113 miles - hybrid or road bike?

sijomial

I've entered the British Heart Foundation London to Bath "century" (actually 113 miles) in October and am wondering whether to use my usual hybrid or borrow a road bike for the event.

I've only done one century before and that was on a hybrid bike but it was an unsupported ride so I could go at my own pace, which turned out to be just under 7 hours cycling, just under 7.5 hours total time. I'm thinking an organised / group ride would be more enjoyable if I can go at the same pace as the majority of other riders who will no doubt be riding quicker bikes.

I can maintain an average of over 15mph for several hours and am wondering what kind of speed differential a reasonable quality road bike would make? Anyone with experience of both?

rides4sanity

In most bigger events you can find people riding any pace you want to ride (10 - 20+mph). And they are really fun. I've ridden them on an aluminum hybrid (okay but too much time in the saddle), a used aluminum road bike that fit okay (speed was okay, but saddle sores were not) and a carbon road bike fitted to me... a well fitted road bike for the distance wins hands down...

A few things to consider. Do you have time to get used to the borrowed bike? Does it fit well? What type of tires are on your hybrid?

One common practice is to get road tires for your hybrid that can bump your avg speed up a 2-3mph. It costs more than borrowing a bike, but less than buying a roadie...

If your hybrid already has road tires the speed difference won't be as great. UNLESS the road bike is significantly lighter than the hybrid. It's all about weight (frame) and friction (tires).

If you want to hang with a faster group and have more time to drink and socialize after (assuming all of these events have certain similarities) the road bike would be a good idea.

If I had to choose one characteristic that would be the MOST crucial, I'l pick fit.

Good luck, hope this helps.

sijomial

Thanks, yes your input is helpful.

It's a fairly quick hybrid - (Boardman Team Hybrid) alloy frame, carbon forks, about 24lbs ready to roll and with 700 x 28c tyres.

I've got five weeks to prepare and although I'm fit most of my rides have had to be 1, 2 or 3 hours this summer due to circumstances so it's a big jump up in distance (and time in the saddle) in a fairly short time.

Hoping to get a test ride this weekend.

rides4sanity

Cool sounds good. I did a century a few weeks ago and hadn't ridden over 50 at any point this season. Like you I'm fit, but the saddle time was rough. 100 miles 6800ft of climb, 6.25hours and one sore rump...

Good luck.

lpherman01

If you are that strong, the extra 4~6 lbs of bike weight will not affect you all that much at your current pace. More likely you will find it tougher if you want to go faster, as the upright position will have a greater impact on the flats.

I have a few road bikes and a mountain bike that I have laced up with road wheels, so I have a base to compare from. A decent road bike should be good for at least a 1 mph boost in average with the same effort, and a super light carbon up to 2 mph.

Unless you get to put in a few rides on the road bike, I'd stick with what you know and are comfortable on for 113 miles.

sijomial

Did a little experiment - followed my regular 38 mile training route (fairly flat, only 530ft elevation), once on hybrid and once on road bike (Specialized Roubaix, carbon fibre frame & forks). Tried to keep exertion level the same - heart rate 140bpm, would call this a brisk pace for me.

Roadie much better on hills, seem to get much further up hills before losing speed (probably due to it being 6lbs lighter). Seemed to hang on to speed longer on the descent.
Hybrid much better in traffic.
Roadie harder on hands and neck but ride is less harsh (carbon frame making the difference I guess).
Hybrid harder on the bum due to different weight distribution but easier on hands and neck.
Almost no difference in flat speed (as expected). Maybe someone who can get lower would get a bigger aero benefit?

Couldn't get into a much lower riding position on the roadie as my neck isn't in a great state I struggled to see where I was going when on the drops!

Although Strava gave me five PR's on the roadie and two on the hybrid the average speed was almost identical at 17mph.
Traffic was worse for the roadie and I didn't feel too confident on it so there's more speed to come but was expecting a much bigger difference.

My instinct is that on a longer run, away from traffic and with more climbs the roadie is going to shine so leaning that way at the moment. More time in the saddle required....

lpherman01

Funny, but my wife went from a Trek Aluminum hybrid to a Carbon Roubaix and was quite a bit faster on the Roubaix right out of the box.

A little neck discomfort is part of the price of riding a road bike over a hybrid. One of the things that you need to do is to work on is having a flat back. As the bars get lower, most tend to hunch over to reach them, causing their back to curve, and creating a greater angle for their neck (as you have to pick your head up farther). If you straighten your back and bend farther at the waist/hips you will feel the pressure come off of your neck as the angle lessens. It takes practice, but it works and is much more comfortable.

sijomial

63 mile ride into the Surrey countryside on the Roubaix today - 22 minutes quicker than last time I did the same route on my hybrid.
16.8mpg v. 15.3mph average speed.
Not really any more uncomfortable, just different bits & pieces hurting!

Decision made - road bike it is for the event.

sijomial

Last update I promise!!

Did the event on the borrowed Roubaix, 113 miles in 6:47 riding time. Felt fine for the first 90 miles and I'm sure I would have hit my fatigue point earlier on the hybrid.
Absolutely loved the event, fantastic route and organisation.

Liked the Roubaix so much I've now bought myself a new 2014 SL4 Comp in an end of season sale.
200km Audax planned for next year.

lpherman01

Good for you. Welcome to another true roadie.