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Fixed Gear Bike Vs Hybrid Bike – Main Difference Between These Two Types of Bikes

Most people are bike enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. Biking is one of the most fun activities to do. It can also double as an exercise. There are different types of bikes at your disposal. Some of those bikes include the fixed gear bike and the hybrid bike. These might be the same for those who don't know the differences between the bikes. But of course there are differences, and we will tell you what they are.

Differences Between The Hybrid Bike And The Fixed Gear Bike

First off, let's talk about the fixed gear bike. This is a bicycle that has no freewheel mechanism but has a drivetrain. This simply allows you to freewheel. The bicycle will enable you to practice proper pedaling and balancing. It also helps to enhance your performance, and of course, there is the added joy of freewheeling.

Then there is the hybrid bike. As the name hybrid suggests, this is more of a cross between different bicycles. It combines the characteristics of road bikes, touring, and mountain bikes. The bike gives you only the best aspects of these bikes. It can withstand a lot of harsh conditions, and you can use it for a wide range of applications.

Now that we are well informed about the bikes, we now move on to their differences. What exactly makes these two bicycles different?

1. Ease Of Use:

One of the most important things to look for is how easy it is to use the bikes. The fixed gear bike is harder to use than the hybrid bike. The fixed gear bike comes with a feature that allows you to change to single-speed mode.

This allows you to coast without needing to pedal. The fixed gear bike is not the best suited when it comes to riding on rough terrain. In hilly areas or distant areas, you can easily get tired. This is because it requires a lot of strength to ride this kind of bicycle.

The hybrid bike, on the other hand, is much easier to use in such circumstances. The bike also uses single-speed technology. The difference with this is that it has additional gears.

These gears allow you to change the ease of cycling depending on the terrain you are cycling on. It has a gear setting that enables you to deal with a hilly area. You can also switch it to an easy setting for much flatter areas.

2. Weight:

Hybrid bikes tend to be on the heavier side when compared to the fixed gear bike. If you want a bike that would be easier to use and carry without giving you any hassle, the fixie is the way to go.

What Are The Top Fixed Gear & Hybrid Bikes?

Here is a list of fixed gear and hybrid bikes you can pick:

3. Maintenance:

When it comes to maintaining the bikes, the fixed ‘fixie' bike is the easiest. This is because it doesn't have a complex design and is easy to repair. It also isn't subject to a lot of damage so you can maintain it easily.

The hybrid, on the other hand, is a different matter altogether. It has too many components that might be hard to find. The parts are also on the expensive side.

The bike also needs you to keep a watchful eye from time to time. Without doing this, it might be hard for you to figure out which component needs changing. This is because it has too many components, and you might need to be extra watchful.

Read Our Most Popular Hybrid Bike Reviews Here:

4. Exercise:

Basically, using any bike gives you a good exercise. The fixed gear bike, however, has a leg up when it comes to this. You use your lower body continuously when it comes to using the fixed gear. Also, since it is hard to use the bike on rough terrain, it gives you more exercise when trying to navigate these areas. The hybrid is easier to use because of its multiple gears, and this lowers the amount of exercise you get.

Fixed Gear Bike - Advantages:

Fixed Gear Bike - Disadvantages:

  • Needs a lot of work when using
  • Hard to use in rough and hilly terrain
  • Tiring when used in long distances

Hybrid Bike - Advantages:

  • Easy to use in long distances
  • Gives a lot of speed
  • Requires only a little energy to use

Hybrid Bike - Disadvantages:

  • Heavy
  • Hard to maintain

Conclusion

Now we have seen both bikes and some of their benefits. The question now remains, which bike is the best? There is no one answer here. Both bikes have their benefits. The fixed gear bike is great when it comes to speed and ease of maintenance. It is also good for exercise. The hybrid bike has its own benefits too. It comes in handy when you want to commute easily. It is also good for use in rough terrain. Either of these bikes is good for use, and you can buy one depending on the use you need it for.

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