molly Hurford – 28/12/20 – The Differences Between Bike Frame Materials Explained Retrieved from https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a21784287/bike-frame-materials-explained/
- John Stevenson – 14/4/21 – What Are Hybrid Bikes Good For? – retrieved from https://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/what-are-hybrid-bikes-good-195482
