A hybrid bike is one of those bicycles that offers cycling in multiple road conditions. You can use your hybrid as a road bike for commuting around town.
Then you can use it as an MTB on rocky trails. But not all hybrid bikes come with suspension forks.
But the modern hybrid bike these days comes with front suspension, but it can impact how you ride.
Hybrid Bike With Suspension
To answer the question, a hybrid bike you can buy with or without suspension. The truth is that not all hybrid bikes are the same and each offer you vast features. When looking for mountain bikes like hybrid bicycles, it does not necessarily mean they need suspension.
The only time it needs some suspension depends if you need a comfortable ride. If you cycle paved roads compared to trails requiring off-road bikes, having suspension is worthless. If you use the hybrid bike to its full potential on and off-road, you need suspension bikes.
Suspension forks add weight on road bicycles, and a hybrid is a lighter bike without one. Still, what if your hybrid bike does not have it, and you cycle through bumps on the road. Well, then you rely on your tire pressure.
The hybrid tire is wider than a road bicycle and thinner than a mountain bike tire. In addition, the low air pressure allows for shock absorption from bumps on most terrains. Yet, you can find many hybrid bikes, mainly with a front suspension fork.
You can use it for road cycling to a mountain bike for dirt trails. Still, choosing the type of suspension on your hybrid depends on what you are riding.
Types of Hybrid Bike/Mountain Bike Suspension
When traveling smooth roads, you do not face any shock from the road, but if you plan to take long rides from paved paths to dirt roads, a suspension can help. Here are some popular suspensions you can find in a hybrid.
Front Suspension Fork
It is a standard system found on most hybrids and has shock absorbers in the front fork. It tackles those off-road bumps well. The hybrid bike is similar to your hardtail, but the big difference is how it handles your riding weight. With this MTB, your weight is supported by the front fork’s cranks and pedals.
Hardtails
It is a simple bike without recess between the handlebars, wheels, or seat. You can use them on smooth trails, but they become difficult to manoeuvre over bumpy roads and obstacles. The crank and pedals support your weights.
Full-Suspension Bike
The bicycle has a suspension seat post to provide comfort over rough terrains and helps support you when dealing with small bumps or cycling smooth routes.
Dual Suspension
With the dual suspension, you get comfort in the front wheel and rear fork. The forks balance your weight and help absorb shock to enjoy a smooth ride on rough terrain. Still, these bikes add unnecessary weight, and they are very demanding to ride.
Hybrid Bicycle Features
The hybrid is a perfect blend of road and mountain bike’s all put into one. The best part is that you can customize your bike to suit your needs by changing minor things.
Swap the Flat Handlebars
The hybrid handlebars are flat for a speedy ride and comfortable for commuters for upright position riding. It is also ideal for sprinting, but you can swap them out with drop bars if you want to.
Aluminum Frame
The frame is lightweight and slender, with added steel reinforcement at specific points. Hence, you can use it for extended rides, and the bike feels free of stiffness, leaving you without aching joints.
The Choice of Tires
The tires you use depend on your needs when speeding or riding rough terrains. If you want to move fast on a constructed road, you can use sleek yet slightly wider tires. To absorb shocks on rugged trails, then only go with wide tires.
The Choice of the Brakes
Depending on the terrain you ride and how you brake, you can find V-brakes similar on road bikes, or the hybrid bike can have disc brakes for optimal braking power.
A Few Reasons Why to Use Suspension
If you want a comfortable cycle, then in such a case, it is a legitimate answer to buy a hybrid bike with the added feature. It also helps heavier riders. Furthermore, if you plan to cycle through rugged terrains, having one is a must as it can make handling easier. So, there is no right or wrong answer if you want one.
