[KC-Steve]

Originally Posted by noneed429r

Just when did cycling get so complicated anyway?

Kind of makes me want to go back to 1974 when I was riding around on my red Banana Seat bike, you know the kind with the short sissy bar in back, Slick rear tire and ape-hanger handlebars. Back then there was only two words I used when categorizing my bicycle.......Fun and Freedom !!

He-he, I had one of those bikes in the mid-sixties. I guess all these complicated categories aren't necessarily new. I remember when rock and roll was just rock. Then came Metal Rock, Glitter Rock, Punk Rock, ...etc and that's when I started listening to Jazz. Then came Jazz Fusion ........

Steve

[MRB]

Originally Posted by IanHighfield

I like the mountain lite handle. For me once you stick a spring fork on it's a mountain bike of some sort.

The Commencal Combi I have, you can lock the hydraulic front forks solid or unlock them for a suspended ride. I guess you could call it Hybrid (the rear has no suspension) my brother call his bike like this a hard tail. To me it's just a bicycle.

[noneed429r]

Well for me I have never called any bicycle "just a bicycle" but I know what you are trying to say.

A bicycle is never "Just a Bicycle" , is is rather a Freedom Companion, a Faithful Friend, a Reliable Two-wheeled Steed, a Vehicle for Adventure and Escape, An Ecologically and Beautifully Efficient Machine. A thing to experience both alone and with others.
It has been called "The Noblest invention of Mankind" It has partnered in the establishment of women rights, was the precursor to both automotive and aeronautics, has allowed reliable transportation and recreation from the poorest to the richest people on earth. And for most of us as youngsters gave us some of our first experiences of youthful freedom.
Not to mention the classic form of a bicycle is a work of art with its combination of circles and triangles and simple mechanical elegance.

So I'm not flaming or being disrespectful to you but a bicycle to me is always much more than that.

[noneed429r]

MRB, I looked the Commencal Combi up on the net and I must say you have a very nice bike there. Seems like it was a big value leader in it's price categories too.
I just wanted to add and tell you that since I had waxed a little too eloquently over your reply....You can at least see of my deep love for bicycles.

[MRB]

Originally Posted by noneed429r

MRB, I looked the Commencal Combi up on the net and I must say you have a very nice bike there. Seems like it was a big value leader in it's price categories too.
I just wanted to add and tell you that since I had waxed a little too eloquently over your reply....You can at least see of my deep love for bicycles.

No worries and no offence taken. I do love this bicycle and I think it's the best bike I've ever owned. Just wish I had more time to go riding.

I am a telcom contractor and travel alot lately. When and if I get home on weekends I try to get at least 1/2 day bike outings, when the weather is good, on the local bike trails in the area. I'll have to say these rides are relaxing and stress reducing for me.

[noneed429r]

Well I finally got the bike built. It didn't evolve to be as much of a 26" wheel hybrid as I originally planned. It's more of a comfortable hard tail all-purpose MTB. I went with bigger tires than I had originally planned (Conti Flow 2.3s) but they have a fairly minimal knob pattern and roll pretty well on asphalt when pumped up to 60 psi. Heck, they were on sale at the LBS, were light for their size and are Continental quality.
I also forgo-ed the flat Taperlight bar for an Answer Prolight 1.5 rise handlebar and the positioning is perfect for me. I kept the adjustable stem and the comfy Planet Bike saddle and it rides like a plush Cadillac to me.

I am also glad I did not go for the disc brakes and got the nice Avid SD7 V-Brakes instead. They modulate very well and have plenty of stopping power. not to mention about half the weight of discs.

The bike came in at 26.5 lbs. Which I am fully happy with for such a comfy ride with nothing really exotic on it.

[1stthings1st]

I don't know if anyone is a fan of using a hybrid in a trainer. But it should be mentioned that when in a trainer a hybrid and decent trainer make a great piece of exercise equipment.

[RUSHTHEMALL]

cannondale deemed mine a hybrid,its a scalple +prophet =RUSH
NICEBIKE NONEED,,i was also considering a nice soft seat for comfort,but i was told not to by bike peeps

[wwayne]

Don't count disk breaks out.

Bikes benefit from disk brakes for the same reason Autos do. Wet weather stopping control. Winter darkness hides the true nature weather will bring for the day and the commute is spaced by many hours at work. The weather man has been known to miss.

Wet dry or dirty, they perform well and predictably. Rubber bads do not.

Also, The fork bending forces from breaking are probably less for disk brakes. With calipers, the fork bending force from forward momentum is equal and opposite at the tire patch and brake pads. With disk brakes, the braking force is concentrated at the end of the fork (by design) and the forward momentum is felt up through the steering bearings.

[ViBiker]

More than any other single factor, the definition of "Hybrid", "Mountain" or "Comfort" Bike is simply a function of the type of tire you install. ...