Urban and hybrid bikes

Hybrid bikes have the large wheels of a road bike with the flat bars, convenient controls and powerful brakes of a mountain bike. They’re the best-selling bike category.

Hybrids are perfect for zipping to the office, but also make great weekend bikes for country lanes and canal paths. They have mounts for racks and mudguards, so you can adapt them for carrying clothes and shopping, and for wet-weather riding. Surprisingly few hybrids come with these accessories as standard; it’s almost like we’re all in denial about the British weather.

If you want a practical bike off-the-peg look out for models that are aimed at the European market; many come with dynamo lights and a built-in lock too.

All road.cc articles on hybrid and urban bikes

The best hybrid bikes — nine great urban transporters
Beginner's guide: what's a hybrid and why might you want one?
Why your next bike should be a hybrid
Best cheap hybrid bikes