The Impossible Hybrid

[Coalfield]

It seems to me that rigid mtn bikes would come very close to meeting your needs. Maybe a change of handlebars? Tires without knobs?

You have one = What am I missing?
OK, maybe not every rigid mtn bike fits the need. But upright riding position, shifters on h'bars, slack angles, etc.

 

[bikeworkshop]

It seems to me that rigid mtn bikes would come very close to meeting your needs. Maybe a change of handlebars? Tires without knobs?

You have one = What am I missing?
OK, maybe not every rigid mtn bike fits the need. But upright riding position, shifters on h'bars, slack angles, etc.

But the bigger wheel of a hybrid rolls nicer on decent ground.
Frame geometry up to mid 90s was very similar.

 

[Woz]

At one point in time if you went in a bike shop and didn't want a DH monster or road bike you got pulled aside to the unlit corner to eye over 3 sad pathetic Hybrids. All some generic AL crap and sporting the worst generic toss with low end gruppos.

AFAIK, Bridgestone, Breezer, Marin, and Gary Fisher all had good Hybrids that may be easier to find in your parts.

 

[Woz]

Consider to turn it all around. Get a more available good tourer / CX and slap some flat-bars on.

[ there would potentially be other considerations to take in account, but all feasible ]

 

[Coalfield]

I think the issue of 'rolls better' for 622 ETRTO over 559 is 'generally' true. And may feel more natural to tall guys seeking XL.

However, I would submit that tires and gearing are not to be underestimated when making comparisons. The smaller diameter rim can be more responsive in tight conditions, potentially a stiffer wheel and still offers tyre widths from 1" - 2.3", including options with 'supple' sidewalls (casing).

My real world experience with Hybrids may be limited because ... I fail to understand the distinguishing features that matter most to a hybrid buyer. Maybe they existed shortly, according to OP (though I might challenge that opinion), because the term is so nebulous. Flatbar tourer? Multi-purpose City bike? Errand runner? Off-road capable to some extent? Low gears for easy on hills?

I do not ride off-pavent often - every time I think about a drop bar conversion for my 1991 GaryFisher = can't pull the trigger. It has had narrow Tom Richey slick tyres that measured ~30mm, Kenda 1.75" (~44mm), and presently Schwalbe 2.1" (54mm). And what a huge difference each makes. It is the largest frame SuperCaliber in '91. 71° HTA makes sure it is not overly quick handling at slow speeds, and 42cm chainstays keep it nimble for maneuvering/stiff for accelerating. Handlebars/stem can be changed to suit one's best position/use.
Here is an example of versatility - maybe lacking enough eyelets for some. Last pic shows inner 'bar ends' allowing vertical wrists and narrow position for pavement or hardpacked trails.

 

[winjohn]

I have had a couple of Marin San Rafaels which were great bikes and very cheap, £25 I seem to recall. I serviced them and sold them on to friends' kids as university hacks and they did the job really well.
The only bike I have atm that fits that niche is a Falcon Carmargue with a 501 frame and I am not sure if that was originally a drop bar that has been converted many years before i got it.

 

[Sm@alite]

1980ish fast tourer built for closer clearance 27" but with 700's .....
Not an easy find frame wise but worth the wait , nippy but stable


I've got a Raleigh xc80 too that is upsettingly light and responsive but stable enough on the lumpy stuff . Both will take 43 c tyres .

 

[BiketoBasics]

@Coalfield

The main ride is a steel hardtail mountain bike. Configured for daily use, it weighs 43lbs dry. It is very utilitarian and rides like a wet st. bernhard. There are two extra steel mountain bike frames in the garage awaiting paint. I don't want to paint them - too much $$$. They are there for stand-by in case the current in-use bike fails on it's frame like a previous other three (all of them steel) did before it. It's much more economical to find a complete bike with a good paint job than to do a repaint. BUT, it is extremely difficult to find anything worthwhile in an XL / XXL size here.

The objective was to obtain a hybrid bike, an older economical one, which would be zippier than the st. bernhard and which could take fatter tires to soften the third world road asphalt conditions here in Winnipeg.

I've got a Nishiki Cresta which I am considering converting to 700c (fatter tire & type choices) in lieu of finding a hybrid. It uses Tange #2 and was their TOTL grand touring bike. BUT, decent (not top shelf) 700c wheels are damned expensive and finding suitable used replacements around here is extremely difficult. Also, the conversion would involve other parts changes to make it rideable which all add up the total cost. Simpler to buy a complete hybrid. This is why I have the Nishiki advertised as for trade for a similar calibre hybrid. The Cresta is a collectors bike and I'm not a collector. I just want to get around without always having to pedal a heavy bike.

It's funny, riding a heavy bike you'd think you'd get a good workout. Not really. You don't want to ride hard on it as it is such a drag. A lighter nimbler bike is much more exertive because your efforts are rewarded with speed.

 

[Coalfield]

I know BtB is looking for used not new, but in the interest of defining what HYBRID means within today's market (including e-hybrid) - according to Bicycling editors. And Yes, Trek, Cannondale and Giant (Liv) are in the mix - as always in magazine reviews. No Specialized. [Aside: i think hybrid bikes have been offered every year since flat bar bikes became popular - tho maybe called ATB, City, Fitness, Hybrid, etc ]

1st paragraph.
Hybrid bikes straddle the line between mountain and road bikes. Traditionally, they bring together the flat, wide handle bars of a mountain bike with the skinnier tires you’d find on something made for pavement. This combo creates a quick bike that’s easy to handle and maneuver when in traffic or on a local multi-use trail. However, wide tires also feel great when bouncing over rough city roads. We love them for the softer ride and more versatility, even if they don't feel quite as zippy as their narrower counterparts. Included in this list are a few bikes with tires that are wider than what is traditionally found on this type of bike.

Link
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/new...1&cvid=68bba7db2e16460d89ecdbd33941e898&ei=78

 

[Tootyred]

I ride a 2007 hybrid most of the time. Its the most comfortable bike i own and does everything. All the other bikes i have are niche machines filling ever decreasingly required gaps in the hybrids abilities.

I know hybrid is dirty word, but frankly what's not to like? On road and bridalways, mine will fit 2" 700c tyres if i ever wanted, huge frame with 230mm headtube! Light as alluminium, loads of gear range to climb walls ...... oh hang on.....isn't that a gravel bike?!

And im not constantly worrying about it if i leave it anywhere.