Hybrid bikes : burn calories on or off road with these versatile wonders - bicycles - Brief Article

Men's Fitness, April, 2002

Wedding the benefits of road and mountain bikes into one package has until recently proved an especially troublesome union. Bikes that were jacks of all trades, masters of none, offered versatility but sacrificed design and componentry. You could ride them on the road or in the dirt, but you could do neither particularly well.

That kind of sacrifice is history. This spring a new fleet of hybrids rights some of the old wrongs, proving to be worthy dual-purpose performers. Each one is a super-technical, solid and well-made steed that you'll be proud to throw a leg over. While none of them is a true titan of terrible terrain, the new tweaks in design, components and suspension make each a solid machine for your fitness-minded commuting and recreational options.

CANNONDALE'S BAD BOY ULTRA

This bad boy gives you serious road yin and yang for your buck. The dirt-bag half of this light, aluminum hardtail (no rear suspension) lets you swap out the wheel and tire sets to hook up a knobbier, more mountain-trail-specific unit. The Ultra also comes standard with mountain-bike-frame geometry, slick road tires and disc brakes.

Price: $1,649

Contact: 800-245-3872; www.cannondale.com

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MARIN'S SAN ANSELMO

For those still straddling the road/dirt divide--and who also happen to be on a budget--check out the San Anselmo. This aluminum city slicker-cum-dirt bag has eight speeds, and a shorter stem and high-rise handlebars to ensure a comfortable, upright position. The suspension seat post and light-duty front-suspension fork absorb uneven terrain, decreasing fatigue from rough rides.

Price: $529.99

Contact: 800-222-7557; www.marinbikes.com

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TREK 7700

Looking to spend time in the saddle burning that winter gut away, with occasional forays onto the mild off-road? The 7700, with its featherweight aluminum frame, smooth nine-speed gearing, top-of-the-line performance wheel set and comfortable riding position, is your baby. The suspension seat post and light-duty front-suspension fork give it fire-road accessibility.

Price: $1,100

Contact: 800-313-8735; www.trekbike.com

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KONA'S DR. DEW

This spring the hybrid buzz surrounds the flat-bar road bike, and the green, aluminum Dr. Dew is leading the way. The flat bar provides a more stable and upright riding position, which means longer and more comfortable rides. A nine-speed drivetrain and triple crank give you 27 gearing options--just about what you'll need when the road calls your name.

Price: $899

Contact: www.konaworld.com

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GIANT'S PRODIGY DX

Functional, fashionable and futuristic may not be the herd of F's you'd use to describe your bike, but it probably doesn't look and ride like this one. With a full suspension, this nine-speed hybrid is asphalt and dirt legal, manufactured just right for handling mild mountain terrain or hilly road riding. The Prodigy DX even comes with a bike computer, a multiposition headlight, and a rear rack (also equipped with a taillight) that doubles as a fender. And for the line and sinker? A unique cast-aluminum wheel set. She's a keeper.

Price: $1,500

Contact: 800-874-4268; www.giantbicycle.com

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* Road-bike rims and tires

* 6061 aluminum mountain-bike chassis

* Versatile shock that locks for road and unlocks for dirt