5doomslayer4

What brands are the best?

wheelzbat

I'm pretty new to this biking forum. But I would list in no particular order: Cannondale, Giant, Specialized, Trek as some top hybrid choices. I'm sure some more experienced bikers will chime in with more bike brands.

Doctor Morbius

subgrade

The brands that make the best bicycles overall, will most probably make the best hybrids as well, if they make any. I have a hard time to think of brands that concentrate exclusively on making hybrids.

IvyGodivy

I don't think there is such a thing. But I can say Specialized left a bad taste in my mouth and now prefer Treks over a Specialized.

HobieKen 

Tony_G

How did Specialized fail to meet your expectations?

IvyGodivy

KraneXL

The Big 4 are pretty much the only ones that make hybrids. At least to any selection. I chose Cannondale because @ 6'4, they made the largest frames (XL/Jumbo) at the time.

Helderberg

I have a Cannondale but I also liked the Trek line. The Cannondale just fit me and my needs best. Have only about 125 miles on it and zero issues. The only thing I had to change was the seat but that is a issue I have not the bike. Find what fits you and you will have more enjoyment on the bike.
Frank.

fietsbob

Manufacturing Concentration, as it has happened in many industries, Have a few Huge Multi brand OEM factories making multiple brands.. Economies of scale..

Merida and Giant both made many other companies bikes before adding their own dealer network around the globe.

Specialized -Merida, and Giant Trek are just 2 .. MaxWay is big in the best steel frame bikes ,

all shipping out of Taipei TW..


So... Pick the Shop , buy a bike from them , it's a competitive business..






...

Big Dave Crowe

There isn't the best hybrid because that niche is made up of amateur/recreational demographics.

Try to find a hybrid/comfort bike with tripple butted cromo frames and full deore/105 group set sporting 36 spoke double wall wheels... NO WHERE!. The best hybrid is a mountain bike/touring bike with cross terrain geometry that you have matched with a high rise stem/handlebar combo. I converted a 2017 Marin pinemountain, 2017 REI 2.1 ADV touring bike, and a 88 specialized hard rock into hybrid/comfort bikes. All are chromoly, have full deore+ set ups and ride like a dream come true.
I bet REI will make a bombproof comfort bike one day that will ignite the spark, but that day is not today...
CHAT DROP with the mic drop.

fietsbob

A Steel frame can be hand made by a skilled individual with an investment in sufficient tools..
in what is a home machine shop.. Titanium the investment is larger.

then you pick how much you want to spend on the components
Those come from factories with a much larger tool investment.

But Do you want a $4000 bike?

DeadGrandpa

Without much or any research, I bought a Jamis Renegade Expert, a carbon frame "adventure" bike. It was great except... riding on the hoods all the time made my hands numb and the gearing range was insufficient for the rolling hills where I ride. I began changing things

I eventually changed everything except the brakes and the front wheel, yielding a butterfly handlebar with mountain bike shifters and brake levers, a 10/42 cassette and 26/38 crankset. I currently ride 700x40 Schwalbe tires, and it is essentially a hybrid bike that cost over $4,000. I didn't mean to do that, but it is my favorite paved road bike.

fietsbob

My "Hybrid" is Actually a Bike Friday . straight bars , just not 700c wheels..

Big Dave Crowe

My Marin pinemountain with "upright upgrades" plus purchase price cost 1080.00. The Co-op adv 2.1 was on sale the entire setup end up costing 1100.00. My vintage specialized hardrock was 400.00 with all the goodies. I did None of the work, just wheeled and dealed. If you want to spend 4000.00 then sure! ... better to throw your money at cycling than at a 4k tv.