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Cruiser vs. hybrid e-bikes: understanding the design differences
E-bikes come in many shapes and sizes. Each type of e-bike has specific features. Some are designed for rough terrain, while others are designed for urban living.
The e-bike you will benefit from depends on your needs and your location. Considering the number of e-bike options available, finding an e-bike that suits your various needs is often easier said than done.
This article details some of the most popular options so you can make an informed decision. Knowing this information is beneficial for both current e-bike owners and those looking to purchase their first e-bike. So, here are the biggest differences between two popular types of e-bikes: cruisers and hybrids.
What is a cruiser e-bike?
Also known as beach cruisers, these electric bikes can often be found when holidaying in tropical areas.
Cruiser e-bikes typically have larger and heavier frames, tyres and wheels. These cruising machines will take you from point A to point B at a slow, leisurely pace. They are often referred to as beach cruisers because you usually see tourists riding them along beaches and other waterfronts. However, they are also popular off the beach.
If you are a recreational rider, a beach cruiser is ideal for you. They like to ride fast at a slow pace, and they prioritise comfort and relaxation. While you may sacrifice speed, you certainly won’t lose comfort or style.
The size, weight, and design of the cruiser contribute to its lack of speed, but it helps create the comfort that cruisers are known for. If you’re looking for a casual, relaxing, and comfortable electric bike, then this type may be ideal.
What is a Hybrid Electric Bike?
Hybrid e-bikes are a happy medium that combines some of the best aspects of commuter e-bikes and fat tyre e-bikes.
Commuter bikes are great for travelling, especially to work or school, while fat tyre bikes are great for outdoor trails and rough terrain.
The Hybrid combines bits and pieces of both to create something new. With slightly smaller tyres, frame, weight and power than a fat tyre, but larger than a commuter bike, putting it squarely in the middle of the e-bike range.
This bike is designed for riders who want the best of both worlds. A hybrid bike is beneficial for those who need it for woodland activities as well as everyday tasks in an urban environment. It’s ideal for getting a lot of exercise outdoors, but also has useful features to help you get to work or class.
The Hybrid has excellent steering control and a powerful handbrake, both of which are essential for commuting and off-road riding.
What’s the difference between a cruiser and a hybrid?
At some point, you’ve got a general idea of how cruisers and hybrids differ; one is used primarily for relaxation, while the other is used for more practical purposes, such as exercise and commuting. That said, this basic definition doesn’t tell the whole story.
Our goal is to facilitate exploration, which requires the right tools and knowledge. This section takes a more in-depth look at the key differences you need to consider when buying your next e-bike.
Terrain
An extremely important rule when buying an e-bike is to always keep the terrain in mind.
If you plan to ride your bike almost exclusively on trails, then you won’t be buying a commuter bike. If you plan to use your bike to commute to work, then you don’t need a wide tyre bike.
The same concept applies when comparing cruisers and hybrids. You don’t want to buy a cruiser for city riding or a hybrid for cruising only.
Think about where you live. Are you in a city centre? In a remote area surrounded by beautiful trails? In a suburb or college town where you need to commute to work or school?
Once you get that answer, you’ll automatically know what type of terrain you’ll be riding on: pavement or dirt?
Cruiser.
Cruiser bikes are not suitable for off-road.
If you’re buying a cruiser for the sole purpose of off-road riding, you’ll likely be back on the market sooner rather than later. Cruiser bikes are suitable for the smoothest surfaces such as pavements, bike paths, hard sand and other types of paved roads.
For anyone looking to relax and take a break for a while, there’s nothing better than cruising on solid concrete and soaking up the atmosphere of the city or town you’re in. If travelling on any other type of terrain, you would be wise to look elsewhere.
Hybrids
Hybrids offer more versatility and are suitable for both light off-road workouts in natural environments and running in urban areas.
A hybrid is suitable for both city and country living. While it doesn’t specialise in one particular area, it can cover all your bases if you plan to use your bike on a variety of terrains.
However, keep in mind that they are designed for light-track biking. Anything off-road or remote is probably not a good idea for any bike other than wide tyres.
Other than that, you can safely drive this e-bike on many terrains.
Features.
Of course, any high-quality e-bike has its specific features.
Basically, each bike usually excels in certain categories while sacrificing attributes in others. Hybrid bikes are an exception to this rule, as they are middle-of-the-road in nature.
Some bikes are specifically designed for exercise and intense workouts, while others are designed to get to and from a certain location as quickly as possible. Whatever it is, every bike has a function. Think of this section as our way of describing what each bike is used for.
Every bike and e-bike has a specific purpose; the key is to determine the purpose before you buy.
Cruisers.
We can keep this section short and sweet: cruisers and cruising. The seats are usually bigger, the handlebars wider, and the overall feel is slow, steady, and relaxed.
If you’re looking for a calm, laid-back ride, then you need look no further.
Hybrids
Hybrids are versatile electric bikes and as such their purpose is a little hard to define.
For some, their main function relates to exercise and helping to facilitate high-intensity workouts in a more enjoyable way. For others, it’s simply a way to get to nearby locations without the need for a vehicle or walking.
A hybrid bike is the best of both worlds. You can take it out for a high- or low-intensity workout, to run errands, to work or school, or for an easy ride around the neighbourhood.
Whatever you think a bike can be used for, a hybrid can do it.
It’s important to remember that you may have to give up some of the features on your cruiser, but you’ll gain a more diverse set of features.
It’s not the fastest, lightest or most comfortable, but it can do the job very well. Unlike many other bikes on the market, it just doesn’t have the major features.
In short, this type of e-bike can be used in a variety of environments and for a wide range of activities.
Riding with Shuangye
At Shuangye, our goal is to provide you with all the tools necessary to explore and experience as much of this beautiful planet as possible. There is so much to see in our vast world, and using an efficient mode of transport such as a bicycle can help you experience even more.
Whether it’s a cruiser, hybrid, fat tyre or some other form of e-bike, the important thing is that you’re out there doing what you love. Hopefully, this article has helped you discover which type of e-bike is best for your needs. The next step is to venture out for a ride.
Fill in the information below now and let our well-designed e-bikes and quality outdoor accessories take you on a journey to explore nature and unleash your passion for unlimited adventure!