Hybrid bikes vs City bikes. Which should you choose?

Whether you are interested in taking up cycling as a new hobby or want to make the switch to two wheels for your daily commute, hybrid and city bikes cover an array of different types of bicycles. This makes choosing the most appropriate option for you a tricky decision. Read on to find out more about some of the key features of hybrid and city bikes whether you´re considering recreational cycling, training or commuting!

City bikes are designed for urban mobility ease, whether you’re commuting to work or heading to the grocery store they will be the perfect companion on the city streets. They usually include fenders (mudguards), luggage racks and low maintenance parts as standard, and in some cases integrated lights. These extra features can add some weight but, as an upside, generally city bikes are built a bit tougher to withstand life on the streets. The geometry of a city bike is also focussed on delivering a combination of comfort and visibility as well as excellent manoeuvrability, to aid you in negotiating busy roads and junctions as confidently as possible.

Hybrid bikes have recently undergone immense change. Lightweight variants with relatively smooth and narrow tyres are perfect for you if you’re predominantly using road. Being very efficient to pedal, hybrids are ideal for covering longer distances. Flat handlebars offer improved comfort and visibility over a road bike. Usually featuring an alloy or carbon frame, their low weight makes them a cinch to carry. This is a very useful attribute if storing the bike at home or work involves a staircase or two.

When making the decision on whether to select a hybrid bike or a city bike, the most important thing to consider is the intended use. If you're planning on cycling to work in the city, running errands, or exploring the urban environment on two wheels, then a city bike would make a great choice.

On the other hand, those that wish to venture a little further afield should consider a hybrid bike. Hybrids are still an everyday bike, but they'll go the extra mile to where a city bike might not. If you're a weekday commuter who enjoys escaping the city at the weekend, then a hybrid would be the perfect choice. It will be just as at home on the city bike paths as it is on light gravel roads or canal paths.

Hybrid bikes combine features from both road, mountain, and touring bikes to create something that performs equally well on multiple surfaces. They draw on the strength and robust nature of both mountain and touring bikes and merge this with the sleek, aero nature of a road bike. It's in the combining of these features that produces a bike that performs well on varied terrain.

Also known as urban or commuter bikes, city bikes come designed for short-distance commutes and inner-city riding. City bikes incorporate many of the features of hybrid bikes and pair this with features that make moving around the city much easier.

City bikes target those who want to commute or complete daily journeys with ease. They are equipped with flat-styled handlebars and almost all models come complete with mudguards, chain guards, lights, and integrated pannier racks for luggage or shopping.

Where traditional city bike designs had minimal gearing, modern urban designs incorporate efficient drivetrains and wide ranges of gearing so riders are prepared for the hilliest of city streets.

With the collective shift toward greener and cleaner urban environments, we've stepped up to the challenge. To meet evolving urban needs, our lines of hybrid and city bikes strive to meet modern demands, whether you are thinking of making the switch to two wheels or just want to explore the city and find new places to ride.

Our Commuters feature sleek, functional designs in a series of fully-equipped commuting bikes to navigate the urban streets in style.

Built for all-weather performance, selected models come complete with integrated Supernova lights and puncture-resistant fast-rolling tyres, along with disc brakes, and panniers. They also include a belt drive system with internal hub gearing that makes them the perfect, low-maintenance urban companion.

At Canyon, we've taken the hybrid concept to new levels with impressive lines that extend the limits of how far you can go off-road. Our hybrid bikes incorporate three ranges and include our Pathlite, Pathlite:ON, Roadlite, and Roadlite:ON models.

The Canyon Pathlite range is the perfect entry-level hybrid if you’re thinking of venturing on to some light off-road terrain, not just tarmac. Designed for agility, speed, and comfort, it comes with a lightweight aluminium frame, internal cable routing, front suspension, and disc brakes.

Geared for speed, the stylish Canyon Roadlite range comes available in both aluminium and carbon options. Each model is complete with hydraulic disc brakes and streamlined internal cable routing.

Finally, Canyon's Roadlite:ON range offers you the chance to ride further, faster and conquer hills and routes you may have previously dismissed. Complete with a 250 Wh motor courtesy of Fazua, the Roadlite:ON will keep you coasting at a steady 25kph while still offering the supreme versatility and lightweight option of classic hybrids. What’s more the ingenious design from Fazua means you can remove the battery and motor system to reduce the weight and your ebike turns in to a lightweight conventional hybrid.