Adding a Road Bike
jharwell58
Posts: 30 Member
I started riding with a mountain bike about 2 years ago, then bought a hybrid thinking I would be more interested in trails than road biking. After a year of riding the hybrid I find myself wanting a road bike....I did a 75-mile ride this summer and loved it. I see that a lot of people here own several bikes for different purposes and I am curious to know what type of improvements you saw in your riding if you rode a hybrid initially then bought a road bike. In other words, is a road bike worth the investment I think I am about to make?
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I guess I'm one of those that one multiple bikes...while I don't have a hybrid, I have a geared mountain bike, a single speed mountain bike, commuter/cross bike and a light carbon road bike..
The mountain bike and road bike with different geometry and riding position use slightly different muscles.....I have noticed a great improvement in my mountain biking (particularly climbing) from getting hundreds of miles on my road bike. I you did a 75 miles ride on my hybrid and loved it, I would really think you would like a true road bike or touring bike.
What bike are you currently riding? and back / flexibility problems that would prevent you from spending time in a road riding position vs. the upright hybrid position?0 -
I am currently using a Specialized "Aerial" multi-use bike...I hadn't even considered the change of position and how it would affect my back...I don't have any specific back problems but do have to stop every once in a while to stretch out. I think the best thing I could do is maybe rent a road bike for a weekend and check it out. It's interesting that you have found improvements in your mountain biking from spending time on a road bike.0
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I also have multiple bikes, mountain geared with slicks and 2 carbon road bikes. The one I use to commute on.
As CDG mentioned, if you enjoyed the 75 miler, then a road bike or a CX would be definitely what you would need. Either of them will put you into a different position, however as your muscles get stronger holding the position so you riding becomes more efficient and faster. I would recommend doing core exercises which would help strengthen your back and stomach muscles.
Then welcome to the world spending all your time looking at bike porn in one form or another.0 -
I think many people start off this way. I initially got a Trek Hybrid bike as it was fairly inexpensive and not as intimidating as a proper road bike. I was very overweight at the time so core strength, gearing flexibility were also an issue. I quickly progressed and found that the hybrid was really unsuitable for riding with friends who all had road bikes and also the flat bar did not provide the hand position flexibility that drop bars do.
So I bought an alloy Trek 2.1 road bike. I was 240lbs at the time and a bit afraid of buying a carbon bike due to my weight. The Trek was great, very comfortable and with it I was able to keep up with my friends. I lost a good bit more weight and promised myself a carbon bike if I got my weight down below 220. I managed that a bought a Cervelo R3 which I really like. Very light and a comfortable ride.
I did buy a mountain bike too but I don't seem to ride it very much, perhaps I will this winter.
As you can see when it comes to bikes, the n+1 rule almost always applies
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I was the opposite to the 'rule' I guess? I bought a Carbon Roadie as my first bike (on the Cycle to Work Scheme, over here in the UK); although I did have a Hybrid/Commuter bike which was unused and sat gathering dust in the Garage.
I was still 112kg at this point...
I still remember my first 13 mile commute; it took me 1h 06m & I was a gibbering sweaty wreck at the end of it (http://www.strava.com/activities/138567966) which I now do in 35mins! Unbelievable eh?
18 months later I bought (again, through the Cycle to Work scheme), a Cyclocross Bike for Winter Commuting & rides.
So both my 'decent' bikes are 'drop-handlebar' machines...
A Roadie will improve your road-riding no end; speed will improve definitely!
Much like everything else in life, once you've 'got the bug', you tend to 'expand your fleet'.
I don't do MTB's really; my next bike will be either a TT Bike or another lighter, faster roadie
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I have been riding a hybrid- a Globe Vienna II for 5 years. In the last couple of years I've been doing longer rides- 15-40 miles. I've been thinking it's time to get a road bike. I'm 6'4" so I can never find a bike in stock to test ride in my size... just have to pony up the $1600-800 or so and hope it fits!!0
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I was the opposite to the 'rule' I guess? I bought a Carbon Roadie as my first bike (on the Cycle to Work Scheme, over here in the UK); although I did have a Hybrid/Commuter bike which was unused and sat gathering dust in the Garage.
I was still 112kg at this point...
I still remember my first 13 mile commute; it took me 1h 06m & I was a gibbering sweaty wreck at the end of it (http://www.strava.com/activities/138567966) which I now do in 35mins! Unbelievable eh?
18 months later I bought (again, through the Cycle to Work scheme), a Cyclocross Bike for Winter Commuting & rides.
So both my 'decent' bikes are 'drop-handlebar' machines...
A Roadie will improve your road-riding no end; speed will improve definitely!
Much like everything else in life, once you've 'got the bug', you tend to 'expand your fleet'.
I don't do MTB's really; my next bike will be either a TT Bike or another lighter, faster roadie
^^^ this (only substitute around 10 drop bar bikes, 3 time-trial rigs, maybe 4 cross bikes (I kept breaking them) and a couple of MTB's that frankly barely see the light of day anymore. I just don't see the point in giving yourself LESS options for your hand positions, and making yourself sit up like a startled Meerkat rather than tucked in and out of some of the breeze..0 -
Thanks,.....that's one of the main reasons I want to get a road bike...to ride in groups and be able to keep up! I DO like the n+1 theory as well!
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I guess I'm one of those that one multiple bikes...while I don't have a hybrid, I have a geared mountain bike, a single speed mountain bike, commuter/cross bike and a light carbon road bike..
The mountain bike and road bike with different geometry and riding position use slightly different muscles.....I have noticed a great improvement in my mountain biking (particularly climbing) from getting hundreds of miles on my road bike. I you did a 75 miles ride on my hybrid and loved it, I would really think you would like a true road bike or touring bike.
What bike are you currently riding? and back / flexibility problems that would prevent you from spending time in a road riding position vs. the upright hybrid position?
I really need a road bike.0 -
The answer is NEVER a road bike.0
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The answer is ALWAYS a road bike.
Fixed that for you...
Though in fairness, Cross Bikes are cool also.0 -
I like both road biking and mountain biking trails (having gotten into that this year). But I spend more time on the road bike. Just because it is easier to squeeze in a ride from the house "whenever," and the MTB requires more stuff and prep. E.g. Camel-back, more tools and assorted crap in case you break down deep in the forest, bike rack since I have to drive to a proper trail.
Trails are definitely more more interesting to me as I'm developing new skills and trying to keep up with some more experienced MTBers! Also, not worrying about cars and trucks is also a big bonus.
I say, get a road bike and indulge yourself. Don't think you will regret it. And you still have the hybrid for some light trails whenever you like.0 -
I have been riding a hybrid- a Globe Vienna II for 5 years. In the last couple of years I've been doing longer rides- 15-40 miles. I've been thinking it's time to get a road bike. I'm 6'4" so I can never find a bike in stock to test ride in my size... just have to pony up the $1600-800 or so and hope it fits!!
64cm Specialized Roubaix or Diverge will fit you like a glove. I'm your height and ride the 64cm Roubaix...0 -
In other words, is a road bike worth the investment I think I am about to make?
Yes! Just make sure it fits like a glove. I would recommend getting one with a more relaxed geometry (Specialized Roubaix, Trek Madone, etc...). They call those more "endurance" frames because of the taller headtubes which means the drop bars are not so low like the total aero race position (which only the flexible and actual racers need to worry about). That way you sit a bit more upright and can ride for hours at a time without having to worry about comfort issues.0 -
I'm just having this debate!
I started out doing charity rides on a MTB with road tyres and did a few 60 mile events.
Switched to a hybrid and worked up the distance until I completed a century ride.
Current bike is a Boardman Team Hybrid which is at the fast road bike end of the hybrid spectrum - no real off road capability at all.
Just debating whether to use my hybrid on an upcoming 113 mile event or a borrowed road bike (Specialized Roubaix).
See this thread for my musings so far....
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1416332-113-miles-hybrid-or-road-bike?page=1#posts-21433639
The comparison isn't as clear cut as I thought it would be!
Horses for courses seems to be the conclusion so far (which sounds like a good excuse to have a selection of bikes in the garage!).0 -
I like both road biking and mountain biking trails (having gotten into that this year). But I spend more time on the road bike. Just because it is easier to squeeze in a ride from the house "whenever," and the MTB requires more stuff and prep. E.g. Camel-back, more tools and assorted crap in case you break down deep in the forest, bike rack since I have to drive to a proper trail.
Trails are definitely more more interesting to me as I'm developing new skills and trying to keep up with some more experienced MTBers! Also, not worrying about cars and trucks is also a big bonus.
I say, get a road bike and indulge yourself. Don't think you will regret it. And you still have the hybrid for some light trails whenever you like.0 -
I fully intend to keep my hybrid as I live in a very rural area with a lot of unpaved country roads to explore. So here I go on the N+1 rule....0
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My first bike was a roadie as well, an aluminum Specialized Allez. Knowing nothing about bikes at the time, and having received no guidance from the shop I bought the bike at, I ended up with a bike 2 sizes too big. Avoid doing that. Make sure you get a shop that's competent and willing to fit you to the bike you buy, and try a few different ones since geometries vary.
Now, as firm subscriber to the n+1 rule, I own a carbon road bike, a Time Trial bike, a mountain bike, a 'cross bike, and have another, much nicer, 'cross frameset on the way. I love riding the mountain bike, and I believe mountain and road are very complementary disciplines. The road bike builds fitness, power and endurance, the mountain bike does wonders for your bike control, bike handling skills, and comfort level with loose traction. Cross bikes are just great all-arounders, even if you don't want to race. They are much better greenway/dirt road bikes than hybrids. Very versatile, and very similar to the road bike that you should already be spending a lot of time on. :-)0 -
When I got back into cycling 16 years ago, I bought an REI hybrid. It was a good bike for about 10 years. I put a slicker tire on it, since I was doing more road biking than mountain. About 7 years ago, I actually took it to Europe for the summer and 1,000 miles of riding with packs.
Then, 6 years ago, I got a Specialized Roubiax Pro, full carbon bike. Actually, the first two broke and then Specialized gave me the Pro so I would not break them any more. Then, the N + 1 factor came in. For the next couple years, I got a used Trek touring bike and a Trek mountain bike. Now, my old REI is on the trainer for indoor riding.
The one thing I noticed about going with the carbon was no longer dealing with short hills. Because of the gearing and light weight, I move up the hills quicker. Hills that my REI bike did at 6-7 miles an hour I now do at 10-12 miles an hour. But, as my wife tells me, I simply have to ride further to get my ride in. I did an 100 mile ride on the hybrid in about 8 hours. A month later, I did 100 miles on the Roubaix in 6 1/2 hours.
Now, years later, I am glad I got the other bikes. I use most of them, but still do little mountain biking.
One note, if you are buying a carbon, I think it is worth buying new. Companies have lifetime warranties for the original owner, not for secondary owners. When mine broke, it was nice that Specialized replaced it twice.0 -
Rule #12Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner.
The S-1 rule is probably more apt!
http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/0 -
The S-1 rule is probably more apt!
For many, perhaps. I'm lucky, my wife is an n+1 follower as well!0 -
Something to think about....as your fitness improves. Are you commuting daily? What about a fixed gear bike (brakes, yes). Fixed gear, after you've become "bike fit", can definitely one-up your daily commute and give you a better challenge. There's that intense challenge within yourself that you will find that you crave, and the fact that you are in an elite status of riders with special bragging rights doesn't hurt either!
Are you riding for pleasure, for distance/speed? Then a road bike. Streamlined, sleek, fast. They whizz along. But they get flats all the time and they suck on crappy, bumpy roads. But if you ride smooth-as--glass pavement, then why not. Aggressive stance can hurt the neck/back/shoulders. Make sure to pay the big bucks and get your LBS to custom fit the bike.
Although, I do have to say a hybrid crossover is really much more comfy sitting on for 4-4.5 hrs at a time. You can still get the distance in on a hybrid without a tired butt. Hybrid is good for that pavement and occasional gravel when the city can't be bothered to maintain the road.0 -
One of the most amazing (and at the time a bit depressing) things I ever saw was a bloke on a fixie zooming past me on the ascent of Mont Ventoux. I chatted to him briefly when I stopped for a café at Chalet Renard (he was already on his way down and was grabbing a bite). He said he was on a local race team and did this a couple of times a month as a training ride to force a high continuous cadence. His setup was cool. The rear wheel had a flip flop hub so he ascended in fixed gear mode and at the summit flipped the wheel over so that he had freewheel capability on the descent. He also had shorter length crank arms
The gearing was 28T on the front and a 19T on the fixed gear side and 15T on the freewheel side.
It's easily the hardest climb I've ever done 21.5km @ 7.5% avg. The last 16km are @ 8.9% avg!! I reckon there must be something to fixie's making you a stronger rider!!0 -
One of the most amazing (and at the time a bit depressing) things I ever saw was a bloke on a fixie zooming past me on the ascent of Mont Ventoux.
That IS depressing
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One of the most amazing (and at the time a bit depressing) things I ever saw was a bloke on a fixie zooming past me on the ascent of Mont Ventoux. I chatted to him briefly when I stopped for a café at Chalet Renard (he was already on his way down and was grabbing a bite). He said he was on a local race team and did this a couple of times a month as a training ride to force a high continuous cadence. His setup was cool. The rear wheel had a flip flop hub so he ascended in fixed gear mode and at the summit flipped the wheel over so that he had freewheel capability on the descent. He also had shorter length crank arms
The gearing was 28T on the front and a 19T on the fixed gear side and 15T on the freewheel side.
It's easily the hardest climb I've ever done 21.5km @ 7.5% avg. The last 16km are @ 8.9% avg!! I reckon there must be something to fixie's making you a stronger rider!!
Wow, that guy must have been quite fit!
Hey, the story leaves me with a question though. Why was being in fixed gear mode important on the ride up. Since the climb was so steep, it isn't like there is much opportunity for much freewheeling? Maybe he could coast for maybe a second or two here and there. Guess he wanted to rule that out completely I suppose.0 -
Wow, that guy must have been quite fit!
Hey, the story leaves me with a question though. Why was being in fixed gear mode important on the ride up. Since the climb was so steep, it isn't like there is much opportunity for much freewheeling? Maybe he could coast for maybe a second or two here and there. Guess he wanted to rule that out completely I suppose.
I think it was more that he rides that bike as a fixie most of the time but when you have a 21km descent, a fixie is a bad idea, hence the the flip to the freewheel side.0 -
Fixed gear isn't just about not being able to freewheel, the momentum of the bike in motion moves the cranks over smoothly, so you develop a much smoother pedalling style ... What the French refer to as souplesse....
And as for descending, well, that'd definitely be a nightmare with fixed so a freewheeli on the other side of the flip makes perfect sense.0 -
TBY, ah, so you have taught me a new word, this souplesse.
I dutifully looked it up, and found a great description here: http://www.velominati.com/tradition/look-pro-souplesse/
That noted, I must say, as an American, the first image that came to mind when seeing the word was something like:
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I'll be honest, the only times I've rode fixed gear bikes (other than the occasional foray onto the velodrome of course) has been as the winter training bike - pair of 165mm cranks on (where I'd normally ride 172.5) for added ground clearance and ease of fast spinning, and generally something like a 48/19 - so I could keep up with the typical clubrun pace of around 19/20mph without spinning like a hamster in a wheel. Even then however, this bike was dragged out for the flatter runs - say a ride with no more than 700m in 130km - for anything hillier, stuff it, I need gears.
Certainly helped me keep warm - 4-5 hours of spinning 90-110rpm cadence in a bunch would allow me to stay warm in 0°C +/- 3°.0 -
I think many people start off this way. I initially got a Trek Hybrid bike as it was fairly inexpensive and not as intimidating as a proper road bike. I was very overweight at the time so core strength, gearing flexibility were also an issue. I quickly progressed and found that the hybrid was really unsuitable for riding with friends who all had road bikes and also the flat bar did not provide the hand position flexibility that drop bars do.
So I bought an alloy Trek 2.1 road bike. I was 240lbs at the time and a bit afraid of buying a carbon bike due to my weight. The Trek was great, very comfortable and with it I was able to keep up with my friends. I lost a good bit more weight and promised myself a carbon bike if I got my weight down below 220. I managed that a bought a Cervelo R3 which I really like. Very light and a comfortable ride.
I did buy a mountain bike too but I don't seem to ride it very much, perhaps I will this winter.
As you can see when it comes to bikes, the n+1 rule almost always applies
I also went from a Trek hybrid to a Trek 2.1. It was the best thing that ever happened for my riding.0
