Urban vs Flat bar vs Hybrid Bikes Explained

Recreational bikes are designed for road, fitness, commuting and general use, requiring them to be versatile, durable and comfortable. The most common type of recreational bikes are flat bar road, hybrid and urban bikes, and while they may look the same, all of them have different features that affect their performance, ride characteristics and purpose.

To help highlight the differences in each bike, we have selected some specific examples. For the flat bar road bike, we picked the Merida Speeder 100; a Merida Crossway 100 is our example of a hybrid bike; and the Norco Indie as the chosen example of an urban bike.

A more in-depth guide on the differences between flat bar road, hybrid and urban bikes is available on site.

Leave us a comment below!

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[matof]

Sometimes I start to think that the best explanation of all these bike versions is just one word: Marketing ...

[sweeperdave]

As a bike rider of nearly 60 years, the flat bar road bike is now my favorite. I continue to ride my conventional road bike for long distance and training but my flat bar road bikes (I have three) are far more suited for touring, errands, and traveling within along crowded paths. The subtle differences between the three bikes allow me to fine choice my type of riding if I want dirt roads and paths, riding on pavement with a load, or spirited rides where I attain and stay at a regular road bike pace. None of my flat bars have suspension as I don't see a need. My mountain bike suffices anywhere that a suspended road bike would serve. Unfortunately, these mostly unadorned and less featured bikes don't have the appeal to new riders who would find them the perfect steed. And too many bike shops and manufacturing marketing simply doesn't connect with new and returning riders effectively.

[keithlhiker]

This video is very useful. It covers a great many characteristics about bike and will definitely help people make an inform decision. Many people such as myself can't afford multiple bikes so the initial decision is critical to at least cover the intended purpose.

[JustCallMeHonda]

This video answered all my questions and questions I didn’t even know I had yet about the distinctions between some of these bikes. Very educational and to the point with great footage, great job.

[mutleyeng]

I dont think i would characterise hybrid bikes as only capable of light off road - they can take quite rough terrain, just not severe terrain like a mountain bike

[ubellubo]

Great video. I wish I had seen it earlier.I was looking at two of these bikes today, the Speeder 400 and the Crossway 500 (the Merida Speeder in this video is the 100 but it is pretty much the same by the looks of it). The Crossway was really comfortable to ride, but I ended up going with the Speeder 400 because it was so light and felt faster. I would have liked it if they had shown me an Merida Urban bike. I like the idea of a hub gears because they require less maintenance. Also I don't think really need 22 gears but that is the bike I ended up with. Time will tell if I made the right choice. I will be riding it in some of the same places shown in this video, inner city Melbourne. The only off road bitumen part of my journey is a small stretch through Albert Park. The Crossway would have been ideal for that. But everyone I knew advised against front suspension telling me I didn't need it and that it would reduce performance.

[plamen]

Great info indeed! Well assembled and very pleasant to watch. Thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[peterwilliamson]

Great clip thanks. I had a surplus carbon road bike (Scott CR1) and had it converted to flat bar with mountain bike gearing. I never worry about mb gearing top speed limits since its a commute/hill fitness machine.

[Hegu-]

for light terrain choose something like gravel bike, avoid suspension fork till you ride in really hard rocky terrain or downhill. If not hard fork is MUCH MUCH better, lighter ext.

[jacekicksass]

excellent video. I have just switched from a hybrid to a flat bar and I am very happy with the result. I can ride to work a bit quicker.

[gabithemagyar]

For casual riding I have Raleigh Sport 3 speed I bought in the mid 1980's. Also have a 3 speed Dutch Batavus Favoriet for comfortable riding/shopping. Lastly, I have a Brompton 3 speed folding bike I keep in my trunk in the non-winter months for impromptu cycling. Perfect for my needs :-)

[trudyandgeorge]

This video was great. Thanks very much

[mountainstartemple]

I guess one would have to chose a bike to fit the particular city terrain (even if it's an "urban bike", hilly cities would need gear ratios for easier climbing). Different cities... different bike. I think my next bike will be a hybrid type but with some gears for better hill climbing (road biking with some big hills and town biking and some minor dirt road). My current bike is a cheap mountain one and I replaced the tires with hybrid types (slightly narrower and with raised thinner centre area and some knobby treads on the sides which didn't touch the road but still were pretty good on some dirt trails - only the centre area touched the road) ... wow did those tires make a noticeable difference in rolling speed on road. I like the tires I got better than he ones shown at 2:25

[mirak]

hi, what is a short commute for you ?

[poundtownforever]

I never thought mine was hybrid thanks!

[Sapple]

I have a weird version of the Crossway 100, no suspension, but the gears (3×9) still have a very large range. How easy would it be to replace the handlebar with a drop?

[iunnox]

Dirt roads aren't light trails. A Dual Sport Hybrid can handle a lot more than that, you can go on actual trails, you just can't go as fast on them.

Any bike can be ridden on a dirt road/path with little to no problems. Hell, I've gone on some trails with my flat bar that has slicks on it.

[eli]

What would the Dr. Dew from Kona classify as? It's advertised as an urban bike but has features more akin to a hybrid bike. More like a mix of the two.

[tree_VR_Gliding]

Great information. Thanks for sharing!

[diegomireles]

I have a 2014 Specialized Crosstrail that I use to ride to work and I want to change it for a 2019 Sirrus Elite. Also I want to buy a Trek Fuel EX for recreation.