What is a comfort bike?
Are you getting ready to hit the trails this summer but need your bike to perform well on the pavement also? Do you enjoy riding on trails but wouldn’t categorize yourself as an extreme mountain biker? If you are looking for the best of both worlds, its time to consider a comfort bike.
There is some confusion surrounding the term comfort bike. They first hit the market as hybrid bikes, as mountain bikes became more specialized and designed for competitions. Comfort bikes are meant to be able to handle the off road rigors a weekend biker will give it and still be able to perform on the streets. As the cost of mountain bikes went up, hybrid bikes were made for the everyday casual rider.
The leisurely bike rider now has a choice of bike that will tackle off road trails and is meant for some speed on pavement. You no longer have to ride a 10 speed with skinny tires to get the wind through your hair on the road. The hybrid bike can take care of both types of riding.
Hybrid bikes, now known as comfort bikes, were designed to provide the best of both biking worlds. They combine the best characteristics of road and mountain bikes. As the term hybrid has become more popularized, the term hybrid bike became more confusing. Most bicycle makers moved to calling hybrid bikes, comfort bikes. They have spring loaded seats, front suspension and upright seating. They also can perform on the street better than any cruiser bike. Comfort bikes are designed to provide what a mass market looks for in a bike, durability and performance.
Bicycles can be broken up into 3 different category levels. Entry level bikes are heavier and made with steel frames. Their components will be designed for durability. These beginner bikes will be considered heavy and slow by most bikers but can work for those very new to the sport and on a super tight budget.
The mid-level comfort bike will have a lighter, aluminum frame designed with performance in mind. This level of comfort bike will also have some upgrades in regard to the components such as a decent front suspension for riding off-road. Most commuter bikes, city bikes and quality comfort bikes will be in this mid-level range. If you are looking to balance performance with durability and versatility, this mid-range is where you will find the right balance. These bikes are quality, durable and still lightweight for performance.
High end bicycles are produced more for performance than for durability. The components are expensive and will require proper maintenance and care. A high end bicycle can cost upwards of five thousand dollars. The frames are made to perform and are usually built with carbon fiber or titanium. These bikes are made to win races and climb mountains. Most bikers will not ever need a bike of this caliber.
It is easy to see why comfort bikes have taken the cycling world by storm. They provide the performance and value that most recreational bikers are looking for. A casual rider can off road one day and cruise the neighborhood the next day. She can ride with the kids and go out and have some solo fun, all on her comfort bike.
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