When researching the hybrid bike market, it immediately becomes plain that a key decision to be made by any prospective purchaser is whether to go for a model with suspension. Some designers do not judge suspension required at all - these are ranges such as the Bianchi Camaleonte and Specialized Sirrus which put rather more stress on road speed. That aside, what actually are the alternatives?
Basically there are two; front suspension forks and suspension seat posts. A hybrid bike will not have the rear suspension found on most mountain bikes. They are not intended to cope with the uneven ground that an MTB will face.
Front Suspension Forks
Suspension forks are by far the most common types of suspension fitted to hybrids. As a rule fitted with a coil-spring mechanism, they have a travel typically in the range 50 - 60mm.
Based on what you want to pay, there are various improved specs. One of the top features to watch out for is "lockout". This is where there is the facility to lock the forks in place - very valuable if you are on a surface which doesn't call for suspension, as the action of the forks absorbs energy.
Scott is well-known for fitting this type of fork to its bikes, so if you see yourself doing a good deal of off-road cycling, the Scott Sportster collection could be worth checking out. Another choice is the highly-regarded Kona Dew FS which also carries suspension forks.
Suspension Seatposts
Not so often fitted to production hybrids is the suspension seat post. Many people, myself included think that this is a surprise, given how efficient they are in combatting rough roads. The suspension is provided by a coil spring, or on better spec components by an elastomer insert. They will usually have an adjustment to cope with different weights of rider.
The Kona Dew FS is one version that does fit a suspension post as standard. Needless to say if you want to fit a suspension post to your bike at any time, this is no problem.
So what are the pros and cons of suspension?
If you anticipate doing a lot of cycling away from smooth tarmac you will feel the benefit of suspension. A bike with suspension allows you to head off into the countryside every time the mood takes you.
But there is a price to pay - expect a good suspension fork to add appreciably to the cost of the bike. On top of this, remember that a suspension fork will also add to the weight, and the springs will absorb some pedalling power - so choose a fork with lockout if you can, and use it.
A suspension post is a superb addition to any bike. You won't detect the weight, but you will be thankful for the comfort.
It all depends on how valuable comfort is to you.
Basically there are two; front suspension forks and suspension seat posts. A hybrid bike will not have the rear suspension found on most mountain bikes. They are not intended to cope with the uneven ground that an MTB will face.
Front Suspension Forks
Suspension forks are by far the most common types of suspension fitted to hybrids. As a rule fitted with a coil-spring mechanism, they have a travel typically in the range 50 - 60mm.
Based on what you want to pay, there are various improved specs. One of the top features to watch out for is "lockout". This is where there is the facility to lock the forks in place - very valuable if you are on a surface which doesn't call for suspension, as the action of the forks absorbs energy.
Scott is well-known for fitting this type of fork to its bikes, so if you see yourself doing a good deal of off-road cycling, the Scott Sportster collection could be worth checking out. Another choice is the highly-regarded Kona Dew FS which also carries suspension forks.
Suspension Seatposts
Not so often fitted to production hybrids is the suspension seat post. Many people, myself included think that this is a surprise, given how efficient they are in combatting rough roads. The suspension is provided by a coil spring, or on better spec components by an elastomer insert. They will usually have an adjustment to cope with different weights of rider.
The Kona Dew FS is one version that does fit a suspension post as standard. Needless to say if you want to fit a suspension post to your bike at any time, this is no problem.
So what are the pros and cons of suspension?
If you anticipate doing a lot of cycling away from smooth tarmac you will feel the benefit of suspension. A bike with suspension allows you to head off into the countryside every time the mood takes you.
But there is a price to pay - expect a good suspension fork to add appreciably to the cost of the bike. On top of this, remember that a suspension fork will also add to the weight, and the springs will absorb some pedalling power - so choose a fork with lockout if you can, and use it.
A suspension post is a superb addition to any bike. You won't detect the weight, but you will be thankful for the comfort.
It all depends on how valuable comfort is to you.
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