VTC

There are two main decision points when buying a VTC:

• Bike Features and Components: Things like wheel size, suspension, gears, brakes, racks and fenders determine how you can use the bike and how it performs.

• Bike Fit: Once you've narrowed down your search, it's important to make sure a bike fits you properly.

• VTC characteristics
To determine which type of hybrid bike is right for you, the first consideration is what type of riding you will be doing: commuting around town, commuting on cobblestones and smooth streets for a workout, or cruising on a mix of gravel and cobblestone. Once you know that, you can look at the specific features of a hybrid bike to decide if the bike is suitable for where you plan to ride.

• Wheel size
700c: This is the standard size wheel found on most hybrid bikes. Don't worry too much about wheel size when choosing a hybrid and focus more on the type of bike that suits your riding style.
26 inches: Some VTCs come with 26 inch wheels which are smaller than the standard 700c wheels.

• Gears
Bikes are available with a wide range of gears, from 1 to 27 or more. When you consider the many combinations of multiple chainrings and sprockets and the number of teeth they contain, things can get complex.
Simply put, the most important things to consider are your fitness level and the terrain you will be riding on. If you are going to be riding a lot of hills and find the climbing difficult then you will want to go for more gears.
If you're a strong rider or only ride on flat ground, you won't need as many low gears to climb a hill so you can get by with fewer gears, which will keep your bike light. Some hybrid bikes have only one speed and are aptly named as single-speed bikes. These bikes have a freewheel mechanism in the rear core that allows you to ride just like you would on a standard multi-speed bike.

• Bike Suspension

No suspension: Many hybrid bikes do not include any suspension. Suspension forks add weight and can make pedaling less efficient, so most people who ride on paved bike paths and smooth streets forego them.
Front suspension: Some hybrid bikes (usually city bikes) include front suspension forks that help absorb impacts to the front wheel to smooth out the ride on rough streets.

• Type of brake
Rim brakes: Many hybrid bikes have rim brakes. Rim brakes feature pads that grip the rims.
– Advantages over disc brakes: Economical; easy to observe brake pad wear; easy replacement of worn pads.
– Disadvantages compared to disc brakes: Gradual wear of the rim, requiring replacement of the wheel; less stopping power; less effective in wet or muddy conditions; require more finger effort on the levers to brake aggressively.
Disc brakes: These feature brake pads that grip onto a brake rotor mounted on the wheel hub. Disc brakes come in two versions:
– Hydraulic disc brakes offer more progressive and powerful braking with less finger effort, and they automatically adjust to wear of the brake pads.
– Mechanical disc brakes require manual adjustment as the pads wear. When comparing disc brakes to rim brakes, there are several obvious pros and cons:
– Advantages compared to rim brakes: More constant braking in all conditions; much cheaper to replace a worn rotor than an entire wheel; superior performance in steep and wet terrain; less finger fatigue.
– Disadvantages compared to rim brakes: More difficult to inspect pad wear and replace pads; hydraulic brakes are more expensive to maintain.

• Bike frame materials
The majority of bicycles are made of aluminum; however, steel and carbon fiber are also common. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, so you need to weigh your priorities when deciding.
– Aluminum is light, strong, rigid and affordable. It can sometimes be described as a harsh feeling on rough roads, but new construction techniques have helped improve shock absorption.
– Steel is heavier than aluminum, but its strength and flexibility provide a comfortable and smooth ride.
– Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel, but more expensive than both, making it a popular choice for high-end bikes. Some bikes come with carbon fiber forks and/or seatposts rather than a full carbon frame to keep the price down while still providing some of the benefits of the light and strong material.

• Handlebar shape
When looking at a bike, compare the level of the saddle and the handlebars. Generally below the handlebars, the more comfortable the ride. Most VTCs are configured this way. Seats higher than the handlebars, on the other hand, will allow you to ride in a more aerodynamic position and apply more power to the pedals. It allows you to go faster, but it may not be as comfortable. There are 5 basic handlebar styles on the bikes available from REI:
– Drop bar: usually present on road bikes, drop bar handlebars are sometimes offered on hybrid bikes. They are light and aerodynamic, making them the preferred choice if you want to go fast. They also allow for multiple riding and hand positions. Their downside is that they put you in a lower, more hunched position, which can put more strain on your back.
– Flat bar: These bars are very common on hybrid bikes. They are heavier than drop bar handlebars, but they allow you to sit in a more relaxed position so you can better see the road and potential hazards. This upright position reduces strain on your hands, wrists and shoulders.
– Riser Bar: Also common on hybrid bikes, riser bars extend slightly up and back towards the rider. They allow you to sit straighter and further back for excellent vision of the trail ahead and good control when riding the bike.

– Mustache Bar: These bars look like drop bars, but with very little drop. They give you a variety of hand positions while allowing you to sit more upright than with drop bars. Mustache bars are found on some road and hybrid bikes.

• Bike racks
Hybrid bikes equipped with front racks and/or cargo racks are generally designed for urban riding which includes trips to the grocery store and commuting. With most racks, you'll need to purchase panniers separately to store your stuff.
You can remove the racks when you don't need them, but most drivers keep them installed and ready to carry extra cargo.

wings
If you're commuting to work or running errands in everyday clothes, mud flaps are essential to keep road grime and puddles from splashing on you. If you're riding in a group on a rainy day, your friends will also appreciate your mud flaps, as they prevent spray from your wheels from blasting your buddies in the face.
For driving in good weather, you can forego fenders and save weight.

Get the right bike for you
No matter which VTC you choose, make sure it's right for you. Bikes are sold in a variety of frame sizes, so this is a good place to start. Many manufacturers have size charts that list a height range for each bike size.
A test drive is a great way to find out which is the best bike for you.