The emphasis of these bikes is on comfort and practicality. Most are fitted with 700c wheels (the same diameter as fitted to racing bikes) but with wider tyres and rims (on average 35mm). These tyres are generally multi condition, in that they have a smooth centre line for efficiency on tarmac, but often have a more knobbly outer tread, to give good traction if the bike is ridden on an unpaved surface. They are fitted with similar gear systems to mountain bikes, with a wide spread of ratios. The riding position is more upright too which improves all round visibility in traffic.

These bikes are often "fully equipped", meaning that they come factory fitted with mudguards, and carrying racks, and some even offer suspension seat pillars and adjustable rise stems for added comfort. All in all, the hybrid is the best all round bike there is, it suits the majority of riding that you might wish to do. It is perfect for tarmac riding or even longer journeys, and yet it is more than capable of being taken onto canal towpaths.