On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 00:40:36 +0000, Yuri Budilov wrote:

In my research on various bicycle types I have found that the problem with
all so called hybrid designs is that they are not driven by competitive
cycling sport as much as say pure MTB and pure road/racing bicycles are.

But the whole groupset is basically pulled straight from MTB.

That leaves the frame & wheels, I can believe that there isn't much
"race technology" in the frame, but if we're really looking for this,
do you really get anything approaching recent technology in a bike
under $2-2.5k ? 700C wheels aren't non-existant in racing, but perhaps
I'd have to admit that the wider wheels used in most hybrids may
only see racing in something like a European cycle-cross event.

I also found that hybrid bicycles often cost more than more or less
equivalent MTB bikes. This all is probably due to low volumes they sell to
re-coup their investment. Not sure. And often, but not always, hybrids are
as heavy or heavier than MTB too. Check out Trek MTB versus Trek hybrid
prices and specs, on the web as example.

Hmmm, I'll have to check this out.
It's a valid point.

cheers,
-kt