Sports Hybrids
Versatile and Sporty

AKA: Hybrids, Sports Utility Bikes, Trekking Bikes, Cross Bikes

Ridgeback Supernova £499.99

A sports hybrid is essentially a cross between a mountain bike and a touring bike, or the kind of sports tourer (10 speed "racers") that people used to ride in the 70s and 80s. It basically looks like a mountain bike with bigger skinnier wheels. Thus it has derailleur gears with at least 21 speeds, the same kind of straight, or slightly swept bars as an MTB, but with the larger diameter (700c) wheels that are found on trekking hybrids and touring bikes.

Pros
With a sloping crossbar and a lack of mudguards sports hybrids have a contemporary sporty look about them. The frame geometry of most sports hybrids means that the pedals are slightly higher off the ground than other road bikes. This gives them greater ground clearance for off road riding. Mountain bike bars also give more positive and precise steering, which is another benefit when riding off road. 700c wheels are a distinct advantage for a bike that's ridden mostly on road however, whilst the tyres are thick enough to provide sufficient off road comfort - especially with suspension. You will get slightly better quality transmission and controls for a given amount of money than a similarly priced trekking hybrid, as sports hybrids come without racks, mudguards and other accessories. The advantage of this is that if you want to choose your own accessories you can buy the best and not have to settle for the often inferior versions that often come on equipped bikes.

Cons
Those who look for a more upright riding position may find the more forward assertive riding position of sports hybrids a little uncomfortable. Because they are basically sports and leisure bikes, sports hybrids are bare - they lack chainguards, mudguards, racks etc. Some people also inevitably ask why not get a mountain bike fitted with road tyres instead. Perhaps they are best thought of as cheaper, but more versatile touring cycles.

What We Offer

Ridgeback Rapide Series
Ridgeback sports hybrids are deservedly popular. Great looking with understated styling. Rigid forks on all models (carbon at the top end) make for a light and agile ride.

Ridgeback Element £399.99

Ridgeback Motion £199.99
Budget recreational bike with an aluminium frame. 21 speed. Men's and womens's frames available.

Ridgeback Comet £259.99
Aluminium frame, adjustable handlebar stem with 24 speed Shimano Altus groupset. Available in women's frame also.

Ridgeback Velocity £299.99
Sleek looking sporty bike with matt black XC bars bars and suspension seatpost. Shimano 24 speed Acera. Available in a women's frame also.

Ridgeback Element £399.99
Superior machine with carbon fibre fork and seatpost and Shimano 24 speed Alivio gears.

Ridgeback Supernova £499.99
Very popular bike in smart gloss white and black double butted aluminium frame with carbon fork and seatpost, 27 speed Deore groupset, Shimano Rapidfire shifters, double section alloy rims and crisp Shimano V brakes.

For all the pictures, and a full specification follow this link to the Ridgeback Website.

Scott Sportster Series

Scott Sportster P3 £449.99

Scott sports hybrids have great styling and hence are very popular too. They all come with front suspension except the P6. The P1 features hydraulic disc brakes. The P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6 are also available in open (women's) frames including smaller sizes. The prices are set out below.

For all the pictures, and a full specification follow this link to the Scott website.

To arrange a test ride, or for more information, email us on info@cycle-heaven.co.uk
or phone 01904 636578.

For something more suited to incessant day to day use:

If you want to get your head down and ride much longer distances:

If you want something more comfort oriented:

If you want something more suitable for off road riding: